Activity Center?

[Sonoftheday]

Does your Church have an "Activity Center"?

An activity center is most often a building like a gymnasium, there are typically classrooms in the building, but the buildings main purpose is for recreational events. I find it highly unlikely that many, if any, reformed churches have them. The church I am leaving is preparing to build one (this is one of the factors in my decision to leave), and I was just curious as to other people's thoughts on Activity Centers.

 

[RamistThomist]

i voted no. mainly because it is a very small building. we do have a hall where people eat meals and doubles as a sunday school class.

 

[Sonoftheday]

Yeah, I would not consider that an activity center. My old church already has one of those but for some reason feels the need to build a gymnasium type building. I personally think it is a way for them to keep up with the Jones'.

 

[bookslover]

We have the usual "fellowship hall," but I guess that wouldn't count.

I don't think there's anything wrong about building a gym, especially if it's designed for multi-purpose uses. It could give young people a place to be during the week (keep them off the streets, and all that).

 

[caoclan]

I hope the litmus test for a Reformed Church is not the lack of an activity center. My church is a large church, we do have a gym, but that certainly is not what we use to draw people to our church. We preach Christ crucified. PCA, Reformed... AND an activity center!

 

[Pergamum]

I say throw out the pews and replace them with folding chairs.

That way, for meals tables can be inserted and the layout of the building moved about.

There is no such thing as sacred architecture and we should be practical and functional.

Even letting kids play in the church after service is a wonderful idea.

 

[Pilgrim]

i voted no. mainly because it is a very small building. we do have a hall where people eat meals and doubles as a sunday school class.

You forgot the little building with the ping pong table.

 

[SRoper]

Our church is an old school building. No gym, but we do have a cafeteria.

I'm not really a fan of activity centers as it just gives us another reason not to be out in the world during the week.

 

[JBaldwin]

I know of several PCA churches in our presbytery that have activity centers. They double as a gymn, place for dinners, etc. for the church family. One of the churches leases their building out during the week (for a small fee) to home school groups, home school and church sports teams, and it uses the facility in the summer for an outreach program to the children in the community.

 

[RamistThomist]

i voted no. mainly because it is a very small building. we do have a hall where people eat meals and doubles as a sunday school class.

You forgot the little building with the ping pong table.

I think I have only been in there twice in 4 years!

 

[JBaldwin]

By the way, our church (PCA) does not have an activity center.

 

[Herald]

Does your Church have an "Activity Center"?

An activity center is most often a building like a gymnasium, there are typically classrooms in the building, but the buildings main purpose is for recreational events. I find it highly unlikely that many, if any, reformed churches have them. The church I am leaving is preparing to build one (this is one of the factors in my decision to leave), and I was just curious as to other people's thoughts on Activity Centers.

What's your problem with an activity center? If the church can support it (and not go into debt) and it ministers to the families then what is the problem?

 

[Pilgrim]

i voted no. mainly because it is a very small building. we do have a hall where people eat meals and doubles as a sunday school class.

You forgot the little building with the ping pong table.

I think I have only been in there twice in 4 years!

I went in there once a couple of years ago and realized I couldn't play anymore. I could barely keep the ball on the table.

 

[Herald]

Our church is an old school building. No gym, but we do have a cafeteria.

I'm not really a fan of activity centers as it just gives us another reason not to be out in the world during the week.

Scott, wow! We experience just the opposite. Our local assembly doesn't get together as often as it should. That's not justification to build an activity center but how could getting together more often for fellowship and ministry be a bad thing? Most of us have jobs that bring us into contact with our community. I don't see the problem with the family of God getting together more often.

 

[Davidius]

Does your Church have an "Activity Center"?

An activity center is most often a building like a gymnasium, there are typically classrooms in the building, but the buildings main purpose is for recreational events. I find it highly unlikely that many, if any, reformed churches have them. The church I am leaving is preparing to build one (this is one of the factors in my decision to leave), and I was just curious as to other people's thoughts on Activity Centers.

What's your problem with an activity center? If the church can support it (and not go into debt) and it ministers to the families then what is the problem?

I think that at least part of his point is something with which those who listen to the White Horse Inn will be familiar. Michael Horton et al. talk about how the Church is a place where we come to worship and to partake in the means of grace each Lord's Day, but that many churches have become social clubs where Christians spend all their time during the week instead of being out in the world serving their neighbor. We have church basketball one night, mid-week service, men's bible study, women's bible study, etc., and we turn Church into a place we habitate instead of a "launching pad," as it were, to which we are called out of the world to worship and receive from God. In that sense it can become monastic. We live in the Church and sometimes come out into the world instead of being pilgrims in the world who are called out of it into church at the appropriate times.

Of course I'm not saying that it's wrong in all cases to have an activity center, nor do I assume that this was the implication of the OP. I think he's just questioning the mindset which can sometimes accompany such church appendages.

 

[Herald]

Does your Church have an "Activity Center"?

An activity center is most often a building like a gymnasium, there are typically classrooms in the building, but the buildings main purpose is for recreational events. I find it highly unlikely that many, if any, reformed churches have them. The church I am leaving is preparing to build one (this is one of the factors in my decision to leave), and I was just curious as to other people's thoughts on Activity Centers.

What's your problem with an activity center? If the church can support it (and not go into debt) and it ministers to the families then what is the problem?

I think that at least part of his point is something with which those who listen to the White Horse Inn will be familiar. Michael Horton et al. talk about how the Church is a place where we come to worship and to partake in the means of grace each Lord's Day, but that many churches have become social clubs where Christians spend all their time during the week instead of being out in the world serving their neighbor. We have church basketball one night, mid-week service, men's bible study, women's bible study, etc., and we turn Church into a place we habitate instead of a "launching pad," as it were, to which we are called out of the world to worship and receive from God. In that sense it can become monastic. We live in the Church and sometimes come out into the world instead of being pilgrims in the world who are called out of it into church at the appropriate times.

Of course I'm not saying that it's wrong in all cases to have an activity center, nor do I assume that this was the implication of the OP. I think he's just questioning the mindset which can sometimes accompany such church appendages.

David, I hear you. I suppose it may be specific to each individual fellowship. But I find your answer interesting because you seem to be indicating that Christians aren't out in their community enough sharing the gospel. For what other reason would you want to interact with the world than for the cause of the gospel? This brings me back to a thread on this board about Christians and witnessing. There were quite a few who believed our primary role in "witnessing" was to invite folks to church where they could hear the gospel preached. Is an activity center going to interrupt that? Probably not. I would err on the the side of finding more reasons for the body of Christ to get together for fellowship. Mind you I am no advocating more formal church functions, but a place where believers can gather with other believers is a great idea if handled properly. Of course, as always...In my humble opinion.

 

[Davidius]

What's your problem with an activity center? If the church can support it (and not go into debt) and it ministers to the families then what is the problem?

I think that at least part of his point is something with which those who listen to the White Horse Inn will be familiar. Michael Horton et al. talk about how the Church is a place where we come to worship and to partake in the means of grace each Lord's Day, but that many churches have become social clubs where Christians spend all their time during the week instead of being out in the world serving their neighbor. We have church basketball one night, mid-week service, men's bible study, women's bible study, etc., and we turn Church into a place we habitate instead of a "launching pad," as it were, to which we are called out of the world to worship and receive from God. In that sense it can become monastic. We live in the Church and sometimes come out into the world instead of being pilgrims in the world who are called out of it into church at the appropriate times.

Of course I'm not saying that it's wrong in all cases to have an activity center, nor do I assume that this was the implication of the OP. I think he's just questioning the mindset which can sometimes accompany such church appendages.

David, I hear you. I suppose it may be specific to each individual fellowship. But I find your answer interesting because you seem to be indicating that Christians aren't out in their community enough sharing the gospel. For what other reason would you want to interact with the world than for the cause of the gospel? This brings me back to a thread on this board about Christians and witnessing. There were quite a few who believed our primary role in "witnessing" was to invite folks to church where they could hear the gospel preached. Is an activity center going to interrupt that? Probably not. I would err on the the side of finding more reasons for the body of Christ to get together for fellowship. Mind you I am no advocating more formal church functions, but a place where believers can gather with other believers is a great idea if handled properly. Of course, as always...In my humble opinion.

Yeah, I certainly don't disagree that informal gatherings of believers are bad. I do have friends on campus, however, who spend all of their time either in a bible study or hanging out with Christians. They are unable to be salt and light in the world because they have mixed up their eschatology, living in the Church now, in a self-made pseudo New Jerusalem that follows them wherever they go, instead of as pilgrims in the world. They feel obligated to live this way, and they assume that going to a bible study on Tuesday night is more spiritual, more pleasing to God, more whatever, than going to a study group for class X with unbelievers. As a student I'm not able in my daily experience to contextualize the problem in the same way you or others on the board could, but perhaps you have seen similar things equivalent to what I'm describing, namely the pervading gnostic mindset of contemporary Evangelicalism that sees the Church as the only place worth spending time. Ironically, Sabbath worship and the ordinary means of grace are greatly denigrated in the process.

 

[SIXDAYZ]

Our church has been graciously blessed to have been given an enormous activity center - a gift from a very godly, and very rich woman. We are therefore, debt-free. (I think that's important)

Our mindset is to have a place to host outreaches for th community, (we also house our entire 200+ youth program there) we need a lot of classrooms to teach that many youths. I think it is also very beneficial to have a place where we can casually come and enjoy each other's fellowship.

At least in my experience (which is very limited)... I think it is the attitude behind it. We left a liberal-emergent church that had an over-extended building budget - and their only concept was to make people feel comfortable. Plus it was annoyning to hear every week about how "we need money" to build this church so that "more of the world could squeeze inside"... that attitude is one that is exceedingly sinful. "Den of robbers..." If that's your church.... RUN!!!

At FAITH EPC, we draw the community in, but we preach Christ crucified, without reservation. So, like so many things in the Church - it's a heart issue.

 

[Herald]

I think that at least part of his point is something with which those who listen to the White Horse Inn will be familiar. Michael Horton et al. talk about how the Church is a place where we come to worship and to partake in the means of grace each Lord's Day, but that many churches have become social clubs where Christians spend all their time during the week instead of being out in the world serving their neighbor. We have church basketball one night, mid-week service, men's bible study, women's bible study, etc., and we turn Church into a place we habitate instead of a "launching pad," as it were, to which we are called out of the world to worship and receive from God. In that sense it can become monastic. We live in the Church and sometimes come out into the world instead of being pilgrims in the world who are called out of it into church at the appropriate times.

Of course I'm not saying that it's wrong in all cases to have an activity center, nor do I assume that this was the implication of the OP. I think he's just questioning the mindset which can sometimes accompany such church appendages.

David, I hear you. I suppose it may be specific to each individual fellowship. But I find your answer interesting because you seem to be indicating that Christians aren't out in their community enough sharing the gospel. For what other reason would you want to interact with the world than for the cause of the gospel? This brings me back to a thread on this board about Christians and witnessing. There were quite a few who believed our primary role in "witnessing" was to invite folks to church where they could hear the gospel preached. Is an activity center going to interrupt that? Probably not. I would err on the the side of finding more reasons for the body of Christ to get together for fellowship. Mind you I am no advocating more formal church functions, but a place where believers can gather with other believers is a great idea if handled properly. Of course, as always...In my humble opinion.

Yeah, I certainly don't disagree that informal gatherings of believers are bad. I do have friends on campus, however, who spend all of their time either in a bible study or hanging out with Christians. They are unable to be salt and light in the world because they have mixed up their eschatology, living in the Church now, in a self-made pseudo New Jerusalem that follows them wherever they go, instead of as pilgrims in the world. They feel obligated to live this way, and they assume that going to a bible study on Tuesday night is more spiritual, more pleasing to God, more whatever, than going to a study group for class X with unbelievers. As a student I'm not able in my daily experience to contextualize the problem in the same way you or others on the board could, but perhaps you have seen similar things equivalent to what I'm describing, namely the pervading gnostic mindset of contemporary Evangelicalism that sees the Church as the only place worth spending time. Ironically, Sabbath worship and the ordinary means of grace are greatly denigrated in the process.

David, well I certainly don't believe that the church is the only place worth spending time. But I forgot all about the fact you are a student. Dorm living is a whole lot different than being out in the working world. You'll find that out soon enough. Get a few kids, a job, and a marriage and you'll see how quickly those things will compete with spending time with God's people. Too much of anything is bad, including fellowship. But I think you'll eventually find that there isn't too much fellowship going on in our churches today.

 

[Pergamum]

I am all for meeting for worship in the am, moving the chairs and eating together, moving the chairs again and playing together, and then moving the chairs back and reconvening for an early afternoon worship service.

An "auditorium" therefore is the most ideal "church" building.

Especially for many small reformed churches where people drive a long, long way to get there, this gives them a day of long fellowship and not half their day on the road for an am (9am) and a pm (7pm) service.

The problem is the issue of "recreation" on the Lord's Day. What does this mean?


But my view is that fellowship/recreation can be true rest and not a diversion from worship. Kids playing in the auditorium after a fellowship meal and adults talking and maybe also playing with their families does not seem very sinful to me but seem like a great time of glorifying the Lord and enjoying His blessings.

 

[Pilgrim]

I am all for meeting for worship in the am, moving the chairs and eating together, moving the chairs again and playing together, and then moving the chairs back and reconvening for an early afternoon worship service.

An "auditorium" therefore is the most ideal "church" building.

Especially for many small reformed churches where people drive a long, long way to get there, this gives them a day of long fellowship and not half their day on the road for an am (9am) and a pm (7pm) service.

 

[21st Century Calvinist]

Does your Church have an "Activity Center"?

An activity center is most often a building like a gymnasium, there are typically classrooms in the building, but the buildings main purpose is for recreational events. I find it highly unlikely that many, if any, reformed churches have them. The church I am leaving is preparing to build one (this is one of the factors in my decision to leave), and I was just curious as to other people's thoughts on Activity Centers.

What's your problem with an activity center? If the church can support it (and not go into debt) and it ministers to the families then what is the problem?

I think that at least part of his point is something with which those who listen to the White Horse Inn will be familiar. Michael Horton et al. talk about how the Church is a place where we come to worship and to partake in the means of grace each Lord's Day, but that many churches have become social clubs where Christians spend all their time during the week instead of being out in the world serving their neighbor. We have church basketball one night, mid-week service, men's bible study, women's bible study, etc., and we turn Church into a place we habitate instead of a "launching pad," as it were, to which we are called out of the world to worship and receive from God. In that sense it can become monastic. We live in the Church and sometimes come out into the world instead of being pilgrims in the world who are called out of it into church at the appropriate times.

Of course I'm not saying that it's wrong in all cases to have an activity center, nor do I assume that this was the implication of the OP. I think he's just questioning the mindset which can sometimes accompany such church appendages.[/QUOTE


I love Michael Horton's saying, "God doesn't need our service but our neighbor does."
Saying that, I have no fixed opinon regarding an activity center.

 

[Pergamum]

This issue might be a lot different if we were primarily meeting in house churches, such as the NT indicates was a normal practice.

 

[Davidius]

I am all for meeting for worship in the am, moving the chairs and eating together, moving the chairs again and playing together, and then moving the chairs back and reconvening for an early afternoon worship service.

An "auditorium" therefore is the most ideal "church" building.

Especially for many small reformed churches where people drive a long, long way to get there, this gives them a day of long fellowship and not half their day on the road for an am (9am) and a pm (7pm) service.

This is what my congregation does. We don't meet in an auditorium, but there is a "fellowship hall," a room with a small kitchen and tables, behind the worship hall. It's extremely helpful since many of our members live at least thirty minutes from the church.

 

[jawyman]

We have a gym with classrooms off to the side, but I don't consider it an "activity centre". We fellowship there between worship and education hour, but we have no structured activities there other than Cadets and Gems.

 

[PuritanCovenanter]

My old Church I attended for about 10 years grew real fast. We turned the first sanctuary into an Awana game room along with some capabilities for indoor sports. We did other events like wedding receptions and we also used it for Sunday school classes. It was also used for other Community things. I believe it was very helpful to the Community and good as an outreach.

 

[Sonoftheday]

What's your problem with an activity center? If the church can support it (and not go into debt) and it ministers to the families then what is the problem?

Firstly the church is going in to debt to purchase it. Secondly the church will use it to draw people into the church. Like hey were having a basketball tournament after church so come to church then you can play in the tournament, or hey were having a concert after church so come to church then come to the concert.

Just the church owning a gymnasium is not a problem, I didnt mean to make it sound that way, but if a church uses the gym as a means to draw people into the church is when it becomes the problem. The church I am leaving will do so, because in the discussions they have had about it they basically say that is the purpose for building it.

 

[Herald]

What's your problem with an activity center? If the church can support it (and not go into debt) and it ministers to the families then what is the problem?

Firstly the church is going in to debt to purchase it. Secondly the church will use it to draw people into the church. Like hey were having a basketball tournament after church so come to church then you can play in the tournament, or hey were having a concert after church so come to church then come to the concert.

Just the church owning a gymnasium is not a problem, I didnt mean to make it sound that way, but if a church uses the gym as a means to draw people into the church is when it becomes the problem. The church I am leaving will do so, because in the discussions they have had about it they basically say that is the purpose for building it.

Ryan, I would not favor using activities solely for the purpose of drawing in unbelievers. If an activity is going on and unbelievers are made welcome that is fine in my book. Consider that your church is using the activity center not as a worship service. If the worship service was being altered in order to make it seeker sensitive I would have a problem with that. An activity center or multi-purpose room? I think we are allowing the reaction against the seeker sensitive movement to become too extreme.

You don't need to answer the following questions, they're for you to answer privately. What is the worship service like? Is the word of God elevated to its rightful place? Is our Lord exalted? Are the sacraments/ordinances (depending on how you define them) present and practiced? Are saints growing and enthusiastically serving? Brother Ryan, these are the true hallmarks of a church. There isn't a church on this planet that has it all together in every area. Disagreements will arise, some are even healthy. I don't know your particular situation so I am making some broad-brush comments. I challenge those who dissolve fellowship with a church to do so for good reasons. In fact instead of a reason to leave we should labor hard to find reasons to stay!

 

[Sonoftheday]

You don't need to answer the following questions, they're for you to answer privately. What is the worship service like? Is the word of God elevated to its rightful place? Is our Lord exalted? Are the sacraments/ordinances (depending on how you define them) present and practiced? Are saints growing and enthusiastically serving? Brother Ryan, these are the true hallmarks of a church. There isn't a church on this planet that has it all together in every area. Disagreements will arise, some are even healthy. I don't know your particular situation so I am making some broad-brush comments. I challenge those who dissolve fellowship with a church to do so for good reasons. In fact instead of a reason to leave we should labor hard to find reasons to stay!

These are the questions I have already answered privately and the answer to these questions is why I am no longer attending that church. The Activity Center was not my sole or even main purpose for leaving the church, but rather a symptom of the problems evident upon answering the questions you asked. Focus has been removed from the preaching of the word of God and placed upon activities, programs, and other entertaining events. I do not wish to go into all the problems of my old church, but there many, think of your typical 3-4 point dispensational church. (no Church Discipline, Lords Supper withheld from NoOne except professing UNbelievers, RPW not practiced in any form.)

I did not mean to imply that I left my church because of the Activity Center, and if the church I now plan to start membership classes at did have one I would still become a member here. The reason I left was purely doctrinal reasons, (I started a thread a couple of months ago in the CoffeeShop if your interested in my reasons) I was only interested in hearing discussion over good and bad aspects to having such a building. I agree that a bulding for christians to play some B-ball in and hang out with non Christians welcome is completely fine. But the idea that we can bring in members to our church, or draw in unbelievers because we have a place for them to play basketball, rather than doing our duty and going out into the world and preaching the gospel to them is wrong.