We often hear terms such as “people-friendly” or “guest-ready” to describe what we would like our churches to be. What does that mean? How does that factor into what we do as a congregation as we focus on our building to create such a church?
With challenging budgets, shrinking manpower, and limited numbers of visitors, it becomes easy in rural and small town congregations to overlook or even sometimes neglect clean-up, touch-ups, and repairs.
It matters not where you are located; the bumps and bruises that distract from your facility all look the same. You may feel they aren’t noticeable, but that is because you have become accustomed to how things look.
It matters not where you are located; the bumps and bruises that distract from your facility all look the same.
One of the first things people see is the sign on your property that contains information about services, etc. Many times it is the last thing we think about. Are there bushes or trees near it that obstruct the view? Does it need updating? Is the information kept current as required?
Depending on your structure (wood/ brick/concrete), a careful review will likely find cracks, paint peeling, and other damage. Entrance doors take a beating, both from usage and the weather. Windows are particularly susceptible to weather issues. Sidewalks that are cracked or broken not only look bad but could pose a tripping hazard, especially for older people.
As you enter the building, what should we expect? Is the building clean, especially the bathrooms, kitchen, etc.? It is often tougher to make an older facility shine, but it is important. Your visitors may come only once for a special occasion but the impression it makes will not be forgotten. One of the things that can happen in churches that don’t have much going on during the week is the air gets stale in the building and it will have an odor, and that is especially true in the basement. Running a fan in the building can help to alleviate the problem.
Your visitors may come only once for a special occasion but the impression it makes will not be forgotten.
Is the narthex neat and uncluttered? Are the mailboxes and other materials organized in such a way as to be attractive? There is nothing less appealing than mailboxes stuffed full of material waiting be picked up or tract racks that are not neatly organized.
As you enter the sanctuary, what is it that catches your attention? Do the pew racks have the proper material, visitor cards, pencils, envelopes, Bibles, and hymnals? Uncluttered means that every pew looks exactly the same before every worship service, before anyone enters to fill the pew. It may seem trivial but it is not.
Is the signage in the church adequate to direct people to bathrooms, Sunday school, kitchen or any other needs such as the church or pastor’s office? Signage is important since there may not always be someone available to give directions.
Take the time to be critical of your building. Imagine yourself a visitor— how would you rate your facility? It is important not only for the physical well-being of the building, but it is also the place that God has planted your congregation in your town.
