In Theory: Church, now playing at a theater near you

As to the concern that a certain transitoriness is built into the concept of a theater church as opposed to a more traditional building, I would tend not to worry. If you think about it, we are all simply passing through, and nobody is going to live forever, regardless of how firm the church's foundation is. Also, keep in mind that we worship the living God, not a cold, stone building. And just maybe the living God is trying to get us out of our cold, stone buildings, no matter how beautiful they are, in order to reach those who would never darken the door of a traditional church but would be open to seeking the living God in a different structure, such as a movie theater!

"See, I am making all things new" (Revelation 21:5).  CLIFFORD L. "SKIP" LINDEMAN is pastor of La Canada Congregational Church. Reach him at (818) 790-1185.

Rabbi Simcha Backman: I feel that it is critical for a congregation to have a permanent house of worship. No temporary location can truly provide the full range of programming, worship services and other long-term activities necessary to sustain a viable community. A congregation can only benefit when their spiritual home has secure roots in the local area and provides a sense of stability and continuity.

Using a movie theater or renting another temporary location can certainly work as an interim solution that allows members time to find the necessary support and funding for a home of their own. Still, it is imperative that people not get too comfortable in these transitional settings since there's a risk that they may abandon their ultimate plan for a permanent home. A temporary setting requires fewer responsibilities and demands less monetary commitment, which can unfortunately become an attractive optoin to members--and can endanger the goal of establishing a lasting place of worship with a full slate of programs.

I also believe that when a congreagation is ready to make that important leap to build or purchase a home of their own, it is essential that the needs and opinions of congregants be incorporated in the final design. If using this formula dictates that the aesthetics depart from the standard look of a traditional house of worship then--as long as it does not compromise religious teachings--so be it. It can only be positive if our spiritual centers take on new, welcoming appearances that attract more members and increase attendance.