Tag: The 52 Churches Workbook

An Unknown Situation

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 28, 2021

Discussing Church 26

A friend tells us about a new African American church. Once again, we’ll be minorities at church.

The 52 Churches Workbook, by Peter DeHaan

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #26:

1. We arrive ten minutes early and find only four people. At ten o’clock there’s just nine. A few more trickle in. Eventually the service begins.

Is your starting time a guideline or reality? What message does this send?

2. Everyone is friendly, abounding in smiles. Despite having different-colored skin, we feel accepted.

How can you better welcome people of different backgrounds at your church?

3. Throughout the service, the pastor declares blessings on us. His words are intentional and more fervent than I’ve ever witnessed. His passionate prayer proclaims favor, protection, and God’s grace.

This isn’t a request but a declaration. I like his spiritual confidence.

How can you pray with more boldness?

4. Afterward this African American church shares a meal. As Candy and I return to our chairs with our food, they congregate in groups.

No one joins us or invites us to join them. I don’t think they’re being rude but merely gravitating toward their friends and those they’re comfortable with.

What should you do to push past your comfort and reach out to include others?

[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.

Tags church services, The 52 Churches Workbook

Visiting Churches

Does Your Church Use Nametags?

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 21, 2021

Discussing Church 25

The website of this church shows captivating photos of their worship team, implying high energy and an edgy sound.

Consider these four discussion questions for Church #25:

1. Everyone wears an adhesive nametag, and we make our own nametags. At some churches members wear permanent nametags and guests use temporary ones, which single them out.

If your church uses nametags, how can you best embrace others? If you don’t use name tags, why not?

2. Friends invite us to sit with them. Though we don’t need this comforting gesture to feel welcome, a typical newcomer might appreciate it.

In what ways can you help a person feel more comfortable?

3. The worship team is far different than their website portrays. Instead of a high-energy, edgy worship band, there’s a laid-back team of two. I’m disappointed.

Is your website an accurate reflection of your services? If not, what do you need to change?

4. However, this discrepancy between website and reality may be because in a few months this church will cease their Sunday meetings.

They’ll relaunch with another church to form a new group, with a new name, and a renewed focus. Change is hard, but these people anticipate it.

How can your church better deal with change? How can you help?

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags church services, The 52 Churches Workbook, Visions, worship

Visiting Churches

A Good but Atypical Church Service

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 14, 2021

Discussing Church 24

This church resulted when three dying congregations merged a quarter century ago, but with a worship team of teens brought in, today isn’t a normal gathering. I suspect it’s a more atypical church service.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #24:

1. Most of the congregation are senior citizens, with few children. The sanctuary seats about four hundred, but it’s only one-fourth full.

If you have an aging congregation, what can you do to reverse the trend?

2. The absence of a cross is conspicuous. This isn’t an issue for me, but for many it is. The cross is a prime emblem of Christian faith, but we must remember it’s only a symbol.

What symbols are present or lacking in your church? What message might this convey?

3. Today’s sermon is about friendship. True friendship, the minister says, requires constancy, honesty, and wise counsel. Jesus is the ultimate friend.

How well do you do at being a true friend to others?

4. Both before and after this atypical church service, people thank us for visiting. Their conversations aren’t to share faith but to entice us back. They’re desperate to grow.

How do your efforts to grow your church come across? Are you willing to ask a visitor their thoughts to get a firsthand account?

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags church attendance, church services, The 52 Churches Workbook, worship

Visiting Churches

The Minister’s Last Day, but They’ll Be Fine

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date October 7, 2021

Discussing Church 23

Last Sunday was their minister’s last day. Other area clergy have high respect for him. I wish I could have met him.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #23:

1. Today ends their summer schedule with one contemporary service. Next week they’ll switch to their winter format with two services: one traditional and the other contemporary.

Had we known, we might have come next Sunday for a doubleheader.

If your church has seasonal schedules, why? How does this impact people who want to attend your service?

2. Like Church #8, the church’s youth programs are part of Young Life, a nondenominational youth ministry, which taps college students as leaders.

What programs do you have that might be more effective if you worked with existing, external ministries?

3. Throughout the service, a person mills about, occasionally sitting and sometimes murmuring. She appears homeless and acts mentally ill. Though I’m distracted, I’m pleased no one confronts her behavior or shoos her from God’s house.

How does your church treat those who don’t fit in or act strangely?

4. Afterward, two members confirm that their pastor prepared them to function without him. Though it’s their minister’s last day, they expect to do just fine after he leaves.

How well would your church function without a minister? How long could you keep it up?

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags church services, minister, The 52 Churches Workbook

Visiting Churches

A Caring Community

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 30, 2021

Discussing Church 22

This church meets in a newer, contemporary building. It’s most inviting.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #22:

1. Many people introduce themselves. Their genuine interest, without being pushy, refreshes me. They ask our names, which they repeat with care. When they share theirs, they pause, giving us time to hear and remember.

How important are people’s names to you and your church?

2. The minister is losing his voice. After introducing the topic, he lets the congregation finish the message.

He invites them to share their stories of what others have done for them, how they showed love, and provided care. The congregation does this well.

How well does your church do at sharing during a service? How can you do it better?

3. This congregation is a genuine community. They prove it in the quiet ways they help each other. “Caring for community is a witness,” says the pastor.

What is your church’s witness? What is its reputation?

4. After the service, the pastor excuses himself. He fades away, perhaps because he doesn’t feel well, but more likely because he doesn’t need to be there. The congregation envelops us into their community.

How well can your church function without your minister being present?

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags church, church services, friendly church, minister, The 52 Churches Workbook, witness

Visiting Churches

A New Kind of Church

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 23, 2021

Discussing Church 21

Most of this church’s ministry happens on Saturday. The Sunday service is for those they meet during their Wednesday evening street ministry.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #21:

1. We turn to Hebrews 6, but as the pastor begins her message, the Holy Spirit sends her to Ephesians 4. We never make it back to Hebrews.

How much do you depend on the Holy Spirit to lead your meetings? How willingly do you follow?

2. Later, we discuss how the message applies to us. This mutual interaction is helpful, building community in the process.

What can you do to allow for more interaction to occur during church?

3. Ninety minutes later we move into worship. The first song lasts twenty minutes. I kneel in reverence and then bow in awe of God.

How often does worship cause you to bow in reverence and awe? What’s missing?

4. If you view church in a traditional manner, then we didn’t go today. If you understand church as two or more people gathered in the presence of God, then today offered much.

What are the essential elements for church to take place?

Overall, this was a great experience, and I wish more churches operated like this one.

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

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

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags church services, Holy Spirit, The 52 Churches Workbook, worship

Visiting Churches

Mandarin Worship Service: Different Language, Same God

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 16, 2021

Discussing Church 20

This week is another doubleheader, but with a twist. First is a Mandarin worship service and English Sunday school, followed by an English worship service and Mandarin Sunday school.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #20:

1. We email to ask if non-Chinese are welcome. We are. Some non-Chinese attend the Mandarin service.

How well do you embrace people of different races and cultures?

2. For worship, they display the words in Mandarin, with the English translation underneath. I read the words in English as I enjoy the melodic beauty of a different tongue.

How well can people who speak another language engage in your service?

3. We don’t see the minister until he stands to give the message—until now, the laity has led the service. Speaking in Mandarin, the minister is dynamic, animated, and at times funny. I laugh with everyone else even though I don’t know why.

If people don’t know your language, how might they perceive your nonverbal communication?

4. Afterward several people invite us to stay for lunch. Sharing a meal is important to them. They do this every Sunday.

How important is sharing a meal at your church? In what other ways can you foster 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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags church services, community, The 52 Churches Workbook

Visiting Churches

A Near Miss If Not for Their Church Sign

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 9, 2021

Discussing Church 19

With no website and a phone line that doesn’t work, we assume this church, listed only in a computer-compiled online directory, either no longer exists or never did.

The church sign in front of their building is the only reason we know the service time.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #19:

1. When we arrive, a greeter welcomes us, but she’s surprised to see two new people.

Are visitors the norm at your church or an exception? What needs to change?

2. At times their service seems evangelical and other times mainline, with hints of Charismatic. It’s an ideal blend.

How can your church service better focus on Jesus instead of promoting a subset of Christianity or a denomination?

3. In the most insightful communion invitation I’ve ever heard, the pastor affirms that all who are in relationship with God are free to participate, regardless of church status or affiliation.

How inclusive and accepting are your church’s practices?

4. Their mission is to help people on their faith journey, connecting them with other churches that match their needs and preferences. It’s okay if they happen to pick up members along the way, but it’s not their intent.

What are your church’s growth goals?

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags charismatic, church services, communion, denominations, The 52 Churches Workbook

Visiting Churches

Revisiting Roman Catholicism

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date September 2, 2021

Discussing Church 18

Today we visit our second Roman Catholic Church. I’m excited—and nervous. We are revisiting Roman Catholicism.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #18:

1. The large sanctuary is grand without being ostentatious. Contemporary and airy, it seats several hundred. It’s the largest we’ve seen so far.

Does your building facilitate worship or limit it? What needs to change?

2. This Catholic Church seems even more steeped in ritual than Church #5. While they announce hymns, the rest of the liturgy proceeds without direction. We think we’re prepared, but we aren’t.

How can you help people better engage in your worship service?

3. After the Eucharist is a ritual where we exchange the greeting “Peace be with you” to those around us. This is the only interaction we have with anyone the entire morning. The priest dismisses us, and the people scatter.

What can you do to interact with people at your church and foster community?

4. I leave feeling empty. Though their traditions have meaning to those who understand them, it’s a roadblock to visitors.

What can you do to help outsiders better follow your church’s practices and not walk away empty?

Overall, I’m glad we spent Sunday morning revisiting Roman Catholicism.

[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.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Tags church services, community, Roman Catholic, The 52 Churches Workbook

Visiting Churches

A Church Doubleheader

Post author By Peter DeHaan
Post date August 26, 2021

Discussing Church 17

This church has a contemporary service followed by a traditional one. It’s a church doubleheader. We’ll go to both.

Consider these four discussion questions about Church #17:

1. Their idea of contemporary is vastly different from mine, with this service being one of the more reserved ones we’ve attended.

If you state a certain type of service, what do you need to do to better deliver on your promise?

2. They provide a sign language interpreter for the hearing impaired, who sit in the first three rows. It’s a treat to watch them sing with their hands and sign interactive portions of the service.

What can your church do to help those with various limitations better engage in worship?

3. For communion, there’s no invitation for nonmembers to partake. We decide that we shouldn’t, but the usher motions us to go up.

Do people know what to expect when you serve communion? What can you do to include visitors and welcome them to participate?

4. No one mentions it, but we find coffee and donuts in the fellowship area. Next to each is a donation basket. I feel guilty for grabbing a treat without feeding the fund.

What practices in your church would seem odd or off-putting to outsiders?

[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.

Tags church services, communion, fellowship, nondenominational, The 52 Churches Workbook, traditional service