When Should A Church Add A Second Service

Many churches take attempted to deal with chapters issues past taking their church to two services. Sometimes the second services are a raging success, just too oft churches end upward going back to one service vowing never to endeavour that again.

If you lot're thinking nigh starting a 2nd service, nosotros've put together six tips that will put the odds in your favor. And if your past attempts at a 2d service weren't successful, don't lose hope. You'll probably notice one or 2 tips here that can fix you upwardly for a successful relaunch.

1. Make the shift when you reach 70 percent capacity

Accept you ever walked into a movie theatre and it was so crowded that you lot just wanted to walk out? There might be enough of available seats, just figuring out which ones aren't taken, pushing past people who are already comfortable, and then sitting past a stranger feels a picayune overwhelming.

The same emotional response happens to visitors when churches get likewise total. The consensus used to be that one time you striking nearly 80 percent capacity, it was fourth dimension to starting time considering a second service. Simply people demand a footling more than personal space today, and many advise that 70 percent chapters is a ameliorate target.

2. Plan well in accelerate and over-communicate

This volition probably come equally no surprise, but people tend to struggle with modify. Even if you could pull off launching a new service in a couple of months, it would still be wise to programme for viii–12 months. You desire to make sure that people are on board and understand how the transition volition work.

You want to use every communication channel at your disposal to talk almost the change: Announcements, emails, social media, websites, and your church app. Talk nigh it until you experience you lot're addressing information technology as well much—and so talk about it some more. Lay out expectations and accost concerns. Over-communicating will help prepare your people emotionally for the modify.

3. Present the new service as a ministry building opportunity

One significant concern for many churches is how they're going to pull off all of the ministry needs of a 2d service. Equally it stands, they're probably already struggling to meet all the demands of one service.

Believe it or non, a 2nd service tin brand finding volunteers easier. Sometimes it'due south challenging to go people to serve because they don't want to continually miss out on services. If you present the two services as an answer to the problem, many will nourish one service and serve at the other. The attend-ane/serve-one model can be a helpful style to give your new service a college take a chance of getting off the ground.

iv. Put plenty of time betwixt services

Many people struggle with the thought of moving to two services because they fear losing contact with people they see every Sunday. Information technology's a legitimate business organization and a sign that those church relationships are essential—and that'due south a good thing. Hopefully, there are opportunities similar small groups or Bible studies where people can connect. But it'southward besides smart to provide a little fourth dimension between the two services.

When churches don't put acceptable time between services, they end upwardly rushing people out after church building to ensure there's plenty parking for the next service. And that doesn't send the right signal to visitors.

5. Avoid launching the 2nd service in the summer

Timing is everything. Sometimes second services don't take off because they were launched at the incorrect time of the yr. Nearly churches already struggle with a summer slump. Trying to boot off a 2nd service when many from your congregation are taking vacations can be disastrous.

You're probably going to have a more favorable event when launching September–November or Feb–April. Whenever yous cull to initiate your second service, make certain information technology'south during a time when your attendance is highest.

6. Change the time of the existing service

Permit's say that your current service starts at 11:00 AM. You lot could launch a service for 9:00 AM without much hassle. But given the opportunity, nearly people won't surrender the routine they're comfortable with to change to something make new. This is why information technology's probably a good idea to set a new service time for the existing service—even if information technology'due south just a 15-minute change.

Instead of starting a 9:00 AM service, why not kick-off with a 9:30 service and move your existing service to eleven:15? This style, everyone has to make adjustments to facilitate the new service.

Think of it as an experiment

Adding a second service is one of the easiest ways to manage your space and prepare for growth, but information technology can be scary. Plan on giving information technology a good six months to get off the ground. If information technology doesn't take the first fourth dimension, you haven't failed. Pull your service back together and audit the areas of struggle. One time you're ready to tweak the areas that gave yous the most trouble, give it another shot.

Your staff is going to be invaluable when launching a new service. But if you're hiring effectually this time or to assistance out with this growth, be sure to hire the right people—leaders who will help nurture sustainable growth at your church. Notice who these staff members are today. Download the free ebook, The 8 Strategic Hires That Will Grow Your Church.