Two Services

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow.

1 Corinthians 3:6

Dear CCC Family,

As I have mentioned a couple of times in service, the leadership is considering if this is the time God wants us to move to two services on Sunday morning.  This is both an exciting and prayerful time for us all.  We are still welcoming any feedback you may have about two services.  I appreciate the honesty with which many of you are expressing your feelings about this potential move!  Each comment is being taken seriously and with great contemplation.  As you are processing the prospect of this potential change, here are just a few prayerful thoughts reflecting some of the feedback so far.  

1)  Some have asked the basic question, "Why are we thinking about two services?"  

The short answer is because space is limited, and we are seeing a consistent increase in attendance.  The elders have been watching this for a couple of years pretty closely.  This Fall has been the greatest seasonal increase in recent memory.  The average attendance has increased 18% comparing Fall of 2012 and Fall of 2013.  There are also many new people/families visiting.  We are seeing an increase that God is providing and our desire is to be a good steward of what God provides.  Another thing we must consider is capacity in parking.  With our service attendance at 167 on December 15 with Elk Creek, the parking lot was full.  We should not plan that we can sustain full for an extended period of time. (see capacity discussion under question 2)

2)  What other options can we consider or have been considered?

A couple of things have been discussed, and a couple of things have been enacted.  We have added more seats to the main level and the balcony which increases the capacity slightly.  This should provide for a small increase in attendance, but it will not accommodate the size of increase experienced between Fall of 2012 and 2013 again.  This reasoning is based on church growth principle which states that a congregation will not be able to sustain attendance of more than 80% capacity in any given space, parking included.  We are staying in the 70-80% range right now.  Where there can be exceptions to any rule of thumb, I don't think we should plan with the idea that we are the exception.

It has also been suggested that the children be kept in their classes instead of attending the beginning of the service.  The space created by children and leaders would not amount to a great increase of space at this point.  The children are also attending out of a conviction from leadership that our children need to be brought up to understand the importance of broader church worship.  This is a valuable time for the children to learn the songs of the congregation, join in communion as appropriate, learn about communion, and interact with leaders in the church through the children's sermon.

We also have the new renovation area to consider, but we are a ways away from being able to develop that and parking lot in a way that will double our capacity.

3)  Will this create more work and time commitment for those who are serving?

Yes and no.  For some there may be increased time commitment initially, but we also must keep in mind that it creates more opportunity for others to get involved.  With the potential of more people in attendance and particularly new people joining, there will be an increase in the number of people participating on teams who are serving as well.  This, in most cases, is not simply a doubling of work, but it is a time of multiplication of ministry.

4)  Will this create a generational divide in the congregation?

This is probably the biggest concern looking at the transition, and I don't have a solid answer for this.  It is an issue that consumes much of my prayer time with regards to two services.  Having generations represented in each service is of such great value.  Our leadership team is taking a very careful look at what is "offered" during each service, and our intention is to make sure there is no generational divide created because of the offering of programing.

At the core of this concern is also a question of fellowship with those whom we enjoy each week, will I see them any more?  One of the things that has been considered an essential in this discussion is a transition period of about 30 minutes between services for fellowship and community building.  This would give a time for people to connect between services.  

5)  When will this happen?

Currently the leadership team is taking time to pray as we look at the data and listen to the congregational concerns.  After the first of the year, Ministry Council will meet and decide if this is the right time to go to two services.  As soon as the decision has been made a timeline will be communicated so that we can prepare as a congregation, volunteer teams, and leadership teams.  The bottom line concern is that we are good stewards of the people God is sending our way.  

6)  How should I prepare?

Prayer.  We will begin 2014 with 40 days of prayer.  Among the things we lift to the Lord should be the growth of His church.  Listen carefully as you study His Word.  Pentecost began as the disciples were simply gathered in prayer.  Their minds and hearts were open to what God wanted to do, and the church began.  Also communicate the thoughts you are processing.  You are welcome to speak with a ministry leader, email Dorothy in the office, or email me.  

This is an exciting time when God is moving clearly in our midst.  I hear stories each week of how people are growing in their relationship with Christ through the ministries of CCC.  Excitement is contagious.  Watch, listen, and learn what God is doing.  Join Him in His purpose with CCC, and let us step boldly into 2014 in prayer.

Prayerfully,

Pastor Lance