Soon many of you will be holidaying in other parts of the country. This can be a great joy, But what does this mean for Sunday?
Our family attend a local church when we holiday. This isn’t always possible (especially if you’re abroad) but it’s a good practice.
Many Christians don’t do this. Some treat Sunday like any other day of the week while away. Increasingly, church members will watch the live stream of their own church.
But I think visiting other churches is still worthwhile. Here are 6 reasons why, followed by some brief tips on how to do it.
Reasons to Go to Church On Holiday
1. Sunday is the Lord’s Day
Christians have different opinions on how to view Sunday. Yet I’m convinced Sunday is Jesus’ day. It is a day of rest and worship.
This isn’t a chore! Isaiah told Israel to “call the Sabbath a delight” (Isaiah 58:13). A day of rest should be a delight to us too. If Sunday is good, why would we miss it even one week?
2. Spiritual Refreshment
It’s worth asking why Sunday is a delight. It is a delight because it provides us with spiritual rest. Six days we toil. Even on holiday, the week can have its stresses. What we need most for rest is a day of meeting with God.
Most of us go on holiday to be refreshed, why wouldn’t we do this on a Sunday?
3. Family Connections
I always feel awkward walking into another church. It feels a bit like attending someone else’s family reunion. However, by the end of the service, I walk away feeling like part of the family.
That, of course, is true. I am part of their family. They are my spiritual brothers and sisters! Last year, we even got invited back to a family’s house for dinner.
These family connections can serve in the long term. Churches I’ve visited on holiday have sometimes been churches I’ve been able to recommend to other Christians leaving our church. Getting to know a wider family is an immense blessing.
4. Broaden Horizons
There’s a danger of our Christian horizon being narrowed to our own local church. There are advantages to seeing churches quite different from ours.
Nat and I went on holiday once to Fort William. We attended a Free Church of Scotland very outside our comfort zone. They only sung psalms, all the women were in hats, we were the youngest by a good forty years! It couldn’t have been our regular home. However, the sermon was from the same gospel. We were reminded that the church is bigger than our small circle.
5. Encourage the Church
As a pastor, I often find that holidays can be a time for encouragement. Nat and I have occasionally got talking to discouraged pastors and pastors’ wives, who needed another couple to offload on. Other times ageing congregations are encouraged to see a family appear.
I’m involved with a group called The Rural Project to encourage churches in smaller areas. Many of these are in holiday destinations. Their congregation swells in the summer and can actually provide an income that sustains them in outreach for the rest of the year. Even if you aren’t encouraged by visiting another church, perhaps you will bless your brothers and sisters by going to them.
6. Teaching Your Children
I want my kids to see church as a blessing, not as a chore. But I don’t think that is achieved by treating church as something that can be left for more important things. Going to visit other churches trains my children to treat church seriously.
As they get older, it can serve another purpose too. When your sons and daughters leave home, they will need go church hunting themselves. Visiting other churches can help train Christian teenagers to learn what is worth looking for in a church.
Tips for Holiday Church Tourism
So how do you do this? A few quick tips
Where to find other churches: The nearest church building to your holiday home won’t necessarily preach the gospel. I first ask for Christian friends’ recommendations. If that doesn’t work look at the FIEC, the Gospel Partnerships or Evangelicals Now.
Preparing kids: Not every church takes kids out for Sunday School. Generally, I’m willing to travel for a church that does. But even then, churches can close Sunday School over the summer. So go prepared with snacks, books and whatever will keep them occupied if they have to sit in the service.
Family mindset: I’m pretty extroverted but even I find going to a new church intimidating! But over the years I’ve learnt to go with a mindset of “I’m meeting long lost family members”. Go ready to meet your family!
Plan your day: It may help younger kids to combine church with a trip. We aren’t comfortable with spending money on a Sunday, but a visit to a nearby beach or forest for a walk can make the day still feel like a holiday.
How about you? What have you found helpful in visiting other churches?
P.S. I’ll be taking a break over the Summer hols. God-willing you should next hear from me on 5th September. Hope you have a good time away
Thanks Tim - helpful thoughts, and really good to remember that we’re meeting family. This is also one reason why churches need to make sure their websites and social media are up to date! My main struggle with church when we’re away is “shop talk” after the service if I’m supposed to be on holiday.