The Rationale For An Additional Worship Service

For more than a year, our leaders have been planning for the start of a 2nd Sunday morning worship service. There have been times when we thought we were ready and God clearly said ‘wait’. Now, after thorough preparation, prayer and waiting, we are convinced that now is the time. Beginning May 31, we will offer two identical services at 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM. This is an exciting time to be a part of The Point family as together we stretch, reach, experiment, and grow as a church. Here are a few reasons why we are starting a new service.

1. We believe that God has told us to do this. It is that simple.
2. This is doubling our impact by doubling our strength. Corporate worship is something we do well, by God’s grace. By doing more of this, we are using our strength to move forward and broaden our base of ministry.
3. God is always moving us forward and out of comfort zones so we’ll trust him more. The Point is accustomed to change. This church began when God led us to step out in faith and begin a new expression of His church in Central Kentucky. More than three years ago, we held our very first service at the former “Skatarama” skating rink. We had no idea who would show up. As we look back, God has always provided every step of the way. Here we go again.
4. Space is an issue. Current research says that if a church is 80% full new comers visit and think that it is just too crowded for them, and they do not return. We are consistently way beyond the 80% mark in our current service and in our children’s ministry spaces. On special days and on regular Sundays from time to time, it is overcrowded. By adding a new service, we make more room for those who are not here yet. We could add more chairs in our worship space, but we still would be too crowded in children’s spaces and the parking areas.
5. It is time for something uncomfortable. Our human nature likes being comfortable and maintaining status quo. Churches can easily get in ruts, not wanting to change, being comfortable with the safe and predictable. Throughout Scripture, we see that God is always pushing, prompting and prodding His people into new territory. He wants us to live life on the edge, risking and reaching.
6. More options means more people will ‘opt’. Options are huge in our culture. People want their choices. They do not want just a latte; they want a caramel latte, extra hot, with skim milk, and extra foam. Offering two services gives people a choice. They can get up early and come at 9 AM and have more of the day to spend as they please. On the other hand, they can get up late and enjoy the morning with their family, and then come at 11 AM.
7. Those serving in Sunday ministry can worship too. Folks who serve in the children’s ministry, security team, greeters and other volunteers can serve during one service and worship in the other if they so choose.
8. Perhaps the most important reason we are adding a second service is it adds another Gospel opportunity. We are creating another time for the Gospel to be proclaimed. This is what we are all about. In John 4:35 Jesus said, “Do you not say, ‘Four months more and then the harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.”

You may be asking yourself, “then why aren’t we starting a third service?” In God’s time, we see multiple services in multiple sites, so buckle up.