Posted on 03/09/2007 3:53:04 PM PST by Terriergal
Facilities and physical environment have a lot to do with what happens in a weekend worship service. The shape of your building will shape your service. Walk into some buildings and your mood will instantly brighten. Walk into other buildings and you'll feel depressed. The shape of a room can change a mood instantly; so can the temperature of room; so can the lighting in a room. Be aware of these factors and use them. Figure out what mood you want your service to project and then create it.
One of the problems we face in maintaining the church environment is that we tend to overlook defects after about four weeks. Once you become familiar with a building, you stop noticing what's wrong with it. The defects and disorder don't bother you as much as they did when you first noticed them. You become oblivious to the faded paint, the frayed carpet, the chipped pulpit, the outdated tract rack in the vestibule, the old bulletins left inside hymnals, the stack of stuff on the piano, and the burned-out light bulbs overhead.
Unfortunately, these things stand out immediately to visitors. They notice details.
One way to combat this tendency is to do an Environmental Impact Report on your church. Get a photographer to walk around your facilities and take pictures from the eyes of a visitor. Then show those pictures to your leaders and determine what needs to be changed. In particular here are some environmental factors you need to pay close attention to:
(Excerpt) Read more at christianpost.com ...
Churches built to glorify God are inspirational. Using Disneyland type techniques to manipulate worship is something else.
You want no part in this, but don't hesitate lob one in my direction as you bow out.
So which is it?
Missing the point here. One of these days a bed of nails is going to be the least thing you will have to deal with. Some Christians are going to suffer for the faith, including die.
If the true gospel of Jesus Christ is preached, we can tolerate some discomfort & inconveniences. It's nothing compared to what is to come.
yep. ("don't forget to stop and get your kneepads in the foyer before the service")
Oh, I dunno. Why don't you go ask Paul?
No it's not. It's Rick Warren & the seeker sensitive movement. This is what people have been trying to get others to see for a long time.
Many young people are goths. Or they have a fatalist-type approach. I wonder if he's got venues for those yet?
(Stifling guffaw)
and good point with Mary and Martha.
Yes, our church too gives consideration to enhancing worship through the physical surroundings. We want to direct the glory to God. The items on the Rick Warren list seem to be (please sing with me) "all about me, and all this is for me!"
God is a God of order and beauty. There is nothing wrong with these considerations, except when it becomes a matter of pandering to people who aren't willing to experience some possible discomfort in finding a place to park or sit! Wouldn't it be wonderful to sit on a dirt floor and listen to the Apostle Paul talk about Christ?
He must have drank some of the Saddleback koolaid Cappucino in the Starbuck's venue.
But what about emergents, who are just as avante garde as the PDChurch once was, who are actually enjoying the dim light and candles etc.? (not endorsing Emergent here at all...)
And heaven forbid that we should be downcast, that might make people feel repentant!
I see a copout there...
Who are you to judge the servant of another?
Exactly, I wish Rick wouldn't do that! it sure is divisive.
And #7 make sure you have enough good coffee. People will not stick around if you keep running out.
And we KNOW they're purpose driven!
To the muslims, I say go for it, if it weakens their religion like it weakens Christianity. However, it's more likely that it strengthens/multiplies false teaching as it dilutes the truth.
You nailed it! All this other stuff is just trappings, as people say. "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God!"
I'm sorry but Rick Warren looks CREEPY!! That goattee....yukky....looks dirty.
It's all about US!!! Our COMFORT!! Good thing his church doesn't have KNEELERS!!! That would set him off.
Unbelievable!
Acts 20:30-31 Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them [to their own party]. Therefore be always alert and on your guard, being mindful that for three years I never stopped night or day seriously to admonish and advise and exhort you one by one with tears.
It's all about mindgames.
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