THE FOYER

Practically every public building has an entrance way.  It is called a lobby in a theater or hotel.  It is called a vestibule or foyer in a church building.  The word foyer comes from the Latin word focus which meant “hearth.”   The hearth in ancient times was the general meeting place.

The foyer plays an important role in church buildings.  In most foyers you will find bulletin boards, tract racks, tables, materials for distribution, coat racks and water fountains.  All of these are found in the foyer because almost everyone will pass through it to get to the classrooms or the auditorium.

Many beneficial things take place in a church building foyer.  First, it is a good place for visitors to be greeted upon entering and leaving.  This makes them feel welcome.  Second, it is a good place for fellow Christians to visit before and after the worship services.  Third, in this central location the bulletin, magazines, tracts, and announcements can be displayed and will likely be seen. Fourth, it is a good place for the preacher to greet all those who attend the worship service.

There is, however, the tendency on the part of some to misuse the foyer.  Can the Lord be pleased when brethren stay out in the foyer and talk about anything and everything instead of attending a Bible class?  Is the Lord pleased when latecomers stay in the foyer instead of going to class?  Do we think God is pleased when we remain in the foyer talking after the beginning of worship services?

Let us use the foyer to encourage and use the Bible class rooms and the auditorium to learn and worship (John 4:23-24).

—adapted from John Grubb
Jacksonville church of Christ