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7-15-07 -- A Second Site with Curb Appeal
Driving People to God
Although many congregations now conduct services at more than one place, few find a second campus as unusual—or as “service” oriented—as one church’s new southwest location.
South Side Christian Church (Springfield, Illinois) moved into the HPR Automotive Service center last October. Although South Side members painted the building and performed minor repairs, they preserved the “Lube Lane” and “Quick Repair” signs in the multipurpose area and the huge garage doors on two sides of the worship center.
The 30,000-square-foot facility houses 150 people on an average Sunday, half of whom migrated from South Side’s original location.
In addition to providing more space to reach Springfield with the gospel, the new building also offers an advantage to the caffeine-addicted. In a profile of the ministry a local newspaper reported, “‘[Worshipers are] welcome to sip coffee while sitting in their padded chairs.’ John Wentz, the outreach minister, says, ‘If they spill it, it’s going to go in the drain in the floor.’”
www.southsidechristian.com
Church in Business
When we speak of ministering to “the community,” we often envision blocks of condos and suburban sprawl. The residents of these homes certainly need Jesus, but Colonial Point Christian Church is intentionally reaching those who work in South Windsor, Connecticut—not just those who live there.
“As a church plant, we don’t have permanent facilities for meetings or appointments,” says Jennifer Ash, discipleship minister. “More than once, a nearby coffee shop that usually closes at 9 has allowed us to stay until 10 or later. They help us build our ministry and we want to say thank you.”
The church launched the “Adopt-a-Business” program this summer by helping to clean and prepare a local gym for closing. “In addition to sharing those services, we also provided a listening ear for the upset employees,” says Ash. “We want to develop relationships whenever possible.”
Colonial Point members could get involved in the new program by nominating local businesses for “adoption” and by joining the service activities.
The seven-year-old church already participates in community outreach and will continue ministry to nursing home residents, the homeless, orphaned children, and others. “This is just a unique opportunity to give back,” Ash says. “We want to serve those who serve us every day.”
www.colonialpoint.com
Jennifer Taylor, one of CHRISTIAN STANDARD's contributing editors, lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
PREVIOUS COLUMNS:
Surprising and Successful
‘Your Class Ring Could Save a Life’
Helping Victims of Abuse
A New Way to Raise Funds Via Golf
Teaming Up to Spotlight Homelessness
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Adding a Satellite Campus
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A Multicultural Model
Inspired by James 2
Putting Feet on Our Faith
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Helping in Hard Times
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Accomplishing the Mission
Coming Together
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Hmong Worshipers Move into Own Place
Coffee with a Mission
Impacting the Community
Encouraging Entire Families to Attend
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Church Design Lauded
Prayers and Exercise
Fun Ways to Make Connections
Getting Away with God
A Model for Future Ministry
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11-18-07 -- Multiple Improvements Planned
11-4-07 -- Multiplying Missional Impact
10-21-07 -- The Church Van with ‘Free Stuff’
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8-26-07 -- Cookouts, Bibles, and VBS
8-12-07 -- Changing Lives in a Day Or Less
7-29-07 -- Reaching Out to Arabs
7-1-07 -- Developing a Desire to Dig Deeper
6-17-07 -- Growing Leaders
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5-20-07 -- Uniting to Serve
5-6-07 -- Real Struggles, Real Solutions
4-22-07 -- The Ministry of Giving Back
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3-25-07 -- Morning Worship for Teens
3-11-07 -- From Preschoolers to Teens
2-25-07 -- From Christian School to Art Studios
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1-28-07 -- Reversing the Sexual Trend for Teens
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12-3-06 -- Musical and Spiritual Training
11-19-06 -- Missions and Mentoring
11-5-06 -- Help for At-Risk Kids
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9-24-06 -- 'Grace-Driven' Ministry
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8-27-06 -- Reaching Families . . . With VBS!
8-13-06 -- Communicating Ideas About God
7-30-06 -- A Ministry of Clothing
7-16-06 -- Strengthening Marriages
7-2-06 -- Balloon Ministry Blesses Children
6-18-06 -- Church on the Move
6-4-06 -- Bold Moves Paying Off for Everyone
5-21-06 -- New Ministries for Hurting Families
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4-30-06 -- Georgia on My Mind
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3-26-06 -- Experiencing Exciting Adventures
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2-26-06 -- Churches Using Dogs for Outreach
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1-29-06 -- Comforting Those Who Are Grieving
1-15-06 -- Preschool for Teens
1-1-06 -- Servant Evangelism for All Ages
12-18-05 -- How Will Your Church Celebrate Christmas This Year?
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7-31-05 -- Christians Come Together Along Rio Grande
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5-8-05 -- Production Company Evangelizing Through Film
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