If you have two identical buildings and one looks run down and the other looks well cared for with no difference in the price, most of us will choose the building that looks well cared for.

As a preacher, I've been to many churches and the contrast between them is staggering. A few years ago, I went to one church that did not have a notice board on it; the door was closed and I wondered whether I was at the right building. In fact I was.

There have been other occasions when I have visted a church only to find the paint peeling off the front doors and window frames. At other churches the garden has been full of rubbish and has been over grown with weeds and grass.

Other churches have had notice boards, some well kept and others less so. Many have had incorrect service times, posters that have faded that are almost unreadable and even the previous minister still listed.

Some buildings have more than one door and it is less than clear which door one should use. There are occasions when disabled access and pushchair access is at the rear or side of the church. Some of the larger churches, once inside can be like rabbit warrens and , it's easy to get lost.

It does not cost much to buy a tin of paint and paint the front door or to keep a notice board updated. It does not cost much for signage to indicate which door to use or to indicate the way to the church santuary once in the building. It doesn't cost much to keep a garden clean and tidy.

We would acknowledge that church attendances for many have declined and it is left to a few to do the work and it doesn't get any easier. On the other hand many of us wouldn't allow our gardens or paintwork at home to get into such a state and yet we allow the House of God to fall visibly into disrepair (we are not talking about major repairs here). There might be very nice people in the church but outward appearances do matter.

What impression do we create to the world outside Church and what does it say about us? We must not get defensive about this, it is an honest question that requires an honest answer.