There has been a vogue for repurposing phone boxes. Since the advent of mobile phones, the iconic red phone box has often been left unused and even vandalised. However over recent years they have received a lick of paint and a new lease of life. Many village streets have a lending library of books or a defibrillator ready to be used to provide emergency first aid.
A few years ago, whilst I was cycling the Coast to Coast from Morecambe to Bridlington, we came across a cycle hub with all those essentials one might need on a cycle ride – spare inner tube, even some cycling shoes and a helmet! It even featured in a TFTD. (17-7-2023)
Once again, I was out on my bike when we came across yet another idea for repurposing an old phone box. This one had a local map with directions from the village to various points of interest.
Sometimes we need to accept that our role has changed. What was once very useful is no longer needed. However rather than just let the cobwebs gather and the paint peel off, we can once more become useful in ways we might not have imagined.
Does this apply to our church buildings?
One thing all the phone boxes I’ve mentioned have in common – the “traditional” phone box, the lending library, the defibrillator point, the cycle hub, and the local map- is that they serve the community.
One is a source of communication, another a source of information, another a provider of practical help, another gives life giving help, and another gives us direction.
Our churches all have the common purpose of a place of worship, but can be so much more. Some provide foodbanks, others shelter. Some provide places of gathering and practical help.
I’m sure God has many other ideas for our church buildings – ones we would never have imagined!