Tag: church services

Categories
Visiting Churches

Enhance Community: Sharing a Meal Matters

Enhance community by sharing a meal

Discussing Church 9

Today, we’ll go to a United Methodist church, our first visit to a widely recognized denomination. They know how to enhance community by sharing a meal.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #9:

1. Their services are traditional. I wonder if I should dress up, but their website doesn’t say. Though my casual attire is out of place, no one seems to object.

How do you react when someone shows up at church who looks or dresses differently from everyone else?

2. We make our way inside. Two greeters hand out preprinted nametags to the regulars. They offer us stickers to write our names on. I find nametags helpful.

How can you use nametags to enhance community and celebrate guests?

3. The minister is female. I applaud the opportunity for all people to use their gifts and skills to serve God in any capacity, including leading and teaching.

How do you react to women in leadership and ministry roles at your church?

4. A closing number ends the service, and we make our way to the fellowship hall for a potluck. These Methodists know how to cook.

How does your church use a shared meal to enhance community?

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

A Grand Experiment

grand experiment

Discussing Church 8

This week we visit our third new church. It’s a grand experiment, one quite radical from their conservative denominational roots.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #8:

1. A greeter welcomes us and explains what to expect during our visit.

How can you help visitors at your church know what will happen?

2. We learn they hold Vacation Bible School in partnership with other area churches. I appreciate them working together. The high school also held their baccalaureate service here.

How can your church become more community-centered and less inward focused?

3. At the concluding song, a man confuses everyone by coming forward to become a member, even though no one gave an invitation. As the band plays, some members take initiative to join him and start him on his journey.

Do you feel free to take initiative in dealing with unexpected situations? If not, what needs to change?

4. For the first time, we don’t have a chance to talk with the minister. I’m disappointed but not critical. It should be members who connect with visitors, not paid staff.

Whose job is it to interact with visitors at your church? How can you involve more people?

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

A New Church

a new church

Discussing Church 7

I suspect this church is only a couple years old. I later learn they’re an outgrowth of a small group.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #7:

1. Their meeting space looks abandoned. We approach with uncertainty. I hesitate to walk inside. It wouldn’t take much to make the entrance more inviting.

What simple things can you do to make your facility say “welcome” instead of “go away”?

2. Inside, people mingle. Several introduce themselves in a friendly, unassuming way. They’re great at pre-meeting interaction with people they don’t know.

How can you best connect with visitors before church? How can you encourage others to follow your example?

3. Their leader is a tentmaker pastor. Like Paul in the Bible, he works for a living to share Jesus for free. Without him drawing a salary, there is more money for outreach and ministry.

How might your congregation move away from depending on paid staff and tap the skills of capable volunteers?

4. As is often the case, it’s new churches—not established ones—where people are most apt to discover God and grow into a vibrant faith.

What can you do to promote a new-church excitement where you worship?

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

A Quintessential Country Church

country church

Discussing Church 6

This small country church didn’t come up in our online research, but we have driven past it. All we know is their name and service time.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #6:

1. A wheelchair ramp suggests the way inside, but we’re surprised when it doesn’t lead to the main entrance. The small side door looks tightly shut. We retrace our steps in frustration.

How can you direct guests to the right entrance?

2. Once inside, a lady hands us a bulletin and visitor card. The card is important to them. Three more people will offer us one before we leave.

How does your church gather information about visitors? How can you do it better?

3. After a few songs, there’s an extended greeting time, but we’re boxed in and can’t move. Given our lack of mobility, we can do nothing but smile awkwardly.

If your church has a mid-service greeting, what can you do to make it a positive experience for everyone?

4. Many people invite us to stay afterward for refreshments. This is an extended time of community and celebration. They’re happy to linger in one another’s company.

How can you best embrace people in your after-church fellowship?

This quintessential country church had a homey feel from caring, sincere people. Yet it also had some weak areas that need addressing, just like all churches.

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

Catholics are Christians Too

catholics are christians

Discussing Church 5

When I tell people we’re visiting area churches, I specify Christian, but they often hear Protestant. It surprises them to learn we’ll visit Catholic gatherings too.

After all, Catholics are Christians too. Today is our first visit to a Catholic church.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #5:

1. A flurry of last-minute and late arrivals distracts me from the service.

When do you typically walk into church and why? How can you minimize distractions from latecomers?

2. Throughout the morning, I’m pleased to see laypeople take part.

What can you do to involve more people in your service?

3. The service is hard to follow. We never know what to say when a congregational response is required. We eventually discover some of this information in a book called the Missal, but it doesn’t help much.

How can you help people navigate your church’s traditions and practices?

4. When the priest announces mass is over, the people dart out. They don’t tarry to talk.

Does your church value community? What can you do to help people connect with each other?

Though our approach to Jesus may different, Protestants need to remember that Catholics are Christians too. We both seek the same God, the God revealed in the Bible. The details of our faith aren’t important when we look at the big picture.

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

Successfully Melding Contemporary and Traditional

melding contemporary and traditiona;

Discussing Church 4

This church’s Facebook page—they have no website—says their “services are informal with a blend of hymns and contemporary music.” I expect service melding contemporary and traditional aspect of worship.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #4:

1. I suspect the service will match what I see in the facility, a merging of traditional and contemporary, just as promised online.

Does your church deliver what you promise? If not, what needs to change?

2. We sit only a third of the way in, yet most people pack in behind us.

Where do you sit in church? Why? Many visitors like to sit toward the back to remain anonymous. What can you do to leave room for them?

3. Some people raise their hands in worship as we sing, yet most don’t. I want to, but I fear calling unwelcomed attention to myself if I do.

How can you help people feel comfortable in worshiping God at your church?

4. Afterward, they invite us to stay for coffee and cookies. So many people talk to us that snack time is over before we reach the fellowship hall.

How can you avoid being in such a hurry to pick up that guests feel rushed or shortchanged?

Overall. I’m excited at their melding contemporary and traditional in their church service.

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

A Caring Church: It Only Hurts When You Care

a caring church, church #3

Discussing Church 3

The third church is more established like Church #1 but more midsized like Church #2. It is a caring church.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #3:

1. Many pages on their website are “under construction” or “coming soon.” The sections for members have information, while the pages for visitors are incomplete.

What can you do to keep your website up-to-date and relevant for visitors?

2. Finding the church is a person’s first challenge. Knowing which door to enter is next. This facility has several doors, all unmarked. We don’t know which one to use.

How can you better guide people to the correct entrance?

3. These folks dress up for church. I don’t. My appearance doesn’t bother me, but it might be a problem for others—both visitors and members.

Will visitors who dress differently feel comfortable at your church or out of place?

4. As we walk in, a friend spots me. She says, “This won’t be a typical service.” One of their members died by suicide. The service will address their loss.

If your service will have unexpected content or be difficult to deal with, what can you do to alert guests to help them avoid unpleasant surprises?

A caring church makes the difference when dealing with difficult situations. This church exemplifies this well.

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

Growing Deeper, Not Wider

grow deeper

Discussing Church 2

The church is three years old and meets in a strip mall. Their goal is to “grow deeper, not wider.” Everything about this church is the opposite of last week.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four church discussion questions for Church #2:

1. I park near the door. I later realize they leave the prime spaces for guests, with the regulars parking further away.

When you arrive at church, where do you park and why?

2. Scores of people mill about, all engaged in conversation. We mosey in, giving time for someone to notice us. No one does. We sit and squirm in silence.

Who do you talk to before church: friends, regulars you don’t know well, or visitors? Why? What needs to change?

3. Despite singing and hearing a message, most of the service relates to church business.

How can you address church business and still make it meaningful for new people? Should Sunday mornings have an external focus, saving internal discussions for a different time?

4. Although they ignored us after we walked in, the overall atmosphere and service was much more welcoming than last week. I want to come back.

What can you do to make it easy for people to engage in your service and want to return?

Grow Deeper

I applaud this church for their desire to grow deeper. From what I can tell, they’re doing a fantastic job. And in the process, they are growing numerically as well.

[See the prior set of questions, the next set, or start at the beginning.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

A Friendly Church with a Homey Feel

Discussing Church 1

The church has no online presence, as well as an uninviting exterior. But the people inside are friendly, and we feel at home—mostly. But overall, they are a friendly church.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #1:

1. An unwieldy wheelchair ramp tacked onto the front of the building desperately needs painting. We bypass the ramp, but it remains our focal point and forms our first impression.

What changes should you make to give your church better curb appeal and offer a better first impression?

2. A man lacking in social skills, with possible mental issues, corners us when we arrive. We can’t escape his plodding monologue.

What can you do to protect visitors from regular attendees who may repel or scare them away?

3. There are only seventeen people present. With a smirk, the minister asks first-time visitors to raise their hands. I want to disappear.

What practices should you stop so that people won’t squirm?

4. After the service, everyone lingers to chat. Many thank us for visiting and invite us to come again, but they aren’t pushy.

What can you do to help a person’s first visit not be their last?

This was a friendly church and that goes along way to overcoming their shortcomings, which every church has.

[See the prior set of questions or the next set.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.

Categories
Visiting Churches

Church Discussion Questions from 52 Churches

Discussing Church Visits

I’m preparing to go to Church #1. The enemy harasses me. I don’t want to go. I now understand why the non-regular church attender can so easily stay home despite their best intentions.

The living room recliner and television remote are much more inviting and much less threatening.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these two church discussion questions:

1. Welcoming visitors starts before they arrive.

What can you do to make it easy for them to show up?

2. A personal invitation is the most effective way to encourage people to visit your church.

What specific things can you do to invite people to visit?

[See the next set of questions.]

Get your copy of 52 Churches and The 52 Churches Workbook today, available in e-book, paperback, and hardcover.

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.