On my list of seven churches is a church from a small conservative denomination. I’ve never met anyone who currently goes to one of this denomination’s churches, but I have met people who used to go there.
Consider three discussion questions about Church 69, a small conservative denomination.
1. These people left this church bruised and bloodied, rejected by those they used to worship with. Their church pushed them out over issues I consider trivial.
How can we disagree with people without causing them pain?
2. Every church has detractors. As frail humans, with a sinful nature, this will occur. But to meet only people this denomination hurt is troublesome.
How can we make sure we don’t harm our church’s reputation or the name of Jesus?
3. I want to visit and learn more. But I already know too much and couldn’t go with an open mind. I must adjust my perspective.
When we have a bad attitude, do we seek God’s help to correct it?
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.
The website of this urban church says they’re a multi-racial, multi-socio-economic relational community, where the homeless worship and support one another.
I anticipate meeting people of other races and expect a service relevant to its inner-city neighborhood.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church 68.
1. As we approach the building, others carry crockpots. Looks like a potluck. A shared meal is a powerful way to connect with others and build community.
What can we do to get to know others and create a sense of community?
2. Two people welcome us before we enter the building and more greet us inside. They tell us two key pieces of information: the location of the sanctuary and directions to the restrooms.
What key information do visitors need to know?
3. The crowd of white faces isn’t the amalgamation of races promised. I don’t spot anyone who looks homeless. Aside from location, it doesn’t look like an urban church.
What can we do to make our churches more diverse and inclusive?
4. As the minister concludes his message, he reminds us to pray for one person to lead to Jesus.
How can we do better at being expectant and ready to tell people about Jesus?
5. In true potluck style, I take a bit of most everything. Good food, good fellowship, and good times. I like the way they do church.
What do we think church should be? What must we change to do church better?
6. Throughout the day we suffer no awkward moments. These people welcome well. They’re an engaging group, intentional about their faith and their life.
How can we live with greater kingdom intention?
7. I’m glad we stayed to eat with them and enjoy community instead of scooting out right away.
Do people at our church leave when the service concludes or tarry to talk and hang out?
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.
We’re off to visit another church, this time with family, the first visit for everyone. When they opened two years ago, they conducted a smart direct-mail campaign to the community.
They’re a portable church that meets at a nearby middle school.
Consider these discussion questions about Church 67.
1. The church is three-quarters of a mile away. We could walk but talk ourselves out of it.
Are we willing to attend a church near our home? Are we willing to walk there?
2. They are a satellite location of an established church. Each site has a teaching pastor and worship team, with centralized governance and financial control.
How willing are we to try new ways to reach more people for Jesus?
3. As we move inside the facility, two men interrupt their conversation to welcome us.
Are we willing to stop talking with people we know to meet those we don’t?
4. People chat with friends before the service begins. Soft music plays in the background. The atmosphere strikes a pleasing balance between sitting in stoic silence and an overwhelming rush of activity.
How can we best prepare to worship God?
5. As we wait for the service, the interlude is pleasant. Though worshipful, the subdued ambience of the indirect lighting makes it hard to read the literature they gave us.
How can we best set the right mood for worship?
6. The space fills. All age groups show up, but the demographics skew younger, with many families present.
What does the makeup of our church say about us? What does it foreshadow about our church’s future?
7. We learn about Breaking Bread, where three individuals or families meet three times in three months around a shared meal. This helps people get to know others and form connections.
What can we do to better connect with others?
8. During the message, I jot down a soundbite: “Know your community.” This makes sense. If we’re going to reach our neighbors, we must understand them.
How can we better know the people in our community?
9. The pastor provides a three-step process to engage people: 1) talk to them, 2) ask them a question, 3) invite them to do something (a meal, outing, or service opportunity).
What can we do to engage people?
10. The service ends, and two things happen. Most people pick up their chair, collapse it, and stow it on a nearby rack. Others come up to talk.
What happens at our church when the service ends?
11. I long to go to church in my community and attend with my neighbors, instead of driving several minutes to church in someone else’s neighborhood and worshiping with other commuters.
How important is making spiritual connections where we live?
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.
Several months later we have a chance for a return visit to this same church. The opportunity to experience a normal service with their regular pastor should provide the chance to experience what we missed the first time.
I hope to experience a spirit-led service.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church 66.
1. The church moved since our first visit. An exterior sign guides us to the entrance, but that’s it. We walk down a long corridor and eventually find an open door.
How easy is it for people to find us?
2. We sing four songs, filling most of an hour. I try to worship God, but we don’t connect. I should have prayed with greater intention for this service.
Who’s to blame when we can’t connect with God?
3. As we sing, several people ease toward the pastor and surround him. They place their hands on him. Their lips move in quiet prayer.
Do we pray for our ministers before the service, during the service, or not at all?
4. The pastor begins with prophecies and prayers for healing as the Holy Spirit directs him.
Do we let God’s Spirit guide us to prophesy and pray for supernatural healing? If not, is he not speaking or are we not listening?
5. The pastor says to not preach against other religions, but to preach Jesus. Too many people fail to follow his advice, suggesting why so many view Christians negatively.
Do we rant about what we’re against or celebrate what we’re for?
6. When the minister shares a verse, I never see him glance at his notes. The text and reference gush forth as regular speech.
Do we know Scripture well enough to quote and cite it as normal dialogue?
7. The Holy Spirit powerfully directed our time together through both the teaching pastor and the worship leader. I’ve seen few church services this Spirit-led.
Does the Holy Spirit direct what we do when we gather with other believers?
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.
Valued friends invite us to visit their church, which “operates in the gifts of the Spirit.” My background is not charismatic, but I relish the opportunity to experience Holy Spirit power and bask in God’s presence.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church 66 and evidence of the Holy Spirit.
1. Many churches talk about the Holy Spirit, but their services leave little room for him to act. They keep him at a safe distance.
What role does the Holy Spirit play in our church services? In our daily lives?
2. I’m hungry for God, thirsty for more. I can’t wait for Sunday, counting down the days. Sadly, this attitude of church anticipation is mostly missing from my recent reality.
How much do we anticipate worshiping God? What needs to change?
3. Their website mentions the baptism of the Holy Spirit, speaking in tongues, the gifts of the Spirit, and supernatural manifestations. I’m terrified and excited. I expect God will stretch me.
How willing are we to let God work in us?
4. I still struggle visiting churches. Apprehension over the unknown roils in my gut. A dozen worries assault my mind. I suspect others also arrive at church filled with apprehension.
How can we help anxious people feel at ease?
5. Many raise their arms in praise, others sway gently with the melody, one respectfully dances her worship of God, and some wave worship flags.
How open are we to worship God through movement? Are we willing to be uncomfortable when others praise him?
6. After about twenty minutes of singing, I think we’re still on the first song. The endless iterations weary Candy, whereas I grow bored.
Does our worship of God push people away or draw us closer?
7. With their minister gone, their service wasn’t typical. I saw little evidence of the Holy Spirit. I’m disappointed. My experience didn’t match what their website proclaims.
Do our church services align with what our marketing promises?
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.
I met one of this church’s staff at a speaker’s conference. As we talked about the church’s belief in the present-day power of the Holy Spirit, that same Holy Spirit nudged me to visit. At last, we will.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church 65.
1. Inside is a bustle of activity, which beckons us to the right, yet I spot a quiet, darkened sanctuary to my left.
A woman glides up to direct us. How observant are we to people needing assistance?
2. It’s time for the service to begin, but my friend from the speaker’s conference dismisses my concern. “We don’t start on time here.” She smiles and gestures to the throng still behind us.
Is our church’s starting time fact or fiction?
3. Every song is new to me, and I struggle to mouth the words. The Bible says, “Sing a new song,” not the ones we know and like.
What is our attitude toward singing new songs? What about our favorites?
4. As we sing, one woman dances worshipfully off to the right, several more wave flags, and a few raise their hands as they sing.
How open are we to give God our physical worship?
5. The minister talks about living expectantly. Imagine waking up each morning and asking God, “Daddy, what are we going to do today?” What a grand way to live life.
How can we live with this kind of expectation?
6. After the closing song, prayer teams form up front. Gentle music produces a safe and holy place. Some people go forward for prayer.
What can we do to provide a safe prayer time that people will accept?
7. This church does many things right, but I expected more Holy Spirit presence. This is my fault for making false assumptions.
How should we respond when we don’t get what we expect or assume?
Yet overall, it is the prayer teams that stand out to me.
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.
This nontypical, nondenominational church enjoys a good amount of positive local buzz. Today is Mother’s Day. I’m apprehensive because visiting a church on a holiday never provides a typical experience.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church 64.
1. Two young women at the entrance to the parking lot smile and wave as we pull in. What a nice greeting.
What can we do at our church to help make a great first impression on others as they arrive?
2. Inside the facility I spot a lady wearing a T-shirt that suggests she’s a greeter. Her broad smile beckons me. I ask for directions, and she’s most helpful.
When people look at us, do we appear approachable or repelling?
3. With in-the-round seating, the worship team faces each other to get cues from their leader. Those closest have their backs to us. Though disconcerting, it’s less like a performance and more worshipful.
How can we remember church isn’t a concert?
4. Today’s also Ascension Sunday. With the focus on mothers, singing about Jesus’s resurrection is the closest we’ll get to acknowledging his ascension.
What does Jesus’s return to heaven mean? How can we better celebrate his ascension?
5. They conduct several baby dedications, striking a nice balance between the ceremony and celebrating the child, without dragging it into a too-long ritual.
While parents take the lead in raising their kids, how can we better support their efforts?
6. The minister wraps up with an altar call of sorts, but he drones on, and I soon tune him out.
How can we keep our worship fresh and avoid the rut of repetition in our church services?
7. A big church, they offer excellent teaching and music, with many programs and service opportunities, but they struggle providing community and connection. I leave spiritually full and emotionally hungry.
How can we help people leave church spiritually and emotionally filled?
This large church held baby dedications on this Mother’s Day and Ascension Sunday. They offered much, except for connection.
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.
When my wife started a new job, she learned one of her coworkers goes to a church near the one we normally attend. With a non-church sounding name, I’m intrigued. We decide to visit.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church #63.
1. As we drive to this church, I’m so glad for a reprieve from ours and the pointless messages I endure for the sake of community. Even so, I’ll miss seeing the people there.
Should the focus of church be on the message or on community?
2. Once inside the building we weave our way through people, all engaged in conversation with friends—and too busy to notice us.
How do we respond when we see someone we don’t know? How should we react?
3. In the sanctuary, Candy spots her coworker and waves. His face beams. He beckons us. “I’m so glad you’re here.” He is truly overjoyed to see us.
How happy are we when a friend shows up unexpectedly at church?
4. This man and his wife make us feel so welcomed. Though everyone in a church can greet visitors, some people have a real gift for hospitality.
How can we best do our part to embrace people at church?
5. We learn that this is “Faith Promise Sunday,” so they won’t have a sermon. The lack of a lecture overjoys me.
Do we feel we need to hear a message for church to take place?
6. Instead of a message, they explain the six ministries they support. Then members from the missions committee pray for these organizations and people. When they announce the pledge total, the congregation celebrates.
How does our church celebrate missions?
7. Hearing about the work of God’s people to share his love fed my soul. I’m encouraged by a church that treats missions seriously and not as a minor add-on to a normally cash-strapped budget.
Do we make missions a priority?
This church didn’t have a sermon when we visited. Instead, they talked about the missions they supported on this Faith Promise Sunday.
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.
It’s a nondenominational church plant, with the sending congregation residing several states away. It’s curious that an out-of-state church would launch a ministry in an area noted for its religious reputation, with “a church on every corner.”
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church #62, in an area that seems to have a church on every corner.
1. They meet in a school building, providing a more approachable, less intimidating environment for unchurched people.
What is our perspective for having church in a traditional space? How open are we for a more visitor-friendly alternative?
2. When we arrive, a man standing at the parking lot’s edge greets us with enthusiasm. What a wonderful welcome.
How aware are we that creating a good first impression occurs before people walk inside?
3. Another man greets us, opening the door with a gracious flourish. The friendly reception of these two men is infectious. I can’t wait to experience church here.
What can we do to build anticipation for our church services?
4. To start the service they welcome everyone, asking first-time visitors to raise their hands. Many do. Normally I hate this practice, but with many visitors, I don’t feel singled out.
How can we celebrate visitors without making them squirm?
5. When the associate pastor announces the offering, he stresses it’s only for regulars, not visitors. This helps counter the common criticism that churches only want our money.
Which example does our church follow?
6. “We need to attack the lie that you can have it all,” the teaching pastor says. “It’s not possible. Something needs to give.”
How can we find God-honoring contentment? How can we encourage others to do the same?
7. Despite the many churches in the area, the evident excitement and impressive attendance at this church suggests there’s room for one more.
Should we associate church attendance and growth rates with God’s approval? Or might size be our perspective?
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.
Many Sundays we’ve driven by this church, noting a three-quarters-full lot for their first service and a packed one for their second. While church size doesn’t impress me and growth may be misleading, both can signal spiritual vitality.
I’m intrigued. Today, I’ll be visiting church by myself.
Consider these seven discussion questions about Church #61.
1. Candy is gone, so I’m on my own. I’m okay visiting a church by myself, but staying home is so tempting.
How can we form a habit of regular church attendance? How can we stick with it?
2. The parking lot has plenty of space. I’m underwhelmed.
What message does our parking lot send? How can we make parking be a positive and inviting introduction to our facility?
3. Being alone, I feel more exposed than usual. I pause, hoping someone will greet me. No one does. And no one’s available for me to approach. Visiting a church solo takes extra courage.
How can we welcome a person squirming in silence?
4. Several minutes after it’s time to start, the worship team begins playing. Their opening strains call people into the sanctuary. These late arrivals distract me from worship.
How can we make sure we don’t impede others from experiencing God?
5. Next is the greeting. Epic fail. I’m weary of these trivial attempts at connection: people faking friendly when ordered and then withdrawing.
How can we be open and friendly all the time and not just when instructed?
6. The senior pastor is gone, with a second-year seminarian filling in. The guy is green. He should practice in seminary, not on a congregation.
When a message falls short—which will inevitably happen—how should we respond?
7. I leave frustrated. I enjoyed the music, but the message caused consternation, and the lack of connection left me empty. Was it my fault or theirs?
How can we help others leave church feeling better than when they arrived?
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.
