Signs of the Times - WiFi and Multi-Site Churches
June 18, 2008
On my about page I mention that my favorite item on the menu at Starbucks is WiFi, technology that gives you wireless access to the internet while you sip your coffee. In the last eight years or more churches have been adding coffee shops to their church atrium. The new thing now is to add wireless internet access and comfortable chairs and sofas. But even more valuable than WiFi is churches that are using satellite broadcasting to expand their church to multiple locations.
It is being called the “Multi-Site Revolution“. Many of the most successful churches have become too large to have any real connection among the congregation. Many of these churches are successful because they have found a niche, a ministry to a particular demographic that facilitates church growth. What many churches are doing is building new churches in different areas of their metropolitan areas to reach different communities. What is interesting is the fact that many of these churches are doing a satellite broadcast that is being shown live at the multiple locations. The pastor will preach at the main campus and there are community pastors and a worship band that handle announcements and lead worship live at the multi-sites of the church.
One church that has implemented this successfully is Ed Young and Fellowship Church. The main campus is in Grapevine, Texas and they now have additional sites in Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, and even Miami. They have over 40,000 people in attendance every week at the multiple locations. The congregation is content to watch Ed Young on a big screen live from Grapevine or sometimes one of the other locations. Other churches that are doing this are Saddleback, Northpoint, and Willow Creek.
Saddleback saw over 100 people trust Christ on the first weekend at their new sites. Each campus creates buzz and the unchurched and often unbelievers check the church out and hear the gospel presented and trust Christ. Saddleback’s vision is to have 10 sites by 2010. The thing I like about the multi-site church movement is that it focuses on people and not new buildings. Because most of these sites start small, it is not about a building campaign, it is about inviting people to something that members and regular attenders are truly excited about. It forces the congregation to be outward-focused and community-minded.
Make it all about the people and the gospel - no strings attached. How? Look for opportunities to share the clear and simple gospel message motivated by grace and love, not guilt. When we go about the great commission in context of living the great commandment then we have effectively removed any strings that are attached. Take the next exit - Go wireless!
Signs of the Times - Church Opportunity
April 18, 2008
Is outreach a part of your Church DNA? In order for a church to be effectively outward-focused, it must be aware of the main entry points for the unchurched in their community that they are trying to reach. There are two main entry points for the unchurched according to Barna Research.
The worship service is the main point of entry for the unchurched in your community. Research shows that 40% of unchurched families will first encounter the church by visiting on a Sunday morning. In fact, the first impression of a church is extremely important, because most visitors evaluate the atmosphere above the content. Therefore, the church’s goal should be to do everything possible to minimize the potential frustrations and distractions. Everything from the parking, to the crowds, and even a warm welcome all contribute to minimizing frustrations and distractions.
Another entry point into the church for those who are unchurched are church outreach events, one of the most effective ways for a church to reach out to their community. These events serve as the means for individuals to build a relational bridge to families in their neighborhoods or workplaces. Read more
Signs of the Times - Church Future
April 14, 2008
As I mentioned in the site description above, DNA is best described as the basic genetic building blocks that determine who we are and ultimately what we will become. I apply this to the church - every church has building blocks that determine its current practices and its plans for the future.
Let’s not overlook or assume anything in our planning for the future of your church. First of all, pray that God will give you a passion for the future of your church and that he will guide your steps. Secondly, pray for creativity and a deeper insight into what relevant ministry looks like in your particular context. And finally, pray that God will protect you and encourage you in your challenge to lead your sheep to greener pastures (fields that are ripe for harvest - but that is another blog entry).
The thought of rocking the boat and leading your congregation to a future that goes against the status quo can be scary. In fact, I know that sounds like a daunting task. Allow me to motivate and inspire you with one of the greatest challenges for future ministry and courageous living that I have ever encountered.
The “Lion Chaser’s Manifesto” by Mark Batterson:
Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don’t let what’s wrong with you keep you from worshiping what’s right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze new trails. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don’t try to be who you’re not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion.
Are you ready to “chase the lion” and boldly pursue God’s plan for your future? If so, take the next exit. Read more
Signs of the Times - Church Change
April 11, 2008
Change. Yes. I said it. Change. Soon you will have to make the choice: Is my church going to change to meet the needs of a rapidly changing culture or am I content to ride off into the sunset of the status quo?
This reminds me of the story of the young pastor who accepted a position at a small church in the Southwest. He decided that prior to the very first Sunday morning service that he would prefer not to preach behind the “old school” pulpit. You see, he was used to preaching on his feet with the Bible in hand and the freedom to walk around the stage as he spoke to the congregation. What he did not realize is that the “old school” pulpit had been around as long as the church - over 50 years. He not only surprised the congregation with this change, but they surprised him with resistance to change. That was the beginning of an uphill climb for the young pastor that only lasted six months when the leaders of the church decided to find a new pastor, one content with the status quo.
Churches like this will eventually die because they will fail to pass their faith to the next generation. Well known preacher, Chuck Swindoll, has quoted Jaroslav Pelikan of Yale on more than one occasion: “Tradition is Read more