Pastor's Handbook by John R. Bisagno

Author:John R. Bisagno [Bisagno, John R.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: B&H Publishing
Published: 2011-09-01T00:00:00+00:00

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Chapter 79

MULTIPLE SERVICES

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I think it is best to use your existing buildings twice or even three times each Sunday morning before thinking about building new ones. Classrooms and worship centers used only an hour or two a week need to be considered for other purposes. Starting schools, scheduling additional services, and creating new Bible studies are certainly high priority in that consideration.

The question is, Do we start new services in order to grow, or do we start them because we are already growing? The answer to both questions is yes. Prevailing wisdom says that if your existing space is 80 percent full, it’s time to build or start a second service. Frankly, I have a problem with that because another question must first be answered.

Is the facility 80 percent full because you are in a growth mode and have moved from 50 percent to 60 to 70, to 80, and it is obvious you’ll soon be out of space? Or is it at 80 percent because you’re not growing, and once ran 100 percent and then 90?

In the latter case factors other than space should first be addressed. Let me say that again. If you are at 80 percent because you’re declining, starting more services is not the answer.

If, however, you have grown to 80 percent and are still growing, it is time to consider multiple services. Obviously you don’t need more room until you reach 100 percent, but a church in a growth mode will likely be at or near capacity in a few months, and a great deal of advanced planning and preparation are required in starting new services.

One of the more appealing factors in starting a second service is that people like choices. All other things being equal, I will opt for the church that gives me a choice to come at 8:30 or 10:30 rather than the one that says I must come at 9:30.

If your worship service begins at 10:00 or 11:00, you should get immediate growth by adding an early option. I have found 8:30 or 9:00 to be a good option.

To your surprise, you may find some married young adults as well as senior adults will like the earlier time. Seniors are early risers. The majority of seniors arrive thirty to forty minutes before any morning Bible study or worship service, regardless of the scheduled time to begin. They just like to get there early. It is also a great attraction to seniors to be able to leave the facilities before the heavier flow of traffic comes in for the later services.

Additionally, many married young adults often find the early option to be attractive. Little children wake up early. Babies are sometimes wide awake and ready for that early feeding by 5:00 or 6:00 a.m. Remember, of course, that the nursery must be well staffed and functioning at least thirty minutes before the early service begins.

The same factors enter into the question of the advisability of multiple Sunday morning Bible studies.

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