Recreation Ministry

As I became involved in the ministry of church recreation I observed two major trends that I would describe as non-Christlike.

First, many recreation facilities cost millions of dollars. Second, most operate with highly protective admittance policies, some only letting members in, some charging membership fees, etc. The first trend might be excusable if recreation centers were opened up to the community. I realize that a church must have “control” of their facilities and that an open door policy may complicate control issues. But shutting people out of these facilities will only harm the church’s witness.

Churches with Christian recreation facilities should open their doors and make their facilities a gift to the community.

Todd Noren

Huntsville, Ala.