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Is It Time to Add a Third Service?
By New Churches Team
Without hurting the existing two services, what factors should you consider when a third service is needed? The rule has traditionally been when services are 80% full, but with changes in culture and the way people like to spread out, 70-75% full is an acceptable time to consider another service.
Consider Your Size
If the size of your congregation will dip below 100 when adding a third service, it is tricky to make that change. If you can stay over 100, a certain level of momentum will remain. But if suddenly you drop to 50-60 people or less, in a room you could risk losing the momentum you currently have.
Missional Reasons
A lot of times starting a new service is reaching a new community. This means that you don’t just have space reasons for starting the new service, but instead you have missional reasons. Maybe your community needs a Saturday night service or some other unique opportunity. If your church is getting close to capacity and has a missional reason, then it is time for you to start that third service.
A Ministry Service
You could start another service that you brand as your ministry service. This would be for people who volunteer to serve during the more crowded service, allowing them to still attend a worship service. This lowers the expectations for those attending the service. Then as the service grows in attendance you can officially launch it as a normal service and drop the ministry service branding.
Grow Your Space
If you have a room that will fit 100 or less, one option may be to look for a larger space. This could allow you to keep only two services but would give you physical space to grow. This won’t be an option for everyone, but if it is an option for you, look into it.
Adapted from the New Churches Q&A Podcast Episode 437: When Do We Add a Third Service? Click here to listen to more to church planting, multisite, and multiplication tips.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
New Churches Team
NewChurches.com wants to help you build a strong foundation by connecting you with top experts in the field of church planting and multisite ministry, and by regularly providing you with the resources, information, and community you need to thrive as you multiply the mission of Matthew 28.
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