Anticipated Questions for the Transition to a Third Service
The Mission:
1. How did our church leadership arrive at the decision to add a 3rd service?
2. How was it determined that this is the right time to add a 3rd service?
3. Could we build a larger building or plant another church?
The Details:
1. What times will the services be?
1st service will be at 8:15 a.m.
2nd service will be at 9:45 a.m.
3rd service will be at 11:15 a.m.
2. How long will the services last?
The length of our worship service will be as it always has been, one hour and ten minutes.
3. How much time will be between services?
The length between services will be shortened to 20 minutes. This will give enough time for people to move from one place to the next.
4. Will the music styles still be the same?
The first service will be the “blended” style, as it is now. The second and third services will be the “contemporary” style we currently use in our second service.
5. To which Community Group can I belong?
There will be multiple options for individuals to participate in Community Groups. We will add new groups as needed. The following is our initial plan:
o CIA
o Common Ground
o Middle School/High School
o New Community Group
6. Will the church be ready for an early service?
Yes. With the group of faithful volunteers we have we will be ready! Also, we will be modifying our contracts with our snow removal company to ensure that the parking lot is ready for the 1st service.
7. With the addition of another service, how can we stay connected with one another?
There are many ways for us as a larger church to be rooted deep with one another. We are intensifying our efforts to improve the impact of our Community Groups, Family Groups, and other ministries in order to provide opportunities for people to connect. We encourage you to be involved in at least one of these groups.
The People:
1. What will adding a 3rd service mean for me?
2. How will my service choice impact volunteering?
There are a number of ways to serve the Lord during all three services. Watch and listen for upcoming announcements…we will need your help!
3. How will three services impact the staff?
1. How did our church leadership arrive at the decision to add a 3rd service?
- God has blessed our church with growth over the past few years and we are compelled to continue reaching new people. After much prayer, planning, and researching, adding a third service is our best option at this point in time. (Proverbs 16:3, Philippians 4:6-7)
- We also believe God has led our church to take a step of faith. A 3rd service will help us reach more people and is an action in step with our mission of “Reaching Wide.” (Mt. 28:18-20)
- In addition to the growth, our church has experienced an increased demand for ministry space.
- Also, ministry expansion has always been in Findlay E-Free’s DNA. During the history of our church we have always adapted our ministry to effectively reach our community. (Ephesians 2:20-22)
- Over the past year and a half leadership has prayed, discussed, and researched multiple options and arrived at the conclusion that a 3rd service will allow us to be most obedient to God’s call.
2. How was it determined that this is the right time to add a 3rd service?
- When introducing an additional service, it is ideal to do so proactively as the church is growing, rather than reactively as an attempt to increase growth. We are still in the proactive time-frame.
- People need to hear the Biblical truth that Findlay Evangelical Free Church offers. Gospel-centered worship services are becoming rarer in our country, but we believe that the Bible’s message is essential for our world today.
3. Could we build a larger building or plant another church?
- Building onto our existing building is an option that we strongly considered. The bottom line is we don’t have space to add both parking and a larger building at our current location.
- Church planting and/or a multi-site strategy still remain as viable options for the near future. In fact, this is something we are currently praying about and researching.
- God has led us to the three service plan because it makes the best use of our facility and current staffing. Also, a 3rd service is a manageable way to make an immediate impact.
The Details:
1. What times will the services be?
1st service will be at 8:15 a.m.
2nd service will be at 9:45 a.m.
3rd service will be at 11:15 a.m.
2. How long will the services last?
The length of our worship service will be as it always has been, one hour and ten minutes.
3. How much time will be between services?
The length between services will be shortened to 20 minutes. This will give enough time for people to move from one place to the next.
4. Will the music styles still be the same?
The first service will be the “blended” style, as it is now. The second and third services will be the “contemporary” style we currently use in our second service.
5. To which Community Group can I belong?
There will be multiple options for individuals to participate in Community Groups. We will add new groups as needed. The following is our initial plan:
- 8:15 a.m. - Blended Worship Music
- 9:45 a.m. - Contemporary Worship Music
o CIA
o Common Ground
o Middle School/High School
- 11:15 a.m. - Contemporary Worship Music
o New Community Group
6. Will the church be ready for an early service?
Yes. With the group of faithful volunteers we have we will be ready! Also, we will be modifying our contracts with our snow removal company to ensure that the parking lot is ready for the 1st service.
7. With the addition of another service, how can we stay connected with one another?
There are many ways for us as a larger church to be rooted deep with one another. We are intensifying our efforts to improve the impact of our Community Groups, Family Groups, and other ministries in order to provide opportunities for people to connect. We encourage you to be involved in at least one of these groups.
The People:
1. What will adding a 3rd service mean for me?
- In short, we believe a 3rd service will give you more opportunities to grow, to serve, and to connect.
- We also encourage people to see the additional service as an opportunity to invite new people to church.
2. How will my service choice impact volunteering?
There are a number of ways to serve the Lord during all three services. Watch and listen for upcoming announcements…we will need your help!
3. How will three services impact the staff?
- All staff will have an increased ministry load. It will be important for staff to pace themselves. Please be in prayer for our entire staff.
- The Elders are aware of these increased demands and have done their best to position staff well. They have done this by having a larger staff and providing opportunities for the staff to rest and have spiritual renewal. Rooted Deep...Reaching Wide