Volley #9

Volley # 9 “God’s Little Acre”

The Diocese of West Virginia has some amazing churches. Most exude holiness, having been sanctified by the prayers of generations. Yet church buildings can be forbidding to someone who has never been inside. Some are brick or stone, in castle-era designs. Most have obscured windows and heavy, closed doors, often with a flight of steps leading up to them.

We need to do what we can to soften our exteriors, and to guide people to the entrance. Landscaping can be crucial. It may seem like a luxury, but actually one of the most practical things a congregation can do is to have a talented professional make a landscape plan for the property. Such a plan can be implemented over time, and members can take pride and interest in doing the work themselves, or sponsoring a segment.

A neatly kept, attractively planted property gives off subliminal messages, like: “This church is loved,” and “We’re a vital and functional congregation.” Those are things a prospective new member will find comforting.

Having a place on the local garden tour is not such a bad thing for publicity, either!