IDEAS THAT WORK
April 1, 1990
Tippecanoe and Worship, Too
Most ministers are familiar with summertime attendance slumps, but pastors in resort areas see tourists strolling right by the church en route to the beach or other amusements. How can ministers in these areas reach vacationers? If you are Dr. Donald C. Lacy, pastor of Leesburg United Methodist Church near Lake Tippecanoe, Indiana, you conduct services from a pontoon boat.
A typical Sunday morning on the lake involves fishing, swimming, and relaxing on the beach. The Leesburg church provides an informal worship alternative for vacationers. Members of the impromptu congregation recline in lawn chairs on the beach, sit on the long pier, or relax in boats anchored near the pontoon boat. Lacy's "pulpit" sits 100 feet from the shore, and the program is amplified by a sound system capable of being heard a half-mile away.
The program lasts half an hour and consists of preaching, Scripture readings, and singing. Volunteers provide bulletins, coffee, and juice, and collect the offering in plastic-lined fish nets. The services are modestly publicized, and the church underwrites all expenses.
In 1989, twelve lake services were held with an average attendance of 239. Worshipers hail from all over the United States. One man told the pastor that his family had been in crisis: "I don't know what we would have done without the services."
Need a Toaster?
When people go to the annual rummage sale at Grace Baptist Church in Racine, Wisconsin, they leave their money at home. They don't need it.
Exchange Day, as it is called, is basically a giant garage sale each June at which everything is free. As Jane Worsham, the pastor's wife, explains, "We aim to stimulate a lot of sharing within the church."
On the day for bringing ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 20,359 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
