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Three Sunday Services
Your Questions Answered.
“Why are you now holding two morning services...?”
We recognised that we had a space issue on Sunday mornings, which is a positive problem to have, but if we had not acted people would have felt uncomfortable or that there was not enough room for them. Church growth experts state that “when a Church is 80% full, it is full” so if we had done nothing we simply would not have been able to grow. Although numbers are not everything we want to do whatever we can to reach more people for Jesus, so we believe that two morning services is one thing we can do to help facilitate growth for the Kingdom of God. We have been holding two morning services since September 2006.
“What times are the services held…?”
We hold the earlier service from 9.30 – 10.30am, break for coffee for 30 minutes, then hold the later service from 11.00 – 12.00 (approx). We also meet at 6.00pm, although this service is usually of a more traditional style, with fewer in attendance.
“Are the two morning services called anything different…?”
No, but we refer to each of them as the ‘earlier’ service or the ‘later’ service, since that is what they are. We avoid terms like first and second as this implies one is better than the other. Both have the same main outline and same sermon.
“Don’t you lose something if you are not all together…?”
We were are not all together before really, as we already had both a morning service and an evening service, but no-one ever said that this made it feel as though we had two different Churches, even though the style of both was quite different. That said we do recognise the value of meeting together, seeing friends etc, hence holding the coffee break between the two services. We not only encourage people at the earlier service to stay on for coffee, but also those coming for the later service to arrive earlier. This helps achieve more of a feeling of oneness. Over the holiday period we sometimes return to there being just one morning service too, and this tends to then be at 11.00am..
“Do you ask people to leave when they are having coffee because of starting the later service…?
No. We aim to ‘let people know’ that we will be starting the later service in five minutes time. People soon get the message and can always continue unfinished conversations in our back room.
“Is there coffee after the later service as well…?”
No (unless you go and make your own!)
“Isn’t there anything else you could have done instead of holding two separate morning services…?”
No. We looked at other options but did not believe any of these was right for us now. We looked at using different premises, planting elsewhere, holding Junior Church in the afternoon, doing nothing or placing a no entry sign outside when a certain number were inside! After prayer and discussion, the entire Leadership Team felt that, at this moment, our best option was to hold two morning services. Since we started this we have been overwhelmed with how positive people have been, and we’re very grateful to God for this.
“Couldn’t you just make better use of your space now…?”
We had thought we could seat more people if we turned the chairs round to face length ways but many people voiced how they much preferred the seating how it is now (sideways). While we could maybe make minor amendments this would not alter the situation overall, and another ten people would put us in the same situation we face now anyway. We believe God wanted us to take a step out of the boat. Such a step may not be easy, but it is exciting.
“I hear you might get a new building…? Couldn’t you have waited until then…?
No. Firstly there is still no guarantee we will get a new building. Secondly, this might be three or four years away, so we had to act now before we simply settled for what we had numerically on a Sunday morning, which would, by definition, imply that we did not wish to continue to grow. We need to remember ‘why’ the Church exists which, we believe, is primarily for mission, reaching people for Jesus.
“What about the Children's work…?”
We do not have the resources to run Junior Church twice on a Sunday morning so, regrettably, we only run this ministry during the earlier service. The positive side to this is that there may be opportunity for teachers and helpers involved with the children to teach (ie, give out) during this service, but then ‘receive’ at the later, thus reducing the urgency and practical issues resulting from so many requiring a tape of the service.
“So how did you decide when Junior Church would meet…?”
We consulted both Junior Church teachers and parents, and the preferred option was to hold the children’s work during the ‘earlier’ service. The clear benefit to families is that this generates more time to spend together the rest of the day, which is great if people have plans to go out. We appreciate this is not ideal for children of guests arriving for the later service but our publicity tries to highlight this.
“Do you provide crčche…?”
This is also at just the ‘earlier’ service, unless we suddenly receive offers from people willing to provide this extra resource. Mostly, those with very young children would be coming to the service with Junior Church and crčche provision. That said, any parent at the later service could have access to the crčche facility if they have a particularly young child with them.
“Are both the morning services the same…?”
More or less. Both have a contemporary feel to them. The sermon and most of the songs used are the same. That said, the two are not be identical, especially as the later service rarely has any children present. There are a few less people too. There is certainly a more relaxed and warmer feel to the later service, probably as time is not so much of an issue and people have had chance for a cup of coffee beforehand!
“Are both morning services recorded…?”
No, just the earlier one. The content is roughly the same. The main difference is any open prayer, or different people responding during ‘Celebrations’.
“Are people be expected to do twice the work…?”
No-one is ‘expected’ to do anything, other than be committed to being positive about what we are trying to do, and praying that God would use this. Both of these are vital. There is obviously be more ‘to do’ in some areas but we are addressing these issues. For example, we hope to develop two music groups over time. One group could then play at both services one week, but would then have a week off. This would mean practising fortnightly instead of weekly so the overall time commitment would not be excessive, and our musicians could then ‘receive’ more often too.
“Should people come to both the services…?”
No. You may wish to come to the earlier service and stay for coffee, or to arrive in time to have a coffee and then stay for the later service…? Of course, anyone can come to both services. Those who have done this speak of being blessed in different ways at different services.
“Which service should I come to…?
That is completely up to you. If you have children we would understand that you would probably prefer to come to the ‘earlier’ service when there is Junior Church and
crčche, but if you do not have children and didn’t mind which service you came to, our suggestion would be that you came to the ‘later’ service where there is naturally less people present (approx 40%). This would then help with the balance of the number of people at each.
“Does everybody ever meet up together…?”
Yes. Every coffee break on a Sunday morning is an opportunity for this. Moving to two morning services is temporary. Recognising that, at present, we have about 20% of people less attending during the school holidays we usually hold just one service during such times, ie half-term. Meeting together is important though, so we encourage people to prioritise their being around for the break in the middle, whichever service they attend. Also, do link up with a ‘LIFE Group’.
“What if having two services doesn’t work…?”
We know that this transition has not been easy but this is preferable to standing still. We are committed to doing all we can to make this work and hear Joseph’s reminder to his brothers, “Don’t quarrel on the way!” (Gen 45: 24). If we feel that things are not working and we have tried to resolve issues that have arisen, without success, then we will look for a different way forward.
“What can I do…?”
If you are not a part of the Church – join us! If you are a member of the Church already, here are three things you can do that will make a difference. Firstly, and most importantly, really pray; for the resolving of all the practical issues that arise, that mistakes are few, and that grace would be demonstrated in abundance. “Your attitude should be like that of Christ Jesus…” (Phil 2). Secondly, you can offer to help out in some way…? This is especially relevant for those who do not currently have a role within the life of the Church. God’s Word says you
do have a part to play. Thirdly, you can encourage those people who you see visibly making additional sacrifices. Encouragement is a wonderful gift.
Thank you for reading this. I hope this has helped answer some of your questions….? Should you have any other queries, please don’t hesitate to contact me on 267171, or speak to me in person.
Roger Frapwell, Pastor -
January 2007
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