by Paul Bond, Canterbury Press Norwich 2006.
Paul
Bond is a member of the A.R.M.(Wales) Executive Committee and has recently
retired from parish ministry. He
was involved with church tourism for many years as National Liaison Officer of
the Churches Tourism Association, so he brings a wealth of experience to his
subject.
People
have mixed feelings about church buildings.
Yes, many of them are outstanding examples of architectural beauty, and
testaments to the Christian faith of communities over the centuries. But many are also financial burdens, ever needing repair and
refurbishment to keep pace with the demands of modern life.
Many are kept open and welcome visitors to come in and look around and
admire the architecture and furnishings. But
many are kept closed for fear of theft and vandalism.
This
book aims to show church ministers and members of PCC’s how to make their
church building more accessible and
appealing to visitors, and more importantly, how to do the same for the
Christian faith. This should prick
people’s consciences, as very few churches attempt to explain what their
building is for. This is a very
practical book. You don’t
have to read it straight through at one go, the separate chapters stand alone
and you can dip into it as suits your needs and inclination.
Paul
recommends that you start with your own church.
How welcoming is it? Is
there a notice welcoming visitors, and if there is, is it repeated in other
languages; in Welsh even? Is there
any overt proclamation of the faith? It
is important to remember that many visitors may have little or no knowledge of
the Christian faith, and while you must never patronise them, you cannot take
anything for granted either.
Practically
every aspect of church management, apart from structural repair and maintenance,
is covered. There are suggestions
about how to make a tour around the building a spiritual journey, making the
various features like the font, pulpit, altar etc. more meaningful; emphasising
that it is not a museum but an arena for a living faith. There is advice on selling books and other goods and on
providing free literature.
Churches
should set aside a place dedicated to prayer, that is quiet and away from the
general stream of traffic going round the church – with aids to prayer like
cards and candles and pictures. It
is also important to make provision for younger visitors, particularly pupils
from local schools. This is one
example of interaction with the local community that is a vital part of all
church activity. And on this note
there are practical examples from 18 different churches.
Then there is the churchyard. Many people are put off by having to walk through a cemetery and there are ideas to help make the churchyard at least less forbidding even if you can’t make it welcoming. After this there are still more suggestions which make this book an invaluable guide for presenting your church to the world and making it hospitable, welcoming and sympathetic to every visitor.