Churches are not just for Sunday service. Churches are a place of gathering for the many congregational activities and they can be (and hopefully are) open many more days than Sunday. When the church becomes the community's focal point for a range of activities, you are guaranteed a healthy, lively and thriving church and congregation. Here are some steps for creating a church environment that is open to the congregation for a wide variety of purposes during the week and weekend.
Step 1 Consider more services
Many members of the congregation may appreciate mid-week services.
Step 2 Consider preschool classes
If you have church facilities suitable for preschoolers, what better start to life than providing the opportunity of part-time or full-time care within the loving community? Resources for the children will easily come from members of the congregation in the spirit of giving and the children will be a friendly, caring and spiritually sound environment.
Step 3 Hold classes
Craft, hobby, art or other classes could be held on the premises for members of the congregation or for outsiders. Consider hiring out part of the church for such activities as a bonus means by which you can open up the church to newcomers and advertise the church. Leave out brochures on the church if you do hire out.
Step 4 Hold youth nights
Spiritually attuned nights for youth aged 12 - 18 can be held on the church premises, especially weekend nights. This is a great way to encourage supervised times together in an environment that is relaxing, familiar and loving. Invite Christian bands, hold dances or other forms of entertainment for youth.
Step 5 Fundraise using church facilities
What better location to fundraise for the church than using a side hall or room attached to it? Fundraisers can include bazaars, trivia nights, Christian games and other attractive events.
Tips
- Use any funds raised by hiring out to maintain the church facilities. Always keep church documentation readily available for visitors to take when they visit on such occasions.
Warnings
- Take care when hiring out to ensure that outside interests align with your interests. There are some anti-Christian activities that should not be envisaged for your church facilities. Keep congregation members well informed by way of bulletin boards or messages as to what outside events have been chosen. Even better, involve the congregation in the selection.
