“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

This is a familiar saying that often refers to our need to improve things when they don’t really need improving. The problem is that for many churches, the question is “when is it broken enough?” It doesn’t matter if it is broken or worn, but when is it to the point when we HAVE to fix it or get a new one. Often times, when things are broken or the way things are done doesn’t work anymore, we still tolerate it due to lack of energy, time, leadership, resources, creativity, or money. Back in August 2010, I wrote a blog about how a broken pew inspired the worship team at my church to re-evaluate how we worship. There was no urgent need to re-evaluate how we worship, except that the broken pew began to spark conversation about our worship style. Although we could have simply fixed the pew (which we have done in the past to many of the other ones), we discussed how we may transform some of them given the needs of our congregation.

One of the challenges we constantly face is how to worship as an intergenerational community. However, one thing that we are intentional about is creating a space that is family-friendly. Although we do provide nursery care that is close to the sanctuary, we also allow space for babes in arms and crawling toddlers. This provided us an opportunity to transform some of our broken pews into interactive boards that would teach theological concepts in tangible and concrete form. Below is a slideshow on how I transformed four pews into four interactive boards that were adhered to the backs of these pews.

Here are a list of materials and stores used in creating these:

Most of the materials were old, unused items found in the storage closets and attic of the church and found at SCRAP (Scrounger’s Center for Reusable Art Parts). It’s amazing what you can find in a church that is over 100 years old. Also, if you can find an art store that reuses junk for art parts, you can find a lot of items for minimal cost. When I did have to purchase items, I mostly went to Home Depot, Michael’s, and Oriental Trading Co.

Board #1: God Created Me – opportunity to examine one’s face, draw their own creation, and create their own face.

• Mirror (found at the church)
• Wooden Frame (SCRAP)
• Acrylic Paints (Oriental Trading Co.)
• Magnetic Doodle Board (any toy store)
• Magnetic Paint (Home Depot) – make sure you have them shake the can and paint several coats to get a strong magnetic effect.)
• Magnets – (SCRAP) – used old refrigerator magnets to glue face parts onto.
• Face Parts (Clipart)

Board #2: God Chose Me – opportunity to feel different symbols of baptism and explore different trinitarian names.

• Shadow Boxes (SCRAP)
• Items for Shadow Boxes: crosses, feathers (Oriental Trading Co.), birthday candles, pinwheel
• Wooden Beads (Michael’s)
• Wooden Blocks (sawed from 2×4’s – Home Depot)
• Metal Rods/Screw Connectors (Home Depot)
• Trinitarian Names:
• Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer
• Fire, Rock, Wind
• Father, Son, Spirit
• God, Jesus, Holy Ghost
• King, Prince of Peace, Dove
• Word, Truth, Wisdom
• I AM, Savior, Breath
• Yahweh, Immanuel, Sophia
• Mother, Messiah, Shepherd
• Elohim, Helper, Witness
• Judge, Counselor, Advocate
• Shalom, Comforter, Nurturer

• Heart Tins (SCRAP)
• Gold Spray Paint (Home Depot)
• Heart Frames (Michael’s)
• Heart Rubbing Plates (Oriental Trading Co.)
• Paper & Crayons

Board #4: God Calls Me – opportunity to recognize the characteristics of a disciple and use their imagination by playing with different characters in the Bible.

• Felt Board (found at the church)
• Wooden Rod (Michael’s)
• Fish Napkin Rings (SCRAP)
• Wooden Pegs (SCRAP)
• Ribbon

Note: Recently, these interactive boards have moved from the back of the broken pews to the corner of the sanctuary that we designated as a toddler area.