Kicking it Off Right

New Life Community Church will be moving in December into a new facility -- the first time the church has owned its own building. It's a very exciting time for the church.

I was thinking ... what could we do to let the neighborhood in Marion know that we've arrived? And then it hit me! We should plan a special service. But what? What could we do that would motivate the neighbors to check us out? I've assembled the following ideas, and will be talking with church leadership about them as soon as possible.

10. A typical church service always includes an offering. But on kick-off Sunday when the neighborhood visits, we should have a reverse offering. The members all give, then the baskets are passed again among non-members and they take whatever they need.

9. BYOB. That's right, bring your own basketball. We'll clear out the sanctuary, erect two hoops, and have a shirts vs. skin game. If the body is the Lord's temple, let's get it in shape.

8. Church growth studies show that most first time visitors don't like to be singled out when they come, or participate in the service at a high level. That's nonsense. For our kick-off service, we should have an open mic just for visitors. Sing your favorite song, tell a joke, or let us know how Christianity has turned you off in the past. Ten minute time limit per guest (so everyone has a chance to participate.)

7. Roman's vs. Christians volleyball game (we do have a sand volleyball pit). Our guests can be the Roman's, and should dress in an appropriately styled toga. The members represent the Christians. In true first century fashion, the game is played to 21, and the Romans start with a 20-point lead.

6. Since it is just about Christmas time, it would be nice to have a nativity scene. Humdrum, you say? Not if we have a live birth! A woman in the church has graciously agreed to be induced an hour prior to the service start time. She has also agreed to name her son Joshua (which when spoken in Hebrew is practically the same as "Jesus.") For the shut-ins in the community, we'll provide video stream through the church website.

5. We should have a Communion service on our first Sunday. But to make it authentic to the first century (and memorable for guests), we will replace our normal grape juice with real wine. Visitors will be encouraged to bring their own "Big Gulp" container to participate, and will have the opportunity to choose between red, white, merlot, and pinot noir varieties. Refills will be subject to availability.

4. There is no sense in asking guests to come and have their cars sit idly in the parking lot. So, the youth group will be providing free oil changes during the service. A full tune-up can be requested for a nominal fee.

3. A reinactment of one of Jesus' miracles wouldn't be over the top for our very first visitor day, would it? But which one could we do? Not enough water in the baptistry to demonstrate the walking on water story ... but perhaps enough for the miraculous catch of fish. We'll have extra nets (and fishing poles) on hand so our guests can participate. (The performing of miracles can only be done with God's cooperation, se we should begin praying now).

2. We have a new mortgage to pay down, a significant amount of debt. What could we do to welcome the neighborhood and benefit the church at the same time? How about a raffle? We'll raffle off one guaranteed eternal life, no strings attached. That should bring the people in, and be quite profitable, no less.

1. OK, so maybe the raffling of eternal life is a LITTLE over the top, but we still have the challenge of attracting non church-goers and getting rid of that debt ............... We could do it the old fashion way: a mortgage burning party. The deed will be placed in the sanctuary, each visitor given a match and small amount of lighter fluid, and we'll get rid of the mortgage in just a few minutes (we'll also be able to collect on the insurance policy if the building "accidently" suffers total damage). We'll use our new sign to advertise the event: "Sunday at 10 a.m.: The fires of Hell are real, allright."


As I take a second look at these ideas, there are two or three that our leadership team is admittedly unlikely to approve (they are not much for change, and a little conservative if you ask me). I'll keep thinking about it until I've got 10 completely solid concepts ;-)