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centers, fellowships, or church?

Discussion in 'General Baptist Discussions' started by abcgrad94, Oct 27, 2012.

  1. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    I've always heard preachers blast churches who make their buildings into "centers" or "fellowships" without the traditional pews, piano and organ, etc. Today I got to visit one of these first hand and I was surprised.

    The "church" has a cafe next to the sanctuary. There's a fireplace with couches and chairs and an area with cafe-style seating. The foyer has comfortable couches and a check-in desk for visitors to ask questions or find directions. The nursery and classrooms are brightly painted, like school rooms, with age appropriate decorations. The bathrooms offer the latest in changing tables and age appropriate facilities for babies, toddlers, and handicapped. I was impressed with the cleanliness and warm, inviting atmosphere.

    In the auditorium, the "stage" had no pulpit, there were well-padded chairs instead of pews, and the walls were decorated with banners of Bible verses.

    I disagree with the doctrines of this church (Church of God) but it gave me an eye-opening experience. Perhaps people shun traditional churches in favor of these "centers of fellowship" because the atmosphere is WELCOMING and inviting, instead of stuffy, rigid, and colorless. We could learn something from this.
     
  2. preachinjesus

    preachinjesus Well-Known Member
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    This description sounds a lot like the set up we use. One of the reasons of a lot of churches go with this kind of set up for the exact reasons you mentioned. While there certainly is a place for a more formal, traditional style many people are looking for a warmer touch.

    Glad you had a good experience.
     
  3. HeDied4U

    HeDied4U Well-Known Member
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    I love the cafe we have in our church. It's a great place for folks to get together before the service and to pray for one another. After the service, people get together there to talk about the sermon or to catch up with each other. Ours has seating for about 70 to 75 people, and it's usually always packed. They also serve a great cup of coffee.
     
  4. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    Where does God tell us a NT church has to have a certain type of furniture, or not have a place on-site for fellowship?

    There was a time when churches were the central facility in American communities. Maybe this transition to a more comfortable facility will help bring that back?
     
  5. Oldtimer

    Oldtimer New Member

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    I can see some potential in this getting folks out of bed and to church on Sunday morning. And, maybe to hang around more than 2 minutes past noon.

    However, I have a question, before thinking about suggesting that we do this in our fellowship hall.

    Does it stay open during Sunday school and worship services?
     
  6. Earth Wind and Fire

    Earth Wind and Fire Well-Known Member
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    Will have to consider putting the church near the Dunkin Donuts.:laugh:
     
  7. abcgrad94

    abcgrad94 Active Member

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    The church I visited (not for services, but for another event) had the cafe times listed as before Sunday school and after evening worship.
     
  8. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    I am sure that it stays open in some churches but I don't recall visiting one. It would be possible to rotate staff so no one misses the opportunity to fellowship and worship corporately in a church with multiple services.
     
  9. mont974x4

    mont974x4 New Member

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    I don't like DD coffee.
     
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