What You Can Do About It
An outsider’s perspective is quite valuable. Invite a friend or neighbor who has never been on your church campus to walk through the facility with you. The “visit” need not be on Sunday. First, drive by and around the church. Then park and walk toward, and eventually into, the building. Ask the person(s) to “free-flow” about their impressions, sharing what catches their attention, what they like, what they don’t like, what they aren’t sure about. Either take notes or use a recorder to document their comments. Tell them not to worry about hurt feelings—you want their honest first impressions.
Conduct this exercise at least three times with three different people. That way you won’t put all your “eggs” into one person’s “basket.” See if different people notice the same things. Finally, compile your notes into categories and review them. You don’t need to make every suggested change. But you do need to know how visitors and newcomers see your facilities.
A Christian architect recently told me that the more an interior of a church looks like the facilities people are in during the week (i.e., decor, restrooms, lights, paint, doors, classrooms), the more likely the facility will present a positive first impression. Conversely, the more out-of-date that facilities appear, the more negative are their first impressions. When a visitor enters a church building that is over 50 years old—and it looks it—he or she is subconsciously wondering: Is the message of this church as outdated as its building?
Here’s a starting checklist to evaluate your facilities. Grade each item on a 1-7 scale (1 = “poor,” 7 = “excellent”). Perhaps have different people share in this exercise and then compare notes; it’s a great conversation starter!
1. Building—Ease in finding the location. First impressions from the outside. First impressions of the inside upon entering. Impressions after walking around.
2. Parking—Appearance. Adequacy of spaces. Proximity to entrance.
3. Signs—Directions from parking area to appropriate building entrance. Where to get information. Directions to the sanctuary/worship center. Directions to the restrooms. Directions to the nursery.
4. Nursery—First impressions upon entering. Confidence in security. Confidence in nursery staff. Impressions upon leaving nursery.
5. Sanctuary/Worship Center—First impressions upon entering. Visibility of platform. Sound/acoustics. Ease in finding a seat. Seat comfort. Lighting.
6. Restrooms—First impressions upon entering. Adequate number to accommodate everyone in 15 minutes. Cleanliness.
7. Classrooms—First impressions upon entering. Adequate furniture for age level. Room décor.
The story of the paraplegic who was brought to Jesus (see Mark 2:1-5) presents us with several pointed questions: “Are our facilities keeping people from Jesus?” And if so, “Are we willing to tear up our roof (and perhaps other parts of our building) in order to let them be healed?”
