Excuse Me Where's Your Restroom?

How many times have you been out running errands and needed to use the restroom? In that moment where to go next was determined by who had a restroom you could use. When we think about ministry the restroom is the furthest from our mind. However, if your facility did not offer a restroom, it would limit the effectiveness of your ministry. Moreover, if the restrooms didn't meet the needs of the congregation, that congregation would slowly dwindle to nothing.

A few years ago, my grandmother had knee replacement surgery. Anyone who has had this procedure knows that after surgery the knee should only be bent at a 90-degree angle. Instantly we realized that there wasn't a single toilet in the church she could use safely. She was not the only one, there was a half a dozen members in the same boat.

If we relay it to ministry, what are the minor hurdles that are stumbling blocks for growth? In the winter when it gets darker earlier, do you adjust your meeting times to avoid driving in the dark? Do you offer at least one area where parents can change a baby's diaper. At the end of the day people weigh their options when it comes to participation. The more barriers you remove the more likely they are to join.

We eventually updated the restrooms, added more high toilets and guard rails. There is still a lot more that needs to be done.

What experience are the congregation having that affect their ability to participate in ministry? What minor inconvenience can you solve for the membership?