The church has existed for thousands of years. From the early sermons in Jerusalem to modern-day ministry in the United States, these establishments have changed and grown a lot over the years. This growth is what keeps the church alive and helps community members of all generations want to get involved. On the other hand, there is such a rich history and tradition with most churches, so it can be hard to know exactly what you want to change. If you run a church, you may find yourself navigating updates you want to make to your church and congregation vs. the traditions you want to keep intact.
Some church updates are basic and necessary. You need to keep the building maintained and keep up with the digital era. Other changes may require some discussion and deliberation. God’s word was first written down centuries ago in a much different world than the one we’re currently living in. You may need to update some thoughts and ways the Gospel affects modern-day issues and concerns. Overall, there are appropriate ways to update your church while preserving your traditions. Here are a few ideas on how you can achieve this.
Replace essential systems and appliances.
The most basic updates to keep up with are the repairs and maintenance needs of your physical church building. A fresh coat of paint or redoing the carpets after a flood are no-brainers when it comes to necessary upgrades. This is especially true for your systems and appliances. You need a working HVAC system and a successful thermostat when you welcome in congregants on a Sunday morning. If you’re noticing issues with your air conditioning or your outdoor unit, it may be time to call an HVAC technician. When you start asking “Is your HVAC unit on the fritz?” it’s time to make a change. After all, on a Sunday in the middle of summer, you want cool air during your service times. Improve your airflow with a new unit and replacement services that work for your church.
Invest in online platforms.
Not every update to your church needs to be made to the physical building. You can also improve and update your church to enter the 21st century. Add digital platforms and the potential for online services. Locations like The Gathering Church in Tennessee have created a great web presence that shows people how welcomed they are into the church community. Offer ways to watch if you can’t be there in person and great opportunities for connection no matter where you are. This will help you appeal to a younger crowd as well.
Find better, more creative ways to display old pieces of history.
If your main concern is preservation, there are plenty of ways to incorporate old decor into a new interior design. Say you need to redo the floor in your lobby. The only tiles have been there for decades and they have a special meaning, but it’s time to upgrade to the carpet. You can still take out those tiles and look for places you can frame and display them. Get creative and keep the core spirit of your work alive with these unique solutions.
Put modern spins on old traditions.
The church is full of traditions. However, in the modern age, people may see some of these traditions as old or outdated. You can still keep the things that are central to your church life, but also consider ways to put modern spins on these old beliefs. Go back to the original text of the Bible and pray over your teachings. As a church, you have a lot of power and say in modern society; make sure you’re using it for good.
