church buildings

[Mike182]

does a church have to be a big brick building with a sloping roof and stained glass windows? or does a church simply have to be a place where people can come together in joint worship? what do people think on church buildings

do you think churhces need modernising, with plasma TV's and big CD players with full stereo system, or are they fine how they are, or should we go back to just a wooden stage in the middle of a field with a bible and a pitch-fork (dont ask me why a pitch-fork, im just imagining a pitch-fork)

what do people think? i would have set up a poll, but i couldn't think of things to vote on lol

C_P

 

[Katzpur]

does a church have to be a big brick building with a sloping roof and stained glass windows? or does a church simply have to be a place where people can come together in joint worship? what do people think on church buildings

do you think churhces need modernising, with plasma TV's and big CD players with full stereo system, or are they fine how they are, or should we go back to just a wooden stage in the middle of a field with a bible and a pitch-fork (dont ask me why a pitch-fork, im just imagining a pitch-fork)

what do people think? i would have set up a poll, but i couldn't think of things to vote on lol

C_P

Well, a church building certainly comes in handy when there's a blizzard outside or when it's 100 degrees in the shade. LDS church buildings are pretty sparse by most standards. They're nice, but not overdone by any means.

 

[kreeden]

I have seen some simple , but up-to-date churchs .

 

[fromthe heart]

I don't think the building appearence should be the importantce of a place of worship but on the other hand it shouldn't be a shack either. It's really more about the minister and the people getting fed spiritual nurishment.

 

[Scuba Pete]

The church is the body of believers. I know of some who meet in high schools or sports arenas or where ever they can fit.

 

[Linus]

The church is the body of believers. I know of some who meet in high schools or sports arenas or where ever they can fit.

Yep. Some even meet in the homes of the believers themselves.

There are no requitements for where a church must worship. If big plasma screens and wireless mics are helpful and beneficial, then I see no problem with using them. But they are not always needed. Like NetDoc said, a church is the people. As long as the spiritual building is in line with God's "fire code" the physical building is of no real importance.

 

[Unedited]

The church I used to go to met at the zoo (in the meeting room, we weren't out with the elephants or anything.) We were all crowded into one room with a small podium at the front. They now have their own stained glass windows, and I don't go there anymore.

 

[michel]

does a church have to be a big brick building with a sloping roof and stained glass windows? or does a church simply have to be a place where people can come together in joint worship? what do people think on church buildings

do you think churhces need modernising, with plasma TV's and big CD players with full stereo system, or are they fine how they are, or should we go back to just a wooden stage in the middle of a field with a bible and a pitch-fork (dont ask me why a pitch-fork, im just imagining a pitch-fork)

what do people think? i would have set up a poll, but i couldn't think of things to vote on lol

C_P

Churches, to me , do need to have that 'Classical look' - I know that that is a silly point of view, but it is the one ingrained in me. Just as I would never go to a Church without a suit and tie (Which is also silly) - maybe it comes down to just plain culture.

I am not saying I would'nt be happy surrounded by Plasma screens an stainless steel, but I would far prefer the 'old English ' look. I must admit I was even a bit taken aback when the first microphones were put on the pulpit! I was quite put out by that; daft, isn't it?

 

[Unedited]

Churches, to me , do need to have that 'Classical look' - I know that that is a silly point of view, but it is the one ingrained in me. Just as I would never go to a Church without a suit and tie (Which is also silly) - maybe it comes down to just plain culture.

I am not saying I would'nt be happy surrounded by Plasma screens an stainless steel, but I would far prefer the 'old English ' look. I must admit I was even a bit taken aback when the first microphones were put on the pulpit! I was quite put out by that; daft, isn't it?

I don't think that's silly at all. There's just something about old churches, or at least old-looking churches. They're built with such care and detail. For a Wiccan, I really do love churches, the older the better. I remember visiting one old church, and even with all the tourist noise in the background, I swore I could here the chorus singing from long ago.

Of course for you it may just be because you're used to that sort of church. But I still say that if you're going to feel connected to something greater than yourself, do it in deep morning light pouring in through stained glass windows, not the harsh blue glow of a television set.

 

[michel]

I don't think that's silly at all. There's just something about old churches, or at least old-looking churches. They're built with such care and detail. For a Wiccan, I really do love churches, the older the better. I remember visiting one old church, and even with all the tourist noise in the background, I swore I could here the chorus singing from long ago.

Of course for you it may just be because you're used to that sort of church. But I still say that if you're going to feel connected to something greater than yourself, do it in deep morning light pouring in through stained glass windows, not the harsh blue glow of a television set.

I think you make a good point there - it is to me also the 'ambiance' - the beautiful real wood, the old stones quarried to make the church - oh there is so much - as you say, the stained glass windows have a big part to play.

Having said that - I agree with NetDoc and Linus; but I would prefer being outdoors than in a mosdern buildin, if push comes to shove.

 

[jonny]

When I was on my mission in Germany, we met in an old building that was being used as a youth center. Every Sunday we would show up about 1/2 hour early, clean the place, move the fussball table out of the way, set up the chairs and prepare the room for our Sacrament services. The organ was an old Yamaha keyboard. Only about 20-30 people attended the meetings. At first, it seemed really strange to me, but the meetings ended up as being some of the most spiritual church services I have attended in my life. It isn't where you are being taught, but what you are being taught that matters.

 

[Unedited]

When I was on my mission in Germany, we met in an old building that was being used as a youth center. Every Sunday we would show up about 1/2 hour early, clean the place, move the fussball table out of the way, set up the chairs and prepare the room for our Sacrament services. The organ was an old Yamaha keyboard. Only about 20-30 people attended the meetings. At first, it seemed really strange to me, but the meetings ended up as being some of the most spiritual church services I have attended in my life. It isn't where you are being taught, but what you are being taught that matters.

Sounds like my kind of church. I really think the old churches help me feel closer to a higher power, but a place like you described helps me feel closer to fellow worshippers.

 

[CaptainXeroid]

does a church have to be a big brick building with a sloping roof and stained glass windows?

Not necessarily, but I at least need a steeple. Our church isn't ornate or big or fancy compared to lots of churches, but we have a good sized buiding with a sanctuary for worship, a chapel for small services, a social hall for luncheons and receptions, and classrooms for Bible study.

As with many intown churches, our membership dropped since the building was opened in 1950. Our congregation paid off the mortgage in the 1960s and any add-ons or improvement are fully funded before they are started. We rent out the lower level first to a elderly support group and recently to a children's advocacy group.

...or does a church simply have to be a place where people can come together in joint worship?

Like the song tells us,"I am the church, you are the church, we are the church together. All who follow Jesus all around the world, yes, we're the church together."

We have a decent sound system, a few TVs, VCRs, and computers that were donated. We often joke about doing the Lord's work instead of having plasma TVs and overhead projection systems like the big 'Mega-Churches'.

When our congregation built our building, they filled the chapel for the 8:30 AM service and the sanctuary at 10:50 AM. We've been re-buildling our membership by serving the spiritual needs of our members and by reaching to people looking for a church home. During the years when membership dropped, some people wanted to sell the building and property (at a HUGE profit) and contruct a smaller buildling on less expensive land. Instead, we have used our space to serve our denomination and the community at large by hosting meetings, weddings, parties, receptions, AA, NA, al-Anon meetings, and by serving as a polling place during elections. On July Fourth, people gather on our front lawn to watch a fireworks display. We opened our doors for people to use the bathroom, and we handed out refreshments of water, lemonade, and cookies. Another line of that song tells us '...the church is not a building...the church is its people...':162: