Before ascending back to God's residential place, Jesus commissioned his followers to preach the scriptures to the world. This way all would be saved. This led to the rise of missionaries who went to strange lands and established places of worship. They also converted people to Christianity and with the new converts spread the gospel farther.
Different architectural designs are adopted when making churches. Some incorporate the culture of the local worshipers. However, all the buildings have a special place from which the preacher gives the audience his message. The choir also use it at times in some places. The rest of the building is mostly used to accommodate the worshipers. Some rooms can be set aside for mothers with small children. The younger worshipers may also have separate places for worshiping. This allows the church leaders to prepare sermons that suit each group and will benefit them the most.
Spiritual nourishment is not the only function that is implemented. Legal unions of two people into a marriage is also done. This is considered legal in many countries and thus recognized in courts. The marriages performed in this set up must be in agreement with both the laws of the land as well as those of the scriptures such as monogamy. They are done by a cleric and in front of witnesses. The couple are blessed and united in marriage which is signified by exchange of rings.
People going through difficult situations in life can seek advice from pastors. People who need to make difficult decisions can ask for advice from these spiritual leaders. Those trying to break away from bad habits also receive help in form of prayers and advice. Normally, these services are offered at no fee.
When two parties are in disagreement, they can decide to seek mediation in a church. A religious leader can thus be the mediator in a conflict. This conflict resolution strategy can be very effective if both parties respect the church clergy and listen to them.
During times of disasters people go through very difficult situations. Churches accommodate such people. No body is turned away if they are seeking shelter. Some believers are of the view that these buildings are holy and thus cannot be affected by natural disasters. They thus feel safe in them. When there is war, victims who are harmless and unarmed seek protection from the armed people in the holy buildings.
The functions that are performed by churches are very many. These are just a few of them. Most of them are helpful to the society and thus these buildings help in making the society a better place.
No comments:
Post a Comment