Your indoor lighting systems and stage may look like heaven is shining down on your worship, but have you ever taken the time to examine your church property after nightfall? Are the walkways to the entries well-lit? Is the parking lot bright? These are very important questions to ask when considering the comfort and welfare of attendants and visitors.
As a church, you want to create an environment that will make everyone feel safe as they come and go from evening services or special events; no-one likes to walk out into a gloomy or dark parking lot! The absence of quality lighting also casts a woeful aura on your property; the building itself will become more inviting when illuminated sufficiently.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU NEED TO INSTALL (OR REPLACE) OUTDOOR LIGHTING
Follow this simple light-test below to see how inviting the property is after dark. Take a friend with you and drive over to your church some evening after the sun goes down; step out into the parking lot and walk around:
- Can you recognize each other from a reasonable distance?
- Is the landscaping easy to distinguish from the walkways?
- Can you read from a pamphlet/brochure with the current lighting?
- Does the building look inviting?
- Are there exterior pieces of interest that should be highlighted, such as fountains, flowering plants, sculptures, or flags?
Asking these questions can help you make the wisest budgeting decision for your ministry in regards to outdoor lighting, and help you determine whether or not new installations would be an exciting benefit to the church property, both in appearance and practicality.
“Let your light so shine before men, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)
