We are recently back from what feels like it is becoming an annual expedition to Butlins. We find that it offers a safe, reliable holiday with everything onsite that suites our family well. For me, there’s also a touch of nostalgia as I used to go with my parents and sister to a Christian holiday at one of the sites (Filey and later Skegness). So, I’ve lots of childhood recollections and it brings back memories of mum, especially when I see older parts of the site such as the old chalets, some used as staff accommodation and some having undergone refurbishment. Butlins have also taken care to preserve aspects of their history including an example of the original chalets and a surviving monorail engine.
Butlins isn’t perfect to be sure. Their approach seems to be to do a major refurbishment and rebrand every 20 -30 years but maintenance afterwards isn’t fantastic. They are probably due such an upgrade. I remember a funfair packed with rides in my youth, less so now and whereas back then you pretty much had paid all you needed to up front, now there are a lot more opportunities to part with your money. If I had one major concern it would be the prominence of potentially addictive arcade games in the central venue.
However, what I primarily wanted to pick up on here was a positive lesson. It has struck us over the past few years, that if churches want to learn how to look after families well then they could do worse than to take a fact finding trip to Skegness or Minehead. What they will pick up on is an inclusive, welcoming environment with a high proportion of neuro-diverse young people. No-one is excluded, The red coats and most of the entertainment team including the Skyline Gang of children’s entertainers show a clear commitment to treat all with dignity and respect, giving them time and attention, listening to them as equals.
Given it’s a holiday, you might be surprised at how much of what happens is educational. However, it’s all wrapped up in fun. The chief end of Butlins is enjoyment. Perhaps if we remembered that our chief end is to glorify God then it might affect our approach to church. To be sure, we want to teach people about God from his word but that doesn’t mean that churches have to feel like lecture halls and classrooms.
What have you learnt from holidays that might be helpful to church life?
Faithroots 