The Weird Places Some Churches Congregate

Are Crystal Cathedrals Going Out of Style?

My husband has been starting new churches and non-profit organizations for over 30 years. Most groups that start a new church or ministry don't have the luxury of being able to meet in a nice church building. Usually funds are limited or nonexistent, so finding a place to meet is often difficult.

Over the years we have had to become creative in finding locations for our churches. Many of our friends who are church planters have had the same problem. Most non-profit organizations, regardless or their cause, have to deal with this issue as well.

In the last few years it has become somewhat "hip" for churches to meet in non-traditional church settings. When we started doing it (out of necessity) it was not popular. In fact, people have actually been afraid to walk through the doors of some of our churches because of the place we were meeting in at the time.

I personally believe the day of the huge crystal cathedral is quickly coming to an end. Our society has become more and more casual, and as a result many people find the pomp of these ornate structures to be somewhat intimidating. There will always be a place for the beautiful grand church buildings in our lives, but I believe God's desire for the church is to not put so much emphasis on the building, and to become more aware of what is going on outside in the world.

Here are a few of the strange places either we or our friends have used as a church:

The American Legion

This was an interesting place because on Saturday night there was always a party in the building. On Sunday morning we would have to pick up the beer bottles and various other gross things in the parking lot before starting the service.

A Former Escort Service

When we leased the space the owner told us that it had been a furniture store. All of the walls in the place were painted dark blue. There were cameras and mirrors mounted in every room. Couches were also in each room. We found several pairs of black spandex pants, two pairs of spiked heel shoes, hair dryers, and other miscellaneous stuff.