St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

We had five people visit yesterday. It means that over the last three months we've had more than 15 people check us out - and most of them have visited again. I'm encouraged. But there is a slight problem.

As a group, visitors tend not to come the same week. And since its a big church, it often feels empty.

Part of it is what constitutes regular membership. Regular attendance for Modern Episcopalians is once or twice a month. The reason is simply scheduling - and Sunday mornings are often the only time families have to reconnect and live leisurely. Church seems to take effort - and getting to church can be a royal pain in the ass, especially when parking is limited. Although I like a full church, there are macro issues I can't control that make attendance optional.

The consequence is that young families rarely see each other. It might feel good - the general energy - but they don't see that other young families are making the choice to join this community. But we're at a point where if the new visitors come on the same Sunday - we've got a party.

Members of St. Barts can help. By showing up when they are in town. The state of your soul... well who knows? But showing up is a form of hospitality.

But I also think that it is the church's responsibility to make the church more inviting. Attendance, better music, stronger liturgy, interesting programs are attractive. If people aren't pulled to church, then the church has to change its style.

So yes, I'm going to rip out the pews.