Prayer gardens lead to outdoor ministry

As more Alabama Baptists concentrate on health and exercise, many churches throughout the state are responding by building facilities that encourage physical activity and spiritual growth.
   
Some churches are even providing opportunities for their members and community residents to worship God in a more natural environment through prayer gardens and meditation walks.
   
When North Highlands Baptist Church, Hueytown, began designing its new church site, members noticed that their hometown had only one walking track that was located in a high-traffic area. Almost immediately, church leaders realized that providing a safer community walking area would provide neighborhood outreach opportunities and bring neighbors to the church at the same time.
   
But instead of providing a typical walking track, North Highlands designed its track to serve as a ministry tool to walkers once the new facility is constructed.
   
“We have put permanent signs around our property with Scripture all through the walking area that has to do with nature and the surroundings and the blessings of God,” said Debra Beam, a member of the church administrative relocation team.
   
“So as we walk through our property we will come to these things in intervals reminding us of God’s blessings,” she said. “It is a very wonderful reminder of who God is and to spend some time meditating on things like that.”
   
Beam also hopes that the track will be an outreach tool used by the congregation to minister to the community.
   
“In this area, there is a tremendous need for this type of resource,” she said. “People are becoming more physically conscious and we want to incorporate spiritual well-being along with physical well-being.”
   
Like North Highlands, many Alabama Baptist churches are taking their prayer rooms outside the church doors and into outdoor recreation areas.
   
In these cases, “The Architect’s Guide for Working with Southern Baptist Churches” provided by LifeWay Christian Resources church architecture department, suggests designing areas with proper lighting for night activities.
   
In addition, churches should conveniently locate rest rooms, drinking fountains, a telephone, shelter area, storage space for sports equipment and first-aid supplies throughout the area.
   
For information, resources and advice on a variety of church construction aspects, visit www.thealabamabaptist.org.