Yes it is…
This Sunday, Easter 2007, we are starting a third service with three, count ’em, 3 new service times. What will they be? 9am, 10:15am, and 11:30am.
Why are we going to 3 services?
1) Space. This is the main reason. We have been at 380 recently with 2 services. Both services are more than 80% capacity. People won’t keep coming if they are overcrowded. And the cafetorium space at Tobias is being maximized. We have to keep making room for the people we are reaching so we can keep on mission.
2) Parking. Okay, this is the same as space, but we are dealing with this by encouraging anyone who will, excluding our guests, to park on the front side of Tobias and walk around.
3) More doors (or hooks). Some times work better for some people than others. We are keeping our services on Sunday morning for several reasons. Sunday morning is the number one choice for people to attend a church (as confirmed by our recent survey). It also helps us to "attend a service and serve a service." When we move to Saturday or Sunday night, that will be much harder to do, until we can provide 2 night services.
4) More places to serve. For us to continue forward, it will take more of us actively involved in making it all happen. Starting another service, in effect, forces us to step up to the plate and get in the game.
5) Practice. I need more preaching practice. And by the third time, I should get it right. Just kidding.
How many services are willing to do? Simple answer: as many as it takes. I know of churches that have 6 live weekend services. So we’ve got it easy, so far.
WHY NOW? This Sunday will be our highest attendance ever. We are expecting at least 600 people for Easter. (There, I said it. Now my big toe is on the line.) Someone said 1000, but I need more vision. I pray they’re right, though. God can do anything! And we want to build on the momentum of the Big Day by making room for everyone to come back and Make the Connection.
For this to happen, it’s going to take everyone of us Interceding (that’s Biblespeak for praying your heart out, and it starts with an "I"), Investing and Inviting. I’m going to be presenting a very clear message on the difference that a real relationship with Jesus will make in our lives. Please do everything you can to make sure you invite and bring everyone you can THIS SUNDAY! ETERNITY IS ON THE LINE! Why am I yelling? IT’S THAT IMPORTANT!
Okay, I’ve regained control of myself. OH NO! I LOST IT AGAIN! Okay, I’m back. Who are you inviting?