Here are six big benefits of gathering outside on Sunday:
1 – It is easier to invite new people who live nearby…they have already seen the gathering, know where it is and know how to find you.
2 – It is less threatening to new people than a church building or home because if you get uncomfortable you can just walk right out. That is more awkward in a church building and especially a living room.
3 – It is often beautiful outside and you get to experience creation in the gathering in a way that doesn’t happen inside.
4 – Things happen outside that would never happen inside – the way the wind blows, the birds fly, the sounds you hear…this is blocked out inside. This leaves one feeling more connected with God in the gathering.
5 – No cost. It is free to meet outside. No rental fees! That means more money for other things of importance.
6 – you can’t control the weather so a lot more prayer goes into God providing good weather for the meeting and it is amazing when the forecasted rain clears up just in time! You never even think of that in a building. One more way our faith can stretch. When we first started home church. We met outside every Sunday for over a year and it didn’t rain a single Sunday morning during the gathering. There were many times it was in the forecast and we would pray and it just didn’t rain during our gatherings.
This values letting God be in control, seeking God’s help through prayer and connecting with God in neighbor in view of creation. I hope you will try it! Let me know how it goes!
Thoughts?
