Sharpening the Church's Welcome Skills III

The old cliche says "a picture is worth a thousand words." And the reason why a cliche has become a cliche is because there is truth behind it. A picture is worth a thousand words.

What is the picture that persons who do not attend our church or any church get when they drive by your church? What is the picture people get when they enter your church for the first time or go to change their baby in the bathroom (do you even have a baby changing station in your church- after all people said they wanted more young people- if you want young people you better have a baby changing station!)?

The Aesthetics, cleanliness and presentation of our churches is often one of the overlooked ways we either welcome or turn away guests. Admittedly, controlling the aesthetics, cleanliness and presentation of your space is harder if you are portable though there are some things you can do. If you have a permanent home there are certain things that you just have to do.

Unfortunately, what I have found in the churches I have served or visited is that we often settle. I hear or perceive the attitude that "it is only church" and we allow filth, outdated fixtures, and strange smells none of would allow at our homes. We become settled because after all it is only church. Those are dangerous words! It is not only church, it is God's house and its aesthetics, cleanliness and presentation may invite or repel one of God's children. Peeling paint, asbestos tiles, musty sanctuaries all say to the guest we do not care enough to make this better and what goes on here is really not that important.

On the other hand, trimmed shrubbery, flowers, and mulch along with air fresheners, clean bathrooms, fresh paint, cleaned floors, and fixtures put up in the last ten years show the potential follower of Jesus that these people care and what goes on here is important. Part of what we have to remember, especially if we are trying to reach people under 50, is that the expectation is for cleanliness, upkeep, and good presentations. Do you notice how clean they try to keep Chick-Fil-A or the hippest store at the mall? Do you see why shopping centers remodel or die? Persons have come to expect the same for the church. Are we willing to go the extra mile in this area so as to meet expectations and welcome the guest so that some might be saved?

I think we can and should.