Grow Course: Buildings

Exercise

How do people experience your church building? Is it a good or bad experience? Use this exercise to remind yourself what others’ experiences are as they approach your church building.

Gather a group from your church. It could be your staff team if you have one or PCC and walk away from your church building until you can no longer see it. Explain to the group that you will approach as if for the first time. Ask the group to use their senses to be aware as you all approach and go into the church.

From outside:

• What do you see as you approach the church? If there is a garden, is it tidy or full of rubbish? Is it well-kept and cared for? Is there graffiti on the walls? Is the pavement clean or dirty?
• As you approach the church, is the entrance clear and clean? If there are any signs, do they reflect what happens inside the building
• What would you see or hear outside before a service? One barrier for people coming for the first time is that they are unsure what happens inside.

Inside:

• Is the entrance or vestibule clear of clutter and tidy? If there are noticeboards, are these kept up to date and are they in line with the values and mission of your church? Is there someone to welcome me and let me know where to go, where the toilets are etc
• Is it warm inside the building (or cool in the summer)? Will I need my coat on throughout the service? Is it too bright or not bright enough in the church?
• Is there anything to take away for a newcomer? Consider having a stack of bibles for people to take away, as studies show that many people encounter the love of God through reading the word.

Sit down as a group inside the main church and ask people to share their experiences as they came in – good and bad. Write a list of everything and then a plan of what to celebrate and what to change. Add this to your action plan for your next learning community.