Designer church

[Lanolin]

I was thinking about how there is no 'perfect church' and it being made up of imperfect people, maybe there can never be a one size fits all.

But then I wondered what could church be like, if you did dream of a perfect church? Having been part of many church congregations and never quite fitting, I just wonder if there is a place in the body of Christ for those who 'break the mould'.

For example, church is meant to be a place where people gather to worship, but why does it always have to be inside?
Is there a church that always has flowers, and not only that space for a quiet garden? Or maybe a church where theres trees and an outdoor gazebo.
All the churches I've been to most of the land is taken up with a parking lot and a huge building.

What happened to the beautiful stained glass windows showing bible scenes? Or murals painted by the congregation, with scripture?
How about a church where instead of pews, people sit on comfy sofas facing each other in groups. Or could there be a church where you can sit and read the Bible, and write your prayer requests on a wall.
what about a church where you can relax and have a pedicure, as foot washing seems to have gone out of fashion.
And where the baptism pool is always available.
How about a church where you can learn music, and play the harp, or flute perhaps. And where everyone gets the opportunity to sing their favourite songs (and they are not all hillsongs that only musicians can play)

what about church where you take turns to read the Bible rather than have one speaker do an hour long sermon on what they think the Bible means.
How about church where if you want to donate goods, or money, you do it privately or in an honesty box near the entrance rather than the preacher pass round a collection bag in front of everyone and make a huge show of the money theyve collected.
How about a church where animals/pets are welcomed and blessed just as humans are.
Or a church that, no matter what langauge you speak. nationality or ethnicity you are, you are welcomed as a believer, that doesnt interrogate you where you come from all the time. You are here now right. Does it matter?
what about a church that notices if your clothes are raggedy and gives you nice new ones or at least a t shirt (and doesnt make you sit in the corner if you are poor)
how about a church thats opens its doors everyday so if you are in need you dont have to wait until sunday to go and nobody is holed up in their office looking at accounts but ready to pray with you whenever.
How about a church where you can be in the kitchen and its fine to cook up a meal and share after a service and have fellowship even over a bbq

well, just some thoughts...add your own, or maybe your church fellowship already does these things. Blessings

 

[Lynx]

Church is a hospital where the spiritually wounded are tended. It is a boot camp where we are trained to go out into the world and help them. It is a place of fellowship where we can come in out of the storm for a while and be together with other people who believe the same way.

If your church is filling these roles, it is a perfect church. None of the people will be perfect but the church can do what it was designed for.

 

[Mission21]

I remember a church...years ago.
- With round tables, sofas, coffees & snacks.
- in the rented space/room.

 

[Lanolin]

I recall a church that instead of a sign or flag saying church here, or worship here, put out a sign saying 'free coffee'

Im not really much of a coffee drinker, so didnt go. But maybe if instead they put out a sign saying 'free salvation' I might have been interested.

 

[Genipher]

I was thinking about how there is no 'perfect church' and it being made up of imperfect people, maybe there can never be a one size fits all.

But then I wondered what could church be like, if you did dream of a perfect church? Having been part of many church congregations and never quite fitting, I just wonder if there is a place in the body of Christ for those who 'break the mould'.

For example, church is meant to be a place where people gather to worship, but why does it always have to be inside?
Is there a church that always has flowers, and not only that space for a quiet garden? Or maybe a church where theres trees and an outdoor gazebo.
All the churches I've been to most of the land is taken up with a parking lot and a huge building.

What happened to the beautiful stained glass windows showing bible scenes? Or murals painted by the congregation, with scripture?
How about a church where instead of pews, people sit on comfy sofas facing each other in groups. Or could there be a church where you can sit and read the Bible, and write your prayer requests on a wall.
what about a church where you can relax and have a pedicure, as foot washing seems to have gone out of fashion.
And where the baptism pool is always available.
How about a church where you can learn music, and play the harp, or flute perhaps. And where everyone gets the opportunity to sing their favourite songs (and they are not all hillsongs that only musicians can play)

what about church where you take turns to read the Bible rather than have one speaker do an hour long sermon on what they think the Bible means.
How about church where if you want to donate goods, or money, you do it privately or in an honesty box near the entrance rather than the preacher pass round a collection bag in front of everyone and make a huge show of the money theyve collected.
How about a church where animals/pets are welcomed and blessed just as humans are.
Or a church that, no matter what langauge you speak. nationality or ethnicity you are, you are welcomed as a believer, that doesnt interrogate you where you come from all the time. You are here now right. Does it matter?
what about a church that notices if your clothes are raggedy and gives you nice new ones or at least a t shirt (and doesnt make you sit in the corner if you are poor)
how about a church thats opens its doors everyday so if you are in need you dont have to wait until sunday to go and nobody is holed up in their office looking at accounts but ready to pray with you whenever.
How about a church where you can be in the kitchen and its fine to cook up a meal and share after a service and have fellowship even over a bbq

well, just some thoughts...add your own, or maybe your church fellowship already does these things. Blessings

--Hm. My church is putting in a baptism pool that will be permanent.
--We meet outside every summer (I personally don't like it).
--We don't pass a money plate. There are small wooden boxes in the back of the sanctuary and anyone that feels led can put money in it. Pastor won't even talk about money. He says it's nobody's business, including his own, what people feel led to give and that there should be zero pressure.
--Many people have brought their dogs (mostly service dogs), off and on (the kids love it!). Though I can see how this could cause issues (dog fights, allergies).
--Our church doesn't judge those of other ethnicities. We ask friendly questions to get to know newbies but there's no interrogation. Which is better, do you think? To be interested in the lives of new people and maybe ask too many questions or make them feel like we don't care and not say a word to them, for fear of risking offence? Seems there is a fine line there, eh?

--I think comfy seats would be lovely but...I guess the hard pews keeps folks from falling asleep?
--Cooking in the kitchen might be a liability issue, though we do have some folks that prep snacks and coffee for consumption after the service at my church.
--Love the stained glass windows but our church doesn't have them. Is that mostly a Catholic/Lutheran thing? I haven't seen them in Baptist, Mennonite, or non-denominational churches.
--I don't think my church keeps it's doors open when nobody is there, mostly because we've had some vandalism in the past and the homeless would quickly turn it into something unseemly. The church office (a separate building on the same property) is usually available during business hours, though.
--Foot washings would be a great ministry.

--My daughter learned to play the guitar from the Salvation Army Church. We didn't attend but they still offered classes. Even let her borrow a guitar. So that was cool.

--I agree, I would love to have a back-and-forth during the service. Like, if I have a question or comment, it'd be nice if I could raise my hand and say something. But with 100ish folks in the church, that could end up in chaos. I do enjoy the adult Bible studies the church hosts. Everyone gets a chance to share prayer requests, pray, and share/comment and different folks read aloud. Other than that, my husband and I have our own weekly Bible study with a potluck, singing, and a Bible study where we go over a chapter and everyone is welcome to speak up. It's much easier to have back-and-forth in a smaller setting.

 

[Lanolin]

I think with new people you can ask how they are, or how far they had to come to get to church (they might be coming from next door or from miles away) and whether theyve got family, or their favourite foods or animals or whatever.

I know some people put great emphasis on where somones from, if they went to so and so school, what their job is, how much they earn, who their family is (geneology going back to the first fleet, mayflower or whatever) when in all likelhood, all a person may know is they desire a relationship with God and fellowship with believers and thats why they have come to church.

 

[Genipher]

I think with new people you can ask how they are, or how far they had to come to get to church (they might be coming from next door or from miles away) and whether theyve got family, or their favourite foods or animals or whatever.

I know some people put great emphasis on where somones from, if they went to so and so school, what their job is, how much they earn, who their family is (geneology going back to the first fleet, mayflower or whatever) when in all likelhood, all a person may know is they desire a relationship with God and fellowship with believers and thats why they have come to church.

Ooooohhh! I see what you're saying now. I've never experienced that,myself. Haven't witnessed it in my church, either. 🤔

 

[p_rehbein]

i'm going to church this morning. They are having a buffet breakfast with designer coffees, and it's free. After that, they are all going outside and sing a song or two, and then rush back inside to the A/C, as it's about 99 degrees right now.

Back inside, they are all gonna kick off their shoes, play Musical Chairs to see who gets the best recliner, and then they are going to all get shoulder rubs to ease the tension knots in their muscles. They will be offered those pans of warm water that massage their feet too!

Then, those that want, will take turns reading their favorite Scripture, and, if there is time before Chic-Fil-A opens, they will sing a song or two, say a prayer, and all rush out for Sunday dinner.

Wow! Another wonderful Sunday spent worshiping and prais............uh, er, hmm........

(methinks they forgot to worship and praise God........oh well, it was a great Service)

 

[Mission21]

a buffet breakfast with designer coffees, and it's free.

It reminds..the breakfast at the hotel.
- But.. not free..& regular coffee/not designer coffee.
---
I used to be on the road trip..for many years.
- For work.
- Stayed at hotels/motels..

 

[Lanolin]

It reminds..the breakfast at the hotel.
- But.. not free..& regular coffee/not designer coffee.
---
I used to be on the road trip..for many years.
- For work.
- Stayed at hotels/motels..

haha church hotel

well...what happened to Christian hospitality? Its like some churches dont even want you there.

 

[Lanolin]

i'm going to church this morning. They are having a buffet breakfast with designer coffees, and it's free. After that, they are all going outside and sing a song or two, and then rush back inside to the A/C, as it's about 99 degrees right now.

Back inside, they are all gonna kick off their shoes, play Musical Chairs to see who gets the best recliner, and then they are going to all get shoulder rubs to ease the tension knots in their muscles. They will be offered those pans of warm water that massage their feet too!

Then, those that want, will take turns reading their favorite Scripture, and, if there is time before Chic-Fil-A opens, they will sing a song or two, say a prayer, and all rush out for Sunday dinner.

Wow! Another wonderful Sunday spent worshiping and prais............uh, er, hmm........

(methinks they forgot to worship and praise God........oh well, it was a great Service)

View attachment 235990

have you been to sunday school? Its far more structured...everyone just colours in while someone reads a Bible story.
Then there might be an activity where you march around the church building seven times and blow trumpets, you know, just to reenact the walls of Jericho falling down.

 

[Mission21]

haha church hotel

well...what happened to Christian hospitality? Its like some churches dont even want you there.

Some churches used 'hotel conference rooms'...years ago, in US.
- For the meetings..

 

[Lanolin]

well the YMCA and YWCA were orignally CHRISTIAN. And they were like gymnasiums, but now they are more like backpacker hostels. I think you could stay there for free if you did the dishes and swept the floors

 

[tourist]

I recall a church that instead of a sign or flag saying church here, or worship here, put out a sign saying 'free coffee'

Im not really much of a coffee drinker, so didnt go. But maybe if instead they put out a sign saying 'free salvation' I might have been interested.

Did donuts come with the free coffee?

 

[Lanolin]

Did donuts come with the free coffee?

I dont know didnt go to find out

In other churches its free tea or coffee with scones or a biscuit. Sometimes a muffin. I cant recall churches in nz ever having donuts after, think its more an american thing.

in some churches with pacific island population they would have chop suey, and the indians gave out butter chicken. BBQ would always be sausages along with salad.

 

[tourist]

I dont know didnt go to find out

In other churches its free tea or coffee with scones or a biscuit. Sometimes a muffin. I cant recall churches in nz ever having donuts after, think its more an american thing.

in some churches with pacific island population they would have chop suey, and the indians gave out butter chicken. BBQ would always be sausages along with salad.

My stepdaughter has made butter chicken several times. I really don't care for it. Yeah, BBQ would be better.

 

[Genipher]

i'm going to church this morning. They are having a buffet breakfast with designer coffees, and it's free. After that, they are all going outside and sing a song or two, and then rush back inside to the A/C, as it's about 99 degrees right now.

Back inside, they are all gonna kick off their shoes, play Musical Chairs to see who gets the best recliner, and then they are going to all get shoulder rubs to ease the tension knots in their muscles. They will be offered those pans of warm water that massage their feet too!

Then, those that want, will take turns reading their favorite Scripture, and, if there is time before Chic-Fil-A opens, they will sing a song or two, say a prayer, and all rush out for Sunday dinner.

Wow! Another wonderful Sunday spent worshiping and prais............uh, er, hmm........

(methinks they forgot to worship and praise God........oh well, it was a great Service)

View attachment 235990

The song or two outside wasn't praise?
The reading of scripture and prayer wasn't worship?

I get what you're saying... there is a risk of being too "informal" and forgetting the purpose of the gathering of the Saints. But then, I guess I'm used to a home fellowship where folks don't have to "put on their church face" and can eat, fellowship, worship, and praise in a relaxed manner in comfy chairs with everyone getting a chance to choose the praise songs they like.

Those in my home church often see each other more than once a week, hanging out to do everyday things like playing at the park, watching a movie (many of us are still working out a time to binge-watch The Chosen, together), taking walks, and game nights/afternoons. Our walk with Christ always comes up so it becomes a time of spontaneous, natural worship and fellowship. I once spent an afternoon chatting about God's grace with another lady while we canned peaches.

This, in my opinion, is better than a once-a-week, hour-and-a-half sit down where folks say "howdy", wave, and don't see each other until the next Sunday. This is how I imagine Heaven...where we all hang out and do fun things while bringing up the awesomeness of our Lord and Savior in a natural, unforced manner.

As an aside, my family and I also go to a church-church on Sundays.

 

[Genipher]

i'm going to church this morning. They are having a buffet breakfast with designer coffees, and it's free. After that, they are all going outside and sing a song or two, and then rush back inside to the A/C, as it's about 99 degrees right now.

Back inside, they are all gonna kick off their shoes, play Musical Chairs to see who gets the best recliner, and then they are going to all get shoulder rubs to ease the tension knots in their muscles. They will be offered those pans of warm water that massage their feet too!

Then, those that want, will take turns reading their favorite Scripture, and, if there is time before Chic-Fil-A opens, they will sing a song or two, say a prayer, and all rush out for Sunday dinner.

Wow! Another wonderful Sunday spent worshiping and prais............uh, er, hmm........

(methinks they forgot to worship and praise God........oh well, it was a great Service)

View attachment 235990

Chick-fil-A isn't open on Sundays. 😉

 

[Lanolin]

when went to alpha meetings they always had free hot breakfast. I am sure it was a God thing to have free food because you sure have to pay for it everywhere else.

 

[Lanolin]

when going to fellowship at other peoples house we didnt really play musical chairs, if you go there first you got to pick if you got there late you just squeezed in or sat on the floor, no big deal.

nobody was like oh you cant sit here or you sit at the back or anything like in a lot of churches.