Finding Your Rhythm (Part 6 of 6)
Only add a service when you absolutely have to.I used to live by the 80% rule. Maybe you know it. It states that once a service is 80% full, it’s time to start planning to add your next service. The underlying thought is that when a service is 80% full most people begin to find it over-crowded and inconvenient to attend and they will attend less frequently.
I’ve come to find out that, while that may be a good guideline, it isn’t always true. I’ve discovered that there are lots of environments where crowds can actually be a positive. There are places where the anticipation and momentum of a crowd brings an unmistakable energy – and exciting dynamic!
Part of our particular church culture is that our services are VERY passionate!
When I go to a football game I don’t mind the crowds because I enjoy the experience. Any place people like — be it a restaurant, a theme park, or a shopping center — is going to be crowded. Why should church be any different?
There are other options.
The third filter is one of the great commission: if we are at capacity in our primetime services, then how are we going to continue to reach people for Christ?
Well, I think this will help you. Remember, the great commandment is not a commandment that has to do with the number of services or being a multi-site church. Our vision is reaching people and making disciples. Services, campuses and venues are all tools for the vision of reaching people. Remember God wants to reach people a lot more than you do. God has a rhythm for your life and if you follow His blueprint and obey Him you will be successful.
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6 Responses to “Finding Your Rhythm (Part 6 of 6)”
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Hey Pastor. We LOVE the adaptability you exemplify and challenge us to. You keep showing us we don’t always fit the norms. It reminds me of a quote I saw on an old video clip last week w/ D.Gibbons “Now you put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; You put it in a teapot it becomes the teapot. Water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend” Bruce Lee
Hi Pastor Stovall,
Today was my first time attending service at Celebration Church and I must say it was most enjoyable. I’ve been praying for about 5 months asking God to lead me to a good church. Today I believe he answered my prayers. Seeking God first in all I do has been something I’ve been practicing lately and I’m finding out that its the only way I’m truly content with my decisions. Pastor Stovall I just want to encourage you to continue listening to God and he’ll continue to direct your paths and lead you and this ministry. You spoke about how there’s “Purpose in Pain” in your sermon today. I’ll never forget that statement its full of power. You also read Romans 8:28. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God”. I’m holding on to that and so should you. Pastor Stovall I will continue to pray with you that God strengthens you and guides you in all of your decisions. And I will also continue to pray for Baby Riley and the parents Josh and Becca. Take care Pastor Stovall. Steve L. Whiting (1st time visitor)
Great word Pastor
Thank you Pastor Stovall for re-emphasising the Great Commision here. Reaching people and making disciples is the bottom line. Luke 19:10 says
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”
I rather be in the ‘lost and found’ category than the ‘chosen’ category as some want to be identified as. I am just amazed by the attitude of Jesus in the Like 19.
I definitely agree with you about being certain about additional services. The local church started off small and some people might think it’s insignificant, but now it’s cultivating numerically and spiritually. He who is calling you is faithful to do it. Let the wheel keep rolling the Great Commission. It’s going to get stronger and powerful in due season. love 4 life!
Hi Pastor Stovall,
I have always heard the 80% rule as well. The thing I love about Jax is I feel so alive in the crowds, like I belong to something big and fun and exciting. I feel the same about church. My husband and I have taken part in ministry for quite some time now and there is nothing worse than standing in the back of a sanctuary looking at a half empty room! Believe me, I know. I also know about standing near a gym door, wondering who’s going to show up. I heard you speak of that too! It’s the pits. I love the large crowds at Celebration. I think when it comes to making a call for salvation, it makes others feel a little more comfortable about going forward when so many others are too. Keep winning the lost!