Why We Do What We Do
Our Sunday strategy is designed to inspire
worship, fellowship, instruction, and evangelism in creative
and compelling ways. Like the disciples, we must not be afraid
to use innovative methods to accomplish our mission. Here
are the purposes behind some of the methods used at His Place:
Each Sunday service opens with “regular
folks” at different levels of spiritual growth, briefly
telling us what the Lord is doing in their lives. In doing
so, they remind us that we’re all God’s works-in-progress.
Greeting one another warms cold hearts, lightens
heavy spirits, reminds the lonely they’re not alone,
tells visitors they’re welcome, and draws us together
as we go before the Lord.
Reading from screen-projected lyrics frees us
from holding song books. This way, we can each grow in our
ability to express worship physically, and use our hands as
tools of praise.
Praise songs, with declaratory lyrics about
the Lord, prepare us to receive the message. Then in response
to the message, we sing worship songs with devotional lyrics
to the Lord.
“Family News” reminds us that we
are part of a family, not a crowd. And it helps us to fulfill
the Biblical mandate to weep with those who weep and rejoice
with those who rejoice.
Inviting visitors to “let the basket pass
by” during the offering is a way to counteract a stereotype
held by many unchurched visitors, that the church is mainly
(if not only) interested in their money.
Creative presentations are intended to ignite
"water-cooler" evangelism. They give us interesting topics that
we can easily share with our friends, family, and coworkers.
Having the worship leader interact with the
pastor during the message reminds us that the pastor is a
“regular guy,” and greatly helps to personalize
the presentation.
Projecting scriptures keeps everyone in the
same translation, instantly, and without distraction. It also
provides a text for those who visit without bringing a Bible.
The sermon lasts between 20 and 25 minutes.
This is the accepted maximum attention span for alert lecture-listening.
If you haven’t struck oil by then, you might as well
stop boring!
Asking people to come forward after the service
if they want to receive Jesus requires them to literally take
the first step. It also gives us a chance to speak and pray
with new converts.
Serving coffee and cookies after the service
encourages people to connect in friendship and fellowship.