4 Great Things That Happen When a Church Plays Together Outside of Its Four Walls

Last night Mt Vernon finished MTV on Location, a four week break from our normal Wednesday schedule. For MTV on Location, we took church outside of our four walls to different local parks in the community. No worship services. We just ate and played together. Reflecting on the month, here are four great things that happened:

1. Change of pace. It’s summer. People are ready for a change of pace during the summer. Many are traveling. Numbers are going to fluctuate naturally. Changing the schedule to something new matches the expectations of the people and flows beautifully into the natural rhythm of a church year.

2. The church gets to know its pastors. For many church members, their only interaction with pastors is on Sunday morning, behind the safety glass of a pulpit and a scripted service. Church members need opportunities to see pastors in real life. Want to build a different connection with your congregation? Play volleyball with them.

3. You get to know your community. Every single week I got to meet a new family I had never met before. Some of them had never been to Mt Vernon at all, and some I might have missed in the hustle and bustle of Sunday morning. Having leisurely time to get to know new families was invaluable.

4. The family that plays together stays together. Fun is important. Fun builds fellowship. Fellowship is biblical. Playing together builds communal experiences and bonds that brings any church family closer together. Don’t think of a play night as a filler night. Be intentional about it!