Growing in spirit

by Sherard Edington

Go Facilities

In the first of this series of columns on Church Growth and Redevelopment I compared redevelopment to fly fishing. Although libraries of information exist on both subjects, success in either endeavor depends on the ability to adapt.

In the second column I wrote that blending different worship styles into a single worship service is not only possible but usually preferable, especially for small, struggling churches where an additional service is unimaginable.

This month I'd like to delve into the nuts and bolts of Redevelopment by highlighting the three essentials that every strong or struggling church should consider -- cars, kids, and commodes.

Parking

Here's a true story: I once overheard a couple tell about going to church on a Sunday. They drove to the church and circled the parking lot. When they couldn't find an empty spot they drove home. The weather was nice and street parking was available but they didn't care to walk the extra block or two.

While this story probably reveals more about the couple's sense of discipleship than anything else, it does reinforce the assertion that parking is the most important factor in appealing to visitors.

While our forbears may have walked five miles to school and back in the rain uphill both ways we feel entitled to park next to the front door. It's what we expect at the mall and we expect the same at church.

Herb Miller reports that the farthest the parking can be is 100 yards if the church entrance is visible; otherwise, only 30 yards (Where Do We Park? Net Results, 12/96). Your parking area should be off-street, clean, well-signed, and in good condition. Do you have up-close spaces reserved for visitors?

You will never know how many potential visitors you lost because your parking was inconvenient, confusing, or dangerous. Parking is a church's first (and sometimes last) opportunity to make a good impression.

Nurseries

Have I mentioned that my wife and I have a daughter who will be two this month? Would you like to see pictures?

Back in my bachelor days I was of the opinion that a nursery was a nursery was a nursery -- a kennel for kids. Since our child's birth my wife and I have become increasingly opinionated about where we park our baby. My feelings about nurseries have changed radically as well as my opinions on disposable diapers, strained prunes, and uninterrupted sleep.

When scoping out a new nursery we tick through a mental checklist of questions: Is the nursery environment safe? Are the nursery workers presentable and professional? Do they inspire confidence that my child will be well cared for? Are the toys new and clean? Is the changing area sanitary? Is the room bright, spacious, and cheery?

If a first-time visiting parent is not comfortable with the church's nursery it's unlikely she'll inform the pastor of her concerns. Rather, the family will simply fail to return. So much for redevelopment.

If a church wants to appeal to young families then the appeal of the nursery must be a top priority.

The Powder Room

Since I don't want to be accused of chauvinistic potty humor I'll simply report that studies have shown that the quality of the ladies' restrooms is one of the crucial keys to converting visitors into attendees. Clean, fresh, spacious -- it makes a strong impression. I can't over-emphasize the importance of an attractive ladies' restroom.

Additionally, a church can score huge points with visitors if it has a designated family bathroom where a parent and child can retreat in privacy. A built-in changing station is a bonus.

There is no second impression

Parking, nurseries, and women's bathrooms are the big three of church growth. Other factors of curb-appeal include landscaping, signage, and handicap access. I realize how shallow it sounds to argue that a visitor's spiritual journey is dependent on whether or not the bathroom smells funny. However, even the most riveting sermons in town will go unheard by young families if they are unwilling to deposit their offspring in your nursery.

The first step your struggling church should take is to critically assess your facilities. If you are extraordinarily brave you will import a couple of candid, fresh-eyed outsiders to walk through your buildings. I urge you to compile a list of needed improvements, plan a work day, and start growing!

Sherard Edington is pastor of Middle Tennessee's Old Hickory Church. You can reach him at sherard@bellsouth.net.