Churches blessed with growing congregations sooner or later have to make some important decisions on the most effective way to continue ministry once facilities have been outgrown. It is important not to dismiss the technical needs of a larger congregation when looking for the appropriate solution. The easiest thing to do, nothing, is neither biblical nor appealing. Doing nothing will stunt church growth and frustrate both leaders and the congregation. So what other options are there?
One of the most obvious solutions is to upgrade to a larger facility. The increased size of the space and the large audience will require a technical system to match it. Large, complex audio, video, and lighting systems will be required to enable each worshiper see and hear every aspect of the service. Also, due to the complexity of the systems, the church may need to hire additional staff just to manage these technical systems. The large price tag of installing and operating these technical systems combined with the price of the building can sometimes be crippling for a church looking for a more affordable option. Other churches, which can afford this option and are looking embrace technology in order for services to appeal to larger demographics, may find that this solution a good choice.
Multiple services at the same building are a second option. The monetary cost of this option is very minor which makes this choice attractive. Generally, the technical systems currently in place will suffice and will not need to be expanded or modified to host two services. The downside to this option is that leaders and volunteers often find themselves working at both services. Many churches choose this route and have great success with it.
Another, and increasingly popular option, is the so called “One Church – Two Locations” or satellite campus. A satellite campus is a congregation which meets in another, usually rented, location. Due to the fact that the church is renting a facility building costs are minimal. Also, the permanent installation of technical equipment is out of the question. Sound, video and lighting systems will need to be set up and torn down each Sunday. Because of portability aspects, equipment costs can get very large, very fast. If a proper venue is available to host the service and a church is willing to front the costs of a portable system this option can be one to look at.
Hosting multiple services in one location and adding satellite campuses has some other technical repercussions. Maintaining unity between the congregations of the different campuses proves to be a special technical challenge. One of the best ways to maintain this unity is to hold a number of joint services together throughout the year. In these joing services, each of the individual campuses comes together in one venue for a worship service. For these joint services, a venue which will accommodate the total attendance of all the congregations is necessary. A church should make sure that a large enough venue is available in order to hold these joint services. The technical systems for these joint services will either need to be a conglomeration of the systems from individual campuses or equipment will need to be rented. Either way, these joint services are a huge endeavor, but I believe important to create a sense of unity in the church.
Different churches will see that different options are the right choice for their congregation. The technical aspects are not the only considerations when trying deciding which option is right for your church. It is important to examine all aspects before reaching a final decision.
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