Over Thanksgiving my wife and I ventured on Black Friday for the fun of it. Our day ended with a stop at a Barnes and Noble. Upon entering I made the comment “smell the knowledge”. Chris laughed and honestly, I have no idea what I meant. It was one of those thoughts that just came out. The point is not what I said, but what I felt entering that store. I don’t purchase many books at retail outlets, Amazon has very attractive prices on used and I have grown to love audio books. But, I love going to bookstores to walk around. The smell of coffee, rows upon rows of people that have poured their souls, thoughts and ideas into the wonderfully bound pages waiting for me to meander through to be challenged, entertained, angered and educated. Entering a book store I “feel” surrounded by wisdom and knowledge just waiting to be tapped. It is a great exercise for me.

I write often and believe strongly in this concept: our churches need to be places that people “feel” something when they enter. When I have had the opportunity to speak to groups, I will ask, “what do you feel when you enter your church”?  It is quite simple, if strangers or even long time parishioners do not get a good “feeling” upon entering, they are less likely to show up, participate or other wise be engaged in church! Sure they there are many people that show up, but do we have their hearts? Do they feel wanted? Do they feel they have an opportunity to give a gift of time and talent in a meaningful way?

Jesus certainly doesn’t need our help to win hearts and minds. But, if the Gospels and Church history are correct, then we do have parts to play. A large part is each of us creating an environment that others can fall in love with.