7 Services @ 3 Locations
After some brainstorming and prayerstorming we've made a decision. Like all other changes at NCC, we're viewing this as an experiment. That takes some of the pressure off.
We're going to add a third service @ Union Station. And we're going to do all three in the Grand Theater. It's the largest and nicest theater @ Union Station and we already have sound and lights so we don't have to buy another set of equipment or double our ministry teams. It does mean a long morning, but I think it's the best way to reach more people.
The 9 AM gathering will have a live message and children's ministry. The 10:15 will alternate live/video. And the 11:30 will be our video message option. Everything else will remain the same.
You don't have to be a mathematician to know that our services will have to be a little shorter. We've trended toward 70-75 minute services at Union Station. We'll have to shoot for 60-65 minute services. We don't want to compromise worship so we'll trim messages to 30-35 minutes. I honestly think that is a good challenge for me. And we may need to reinvent and/or reduce announcements.
Just want to give a shout out to our ministry leaders and volunteers. I never ceased to be amazed at the flexibility and servanthood of NCCers. Every transition like this poses challenges. But we're really hoping for an influx of volunteers in all of our ministries!
We'll launch our new service times the first weekend in March--March 4. That'll be quite a weekend! We launch NCC en Espanol at our Ballston location that same weekend. We'll go from 5 to 7 services in one weekend.
We're going to add a third service @ Union Station. And we're going to do all three in the Grand Theater. It's the largest and nicest theater @ Union Station and we already have sound and lights so we don't have to buy another set of equipment or double our ministry teams. It does mean a long morning, but I think it's the best way to reach more people.
The 9 AM gathering will have a live message and children's ministry. The 10:15 will alternate live/video. And the 11:30 will be our video message option. Everything else will remain the same.
You don't have to be a mathematician to know that our services will have to be a little shorter. We've trended toward 70-75 minute services at Union Station. We'll have to shoot for 60-65 minute services. We don't want to compromise worship so we'll trim messages to 30-35 minutes. I honestly think that is a good challenge for me. And we may need to reinvent and/or reduce announcements.
Just want to give a shout out to our ministry leaders and volunteers. I never ceased to be amazed at the flexibility and servanthood of NCCers. Every transition like this poses challenges. But we're really hoping for an influx of volunteers in all of our ministries!
We'll launch our new service times the first weekend in March--March 4. That'll be quite a weekend! We launch NCC en Espanol at our Ballston location that same weekend. We'll go from 5 to 7 services in one weekend.
7 Comments:
"We don't want to compromise worship so we'll trim the message..." That's what I'm talking about: a pastor with a heart for worship - that's awesome, bro. I respect how you guys handled that.
It's awesome to see growth in a thoughtful, effective way
"Reinvent or reduce announcements." It's about time! =) Since we meet in movie theaters, why not have a "church trivia/announcements" slide show play before the service? That would also give you guys an outlet for your completely random and goofy ideas. Pull out some old videos, or shoot some new ones of your dancing --Chaos II, anyone?-- and throw 'em up there. Make it different, make it entertaining, make it memorable. By golly, announcements just might be fun for once =) Perhaps that would help get people in their seats sooner too.
I wish I came up with this idea on my own, but alas, I cannot claim it. That is all.
Attended a theater service last week where they did creative announcement video while the worship band and singer did song related to the "big idea" pre-service. Announcement time during the service was about one-minute in duration. Very effective--if you were there early.
We have a bullentin still and just decided this week no more announcements. Last week they kind of killed the service right after a very impactful ending. IF it is that important it will be worked into the sermon; otherwise, it will be posted online or found in the bullentin.
Another brilliant idea from Stephen Elliot! ;)
stephen elliot is onto something!
I went to a church in the UK that did all their announcements via a PowerPoint presentation prior to the start of the service. It also gives the opportunity to remind people to turn off their phones and to move toward the center, leaving aisle seats for those arriving later.
Post a Comment
<< Home