What Does Your Building Say? Part 2
The first message that an unchurched person from the neighborhood will often hear is the one declared by the church property. It’s not so much a matter of architecture or design as it is maintenance and upkeep.
While some styles of buildings proclaim a message - the gothic cathedral type speaks of liturgical worship complete with candles and incense - the warehouse style speaks of modern and functional - there are many sizes and styles in between. Most of the message sent by the architecture is impossible to change immediately. However, whether it is a small simple structure or a multimillion dollar complex the one thing they all have in common is a need for maintenance. There are many small churches in need of maintenance but there are also large churches that appear unkempt in appearance.
While it may be financially impossible to completely modernize an older building it is certainly possible to make sure that the building and property are cleaned and maintained.
Years ago I read a suggestion about buildings that I have tried to keep in mind with ours - to look at it through the eyes of a guest coming onto the property for the first time. Even better would be to periodically have someone who is not a member come through with a clipboard, writing down everything that they see out of place or that is in need of repair.
Some simple questions to ask about the outside:
- If I were driving by the property, would it look appealing and inviting?
- Are the lawns mowed consistently?
- Is there garbage laying around? (Old Sunday School papers are garbage.)
- Is the walkway clean?
- Is the building in good repair or is there paint peeling?
- Is the signage clear and easy to read? Is it free of "church language"?
- Is it accessible to people with physical handicaps?
- Does it look from the outside like the people of the church are proud of their church?
I know that there are many more questions to be asked. What would you add to the list?
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