Week's just not the same when we miss church

By David L. Chancey
Pastor

In this day of innovative approaches to doing church, people are getting pretty creative in their attempts to reach people.

Have you heard of the drive-in church? Just call it the Church of the Divine Convenience for worshippers who never have to leave their vehicles.

At Woodland Drive-in Church in Grand Rapids, some folks get out of their cars and lean against the doors, talking softly with others before the service begins. Greeters stand at the front of the driveway, handing out programs, prayer cards and offering envelopes through car windows as worshippers are ushered into the asphalt sanctuary. The congregation faces an enclosed podium, outfitted with an organ. Through rain, snow, sleet and even hail, they have come over the years to worship in the privacy of their own cars. Some say this is a "cool" church, especially in winter.

Then there's the inflatable church. It's got its own steeple and pews and could float if necessary. A moveable blowup structure billed as the world's first inflatable church welcomed its first worshippers in May. Resembling a giant, bouncy castle, it holds around 60 people standing and comes complete with inflatable candles and "stained glass" windows.

The church, which measures 47 feet from floor to steeple, 47 feet long and 25 feet wide, made its debut at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Sandown Park Exhibition Center in Esher, west of London. The church, created six years ago by businessman Michael Gill of Southampton in southern England, costs around $34,700 to buy and $3,200 a day to rent. Some feel this church is full of hot air.

Then there's St. Patrick's Church in Boston, where, several years ago, a runaway truck punched a big hole in the wall. Minister Walter Waldron took a light-hearted view as he surveyed the damage: "When anyone comes to church in this day and age, we're delighted!"

There's no perfect church because churches are filled with imperfect people. But church means a lot because it's where God's people gather on God's day to worship, serve, and support one another. Not only does worship recharge our spiritual batteries once a week, but at church we connect with caring people who support us, pray for us and stand with us in life's tough times. Through the experience of connecting with others and connecting with God, we draw strength to keep going and to face the challenges of another week.

Going to church helps to keep us focused and helps us remember what's really important in life. As some folks say, the week's just not the same when they miss church.

(Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor of McDonough Road Baptist in Fayetteville.)