Why Do They Come Here?

I have the opportunity to oversee a great facility. It includes hardwood courts, weight room, fitness room, game room, track, cafe area, and locker rooms. The vision of Cool Spring was forward thinking when they designed this facility in 2002. Great job!

But what was even better was the vision for use of this facility. (Yesterday I spoke about determining your purpose). A vision that allowed the purpose of the Cool Spring Rec Center to impact people of our community by offering recreation and leisure with the companionship of Christ. Therefore, we are an open Rec Center to our community. So we plan and organize our leagues, programs, and schedules in such a way that our community (the community of Cool Spring Church and the community of Mechanicsville / Richmond) can participate together.

There is much debate among facilities (both community and church related) of who will be allowed to use the facility. Several thoughts of usage would include membership only, membership and guests, or open to community. And each of these has positive and challenging discussions. As someone interested in impacting the people who I live around, I favor the open policy. The open policy allows us as a church to meet with people right where there are. By offering recreational activities that people enjoy and are attracted to, we allow ourselves the opportunity to participate with them. And when we are participating with the community we are sharing life with them.

In a recent study of those attending our facility, it was identified that those using our facility came from thirty (30) different zip codes. Wow - sometimes I have to ask myself why would they drive from all those locations. And the answer is simple: It's because the community has found a place that is passionate about using recreation to connect with them! It's a place where they know people want to invest in them through leagues and healthy lifestyles. And it's a place where they will be introduced and taught to live in a growing relationship with Christ.

Determine your purpose and let it guide you in the use of your facility.