First padded pews, and now this.

Eagle Brook Church in Lino Lakes, Minnesota, is building a new auditorium that will feature theatre-type seats -- complete with cupholders. Church staffer Scott Anderson explains, "Coffee is such a part of our church culture. If they're gonna bring it in, they need a place to put it. It was a logical decision."

Based on that rationale, I've come up with a few additional features that churches might want to consider. For example, in addition to cup holders, pews could feature cell phone holders ("turned to silent or vibrate, please"). And for those who prefer a different style of music to that used in the service, I'd suggest an iPod attached to the back of the pew featuring a variety of alternate music selections, complete with headphones.

In fact, as long as we're shooting for convenience, there are a number of additions that a neighborhood megachurch could include to serve the needs of today's consumers -- I mean, church attenders. Why not the "Anoint with Oil" service bay where you can leave the car for an oil change and detailing while you worship? Or the cut and blow dry section of the auditorium, where parishioners with fast-paced lifestyles can get a "do" while they hear about doing the Word?

And the biggest hit of all will be for those churches that utilize video technology to project the preacher on those giant screens -- an individualized remote control that lets a listener fast forward to the end of the sermon. No reason to let a sermon get in the way of another cup of java!

Michael Duduit, Editor
michael@preaching.com
www.michaelduduit.com