As a reference, I share attending our home church on Easter Sunday. This marks the end of 52 Churches and the start of More Than 52 Churches.
Though I strive to remain objective in visiting churches, our home church forms the lens I look through.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church #53.
1. I see value in worshiping God with family, and for Easter we go with our children and their spouses.
What can we do to attend church and celebrate Jesus with our family?
2. The 150-year-old building, even with many improvements, still feels dated.
What can we do to make our church facility as conducive to worship and community as possible?
3. Though the shortcomings of a worship space shouldn’t block us from God, they can.
How can we minimize the cumbersome facility elements we can’t change so they don’t get in the way of us encountering God?
4. There’s no plan for the service, only a general intent. The Holy Spirit will guide the leaders in what to do and for how long.
How much of a role do we let the Holy Spirit play in our church services?
5. Though we were gone for a year, I listened to the messages online.
In what ways can we extend the church worship experience and teaching to those who can’t attend in person?
6. Baptism at churches varies from a reserved rite, to a public declaration of faith, to an enthusiastic celebration.
What can we do to better embrace baptism as the early church did in the Bible?
7. As we leave the building ninety minutes later, some are already arriving for the second service.
Not looking at efficiency, but focusing on the human aspect, how can we foster a better transition between services?
Overall, it was a great Easter Sunday, worshiping God with family
[Read about Church 53, Church 54, or start at the beginning of our journey.]
If you feel it’s time to move from the sidelines and get into the game, The More Than 52 Churches Workbook provides the plan to get you there.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.