The best advice my father ever gave me was, "Don't ever belong to a church that has a gymnasium." The longer I live, the better his advice seems. However, I am interested in those who are comfortable with this as part of the ministry. Why shouldn't excess church resources be directed to ministries more pressing, such as caring for the poor, the sick, the afflicted, and the lonely?
2006-06-09 05:24:57 · 23 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I agree with your dad! the money would be better spent taking care of those who can't take care of themselves. there are so many places to find entertainment, in the world, why incorporate it in church?
listen to dear ole dad, he seems very wise to me!
2006-06-09 05:46:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
My church decided to build a gymnasium that could be used as a sanctuary. During non-service times, the chairs are moved out and the basketball courts can be used. It's used by staff, the congregation and the kids who attend school at the gym. I thought that was an incredible use of resources -- two buildings for the price of one.
2006-06-09 05:38:44 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It actually sounds like a good idea, if they provide these resources it may do two things that I can think of:
1) It allows church goers to interact in activites together and are influenced by people who they have more in common with, it may actually help kids stay off the street and avoid being influenced by negative activiy thoughout their community.
2) It might even attract new comers to church because of these resources, it could be a way to bring faith to those who have none or little in their lives. It would definately be a plus for the younger crowds and they won't be hesitant to "go to church".
Churches should try it. Doesn't seem like it will hurt.
2006-06-09 05:31:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think its just a way to lure kids into church. most children's ministries just play games and then mention God for a few minutes at the end. it's mostly about fun. but it makes the church feel better to know that they are "saving" the children. the money should be used outside the four walls of the church to help better the community. that's how you get folks to church. show that you actually are christian and care about others. not that you have a gymnasium.
2006-06-09 05:39:03 · answer #4 · answered by shaggydude24 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't see any reason why a church should not have a gymnasium or any other kind of outreach ministry. My childhood church had a gym and a christian school. It was great. It keeps young people off the streets on the weekend.
2006-06-09 05:29:35 · answer #5 · answered by Caleb's Mom 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Should churches have gymnasiums and other facilities unrelated to worship?
Having these resources in not a sin. being prejudiced towards them is like saying every Christian should be poor and have only basic food,shelter, and Clothing.
If the focus of a Church is one of profit only for self promotion then that church is in serious jeopardy. Church is not real estate, cars, cloths or things of this nature. Church is the People and the Heart of the People towards God. Test the Fruit of a man for His/Her fruit will proof their heart.
when you seek first the Kingdom all these things will be added. because the heart seeks God & His Righteousness.they are as a reward for your faithfulness because you can be trusted to use them for God. If it is for personal glory or vainity then its a sin.
2006-06-09 05:39:06 · answer #6 · answered by lewbiv 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christians should have fun and play games and usually thats what happens in gymnasiums. Also gymnasiums can be used to car for the pool such as setting it up to feed the homeless.
2006-06-09 05:30:46 · answer #7 · answered by Is 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hopefully if they have money for a gym they are already out there working, but taking care of your community is a big part of what churches should be, give kids a SAFE place to hang out and exercise, as well it is a good way of getting new people in to the community of God. I think it is an excellent way to minister to people. Why not have singing, dancing, athletics, games, or whatever you can come up with that will interest the community in order to have a safe place to worship and play?
2006-06-09 05:29:41 · answer #8 · answered by hannahonelove 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i hear you on that but having a gym or large open space is good for a fellowship hall during potlucks and such too. but yeah some churches try and hit that lowest common denominator and lose there way. being christian is hard some people lash out just read some of the questions on here. iron sharpens iron this implies being strong and helping others be strong
2006-06-09 05:29:36 · answer #9 · answered by gsschulte 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We use our gym for a huge children's basketball ministry and various children's homes use the gym from time to time. We also have a men's ministry league night to allow a "less threatening" environment for non-Christians to come and meet Christians. Its been very effective. One indicator of a churches heart is to see what percentage of money they put into local/global missions, rather then what ministry services they offer.
2006-06-09 05:31:13 · answer #10 · answered by Me 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Churches that provide these types of things aren't all bad - it does promote a safe, family environment to participate in basketball and activities like this. I agree that resources should be distributed to more worth while causes but the family is a worth while cause too.
2006-06-09 05:28:51 · answer #11 · answered by topher 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋