Covenant Baptist Church

There’s a rule that I don’t like. Well, there’s more than one rule I don’t like but there is one I really don’t like. It’s more like a principle, but it still frustrates me. In fact, I didn’t even believe it until I saw it actually happen. I’m talking about the 80 percent full rule.
It goes something like this: When a church service reaches 80 percent of its capacity in seating the attendance will plateau or decline if a change isn’t made to make more seating available. We have been at 80 percent capacity and beyond for most of this year. In fact, for one month, we had at or over 200 people in every service. That’s not 80 percent full, that’s about 110 percent full! Then the rule kicked in. All the sudden attendance dropped off. We bounced back and got back to about 90 percent full and then it happened…again! So, I have to concede, it is a rule…or a principal…or a frustrating reality of church growth.
What do we do? There are two options. We can borrow money (lots of it!) and build a bigger building. Aren’t you glad there are two options? The second one is adding a second service. Not being a pastor who enjoys a million dollar debt hanging over my head, I suggested to our leadership that we go to a second service. Apparently they don’t like those seven figures of indebtedness either as they readily affirmed the move.
Here’s the important thing for us all to realize right now. Going to a second service is about making disciples, pure and simple. It’s a need that the mission requires. Our worship service is the primary entry point into the life of our church family. Right now, that entry point is clogged up and the growth is slowing down. People don’t like snuggling up with strangers in a church service.
Here’s the plan starting Sept. 12. Our first service will start at 8:45 a.m. and end at 9:45 a.m. Bible Study will begin at 10 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. Our second service will start at 11:15 a.m. and end at 12:15 p.m.
So here’s what we need from our incredible congregation. Yes, I’m buttering you up, but you really are incredible! We need your prayerful support and flexibility. We are going to need 75 of you to make a commitment to attend the first service. Yes, it’s earlier, but remember, you are investing in the mission and making growth possible. We think that this move could open a door wide enough that we will experience incredible growth and blessing from God. Change can be uncomfortable, but it is more than bearable when we are doing it for the greater good of reaching people for Christ and making disciples.
Let’s keep our eyes on the vision of making 500 new disciples for Christ by 2015 and touching 5,000 lives by moving them closer to Christ through our witness. We are on our way. God is at work. What an amazing time in the life of Covenant. Thanks for sharing the journey. As always, feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns.
Blessings!

FAQ about adding a second service:
Will there be nursery and preschool care for my preK children?

Yes, there will be nursery and preschool care offered during both services for children birth through pre-kindergarten. We like to refer to this as extended care. We work reminders of the day’s Bible lessons into planned free play activities.

When will Bible study classes be?

Bible study classes for all ages will be offered at 10-11 a.m. These are the same classes that are now offered at 9:30 -10:30 a.m.

Will the two services be different?

Both services will be the same message and music.