What does a Christian bookstore include? Is it for everyone?
A walking tour of a LifeWay Christian Bookstore provides a glimpse of what a shopper can expect to find in the typical Christian bookstore.
With the name hanging above the entrance and printed on the doors, it seemed like all the rest of the shops along the parking lot, complete with the industrial welcome mats.
Upon entering, the fragrance of different potpourri scents fill the air. Signs at the front inform customers of upcoming events like book signings. On either side of the entrance, Thomas Kinkade prints are on display. Holiday, sale and best-seller aisles are closer to the front as well.
But I was still standing in front of the doors, so I decided I needed to move. With cash registers to my left and gift items to my right, I moved toward the gift items. A large variety of items are available for almost anyone you might know — picture frames, candles, candleholders, figurines and candy with a message.
From the secular to religious, the store’s options seem to be endless — keychains for golfing Christians, lapel pins for any occasion. Need an anniversary or wedding accessory? Unity candles, knives for the cake, as well as cake toppers and guest books are available.
Items for the popular sayings “What Would Jesus Do?” (WWJD) and “Fully Rely on God” (FROG), as well as a selection of Precious Moments items, were in plain view.
Pacifier clips and it’s a boy/girl lapel pins are available for new parents and their children.
The art along the wall varies from simple to complex. Some quote Scripture; others depict scenes from a flowery country meadow or a cascading waterfall in the mountains. Up near the ceiling on the wall was a beautiful eagle flying through the air with the popular verse Isaiah 40:31 printed on it.
You might even find your favorite hymn in a frame.
Moving toward the back of the store, the customer will find clothing and music. With T-shirts, caps, ties and sunglasses, the Christian has several options. Not only can you get shirts with Bob and Larry from “VeggieTales,” but you can also get theme shirts for the golfer, “Whole in One” (Col. 2:10) — “You are complete in Him, which is the head of all principalities and power.” Another depicts a person kneeling on the floor, hands clasped in prayer. “In life, position is everything,” it reads.
Along the wall of the music section are places for people to listen to CDs, cassettes and accompaniment tracks. From alternative to southern gospel, the music lover can find what he or she needs.
Choral selections, hymnals and books telling stories behind the hymns are available. Choir robes hang in the back right corner with instrumental and children’s music.
This merges with the youth and children merchandise. Puzzles for adults and children are next to Bible games. Children can literally put on the armor of God with a playset at the store. Dolls and VeggieTales characters are scattered in the area.
Sunday School teachers may also find supplies, like bulletin board borders and activity books.
A wide selection of videos and audiocassettes sits on the shelves.
Moving back toward the front in the central part of the store you pass boxed and individual cards covering a variety of topics: marriage, singlehood, gift books, fiction, prophecy, prayer, self help, Christian living and biographies.
Name-specific gifts can also be found in this section like cards and bookmarks. Some tell the owner of his/her name’s meaning. You can also decorate your car with license frames, bumper stickers and auto emblems.
Once again, I’m at the front, but I’m not done. Facing the back of the building, I move left again into the large selection of Bibles you can get very specific with your choice here. From New International Version, King James Version, New King James Version, Contemporary English Version and New American Standard Version, the buyer also has to consider hard- or softcover as well as the color. You can choose one by gender, age and culture. And if you don’t know what translation you like, you can get Bibles combining several.
As we move through the Bibles past the customer service desk and check-out area, we pass the Bible study books, which you can choose on specific books in the Bible, topics or people. It is the “professional” area.
The church supplies section except for the Master’s Blend Coffee Shop is devoted to supplying churches and heir staffs. From LifeWay resources to sermon outlines, the church staffer can find it all. Every ministry of he church — evangelism, missions, church growth, church leadership, worship, Vacation Bible School, etc. — has something available.
The section also houses commentaries for the Old and New Testaments as well as items for the Spanish population, like Bibles, books and music tapes.
When I turn back to exit the store, I have to pass back by the cash registers. Even there, the store has situated prints on the wall as well as books and toys for children along the shelves.
I remember when Christian stores were not as customer-friendly. Fewer options were available. I’m glad to have a place to go where I can research ways to have a more intimate relationship with God.
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