Together As One
By Ellis White
Senior Pastor
For the past two months, we’ve been trying something new: gathering as one church family at 10:00 am every Sunday. When we first announced this summer trial, we weren’t sure what to expect. Would the room feel full? Would people come? Would it work?
Over time, we’ve listened, reflected, and reviewed the data. And what we’ve seen is clear: one service has been more engaging to the majority of our congregation than two.
Here’s what people are saying:
“Everyone was included—it felt like the whole church was together.”
“As a 9:00 am worshipper I am so thankful for the way the one service has blended all styles so well.”
“I love the 10:00 am service! It’s like we’re in a revival!”
That same enthusiasm is showing up in our attendance. Attendance on these one service Sundays has been 21percent higher than attendance at our two service Sundays this year. And that’s in the summer when attendance normally dips! It’s a sign that more people are engaging with worship, together.
One concern we heard is that some volunteers miss being able to serve during one service and worship during another. In response, we’ve launched a new volunteer team huddle before worship—giving our teams a chance to connect, worship, and hear a preview of the message. We’re learning and adjusting as we go.
Personally, I’ve found so much joy in seeing the generations worship together. There’s something powerful about watching kids, teens, parents, and grandparents lift their voices in the same room, at the same time, to the same God. It’s been a glimpse of what heaven might look like—and I don’t want to let go of it.
I’ve also been deeply encouraged by the consistent feedback I’ve received about how meaningful this season has been. I truly believe the Holy Spirit is at work—bringing unity, energy, and renewal to our congregation.
While there’s still plenty of summer left, this is the moment when planning for fall begins in earnest. With many large teams of volunteers and ministries that build their schedules around our worship service times, we want to give them the clarity and lead time they need to prepare well.
That’s why, this week, our Session met to review the feedback and make a decision. After prayerful consideration, we’ve agreed: we will continue with one 10:00 am worship service beyond the summer, trusting that we will revisit this if and when the Lord fills the room beyond capacity.
We’re making this decision because we believe it is the best way, in this season, to reach our community with the hope of the gospel. And we are praying for the day when the room won’t be big enough—when so many people are coming to Jesus that we have to multiply again.
But until that day comes, we’re staying together—worshiping as one family, in one room, lifting up One Name.
Gratefully,
Pastor Ellis
P.S.—A quick update on Worship Arts staffing: We’re excited to welcome Alex Sweet as our new Production Director. Alex brings valuable experience and will work alongside our Music Director, Jesse Yi-Gray, to help continue crafting excellent worship services. Please join us in praying for the ongoing search for our next Director of Worship Arts—someone who will serve as our primary worship leader and oversee both Jesse and Alex. We have some promising leads, and we’re committed to waiting on God’s timing to bring the right person to lead this vital ministry.
Ellis