How many “layers” of doors do you have to enter to get into your church sanctuary? Probably at least two, maybe three or more-exterior, lobby, at least. Can anyone peek in and see what is going on in your sanctuary?
I remembering when on-lookers sat on the car fenders where they could get a view of what went on inside our little church. I also remember when our church raised enough money to put in stained glass windows. Well, they may have been prettier, but looking back I see a stronger divide being put up between “churched” and “un-churched.”
It is touted as a “doctrine of the Constitution” that we are to believe our “religious practices” are fine and dandy just as long as we keep them to ourselves. After all, there is separation of church and state! How the devil must snicker at some of his schemes!
About 25 years ago, I was driving up MacArthur Ave where a lone “Bible thumper” was yelling his lungs out trying to “convert” the sinner. Kristina asked what he was doing. I somewhat explained.
I didn’t tell her but I knew he was an embarrassment to us more moderate Christians.
Some time later we passed that corner again. Kristina asked, “Where is the Bible man?” A seed sown in soft soil. Thank you, Bible man.
By the way, I see online that recent years have brought death to many Christians. Thanks, Bible men and women—faithful unto mockery, scorn, and death. Martyrs. People who took their stand for Jesus in open windows, not hidden behind the stained glass.
That reminds me of Daniel. Why did he pray in his window? God could have heard him if he had stayed behind the wall. Any ideas?
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Image: Unsplash
Sweet aroma 
I like it, Oneta! Well done. Our church is in a storefront now with a big plate glass window and people do peer in and sometimes watch us from across the street. Chuckling here, but I am actually kind of reserved, I prefer to just hide behind those stained glass windows, I am not so comfortable putting myself on display. But it has been such a blessing, the Lord has led people in because they can see what we are all about. It puts a whole new meaning on the word “transparent.” 🙂
Peeking in can free a person from what he might consider a “commitment” for have stepped in the door. Watching a bit, he might think these folks look like normal folks that I would want to be a part of. Thanks, IB.
Excellent point!
Thank you for the encouragement.
Interesting comments here. I love a place of sanctuary and privacy where it can be just the Lord and myself. Some ancient churches which have retained the structures as buildings of beauty and Grace still provide this beauty and security. However a Church ie the People of
God who are NOTt a building must be visible. World is so ‘in your face’ about all other issues but the message of SALVATION must be in the market place if not preached but by the sample of our lives as we live with and for HIM.
True. And there are onlookers who are deciding whether to be involved.
read example of our live please.
This is an interesting post. I do wish people could see more inside our church (two sets of doors to get into the sanctuary) as we do try to invite everyone in. At the same time, we don’t want to pray just to be seen praying. I hope my church is a good example of living out God’s love, but this has given me a lot to think about. Thanks!
Right. Our motivation must not be to be seen, however, I believe we have a great “product and CEO” to brag about. Free commercial, more or less. PD
Hi Oneta – this is a great post. I agree with your comment above. I don’t know about you but I won’t venture in to a cafe or restaurant that I can’t see inside of. Its risky and awkward when it turns out I want to walk back out. An open window or doorway allows us to be safely curious without feeling the tension of getting stuck somewhere we don’t want to be.
I love the point about the cafe or restaurant. My husband when in one one time then turned around and went out. We didn’t like the price. Another time my sister and I went in a restaurant and found it was much too noisy for us the communicate with each other. We told the hostess we were wanting to talk but wouldn’t be able to in there, she was kind and we left. But the ones who step into a church and leave very seldom say why. At least they seldom say it to anyone who can do anything about it. Bad press.