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Sunday Evening Service? Yes or NO

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 12:45 pm
by PastorP
In the area that I pastor, many of the churches of other denominations have discontinued the Sunday Evening Service. Some of the COGOP churches have done the same. I was wondering how widespread this action is and has it been a help or has it hurt the local church that has taken this action.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 12:56 pm
by MrDanger
Most of the COGOP in our area do not have Sunday evening services. I was one of the ones against it when my home church was debating this issue. Now, I don't think you could drag me back. :D

To me, it's what works best for your local church not what the trend is. I would say that one thing I enjoyed was my home church canceled during the summer but then went to the park for cookouts, volleyball, softball, etc. Do fun social events during the summer.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 1:08 pm
by paul
While I do not attend a cogop, our local church does not have a sunday Evening Service. Nor at my last pastorate did we have one.

As far as the growth of the chrurch, numerically, or financially it did not nor presently does not seem to make a difference.

Our local church is very active in small cell groups which get together once a week and the youth have a regular scheduled service and a great deal of activities.

also as I mentioned before when you have to rent school buildings for service it just makes more sense.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 1:41 pm
by RamboPreacher
we haven't for a long time. I don't know if i like it or not. on one hand, the only people who came were the faithful few and leaders; that would come whenever the doors were opened. got to the point that the ministry leadership were the only ones coming.

on the other hand, it could have been reorganized, perhaps and changed methodologies and presentations, etc. we do now have a service once a month on second Sunday's in the evening - family Sunday, where we invite the community to come and watch a movie (no preaching), play games or what have you, with their family. so far, same folks that always have come, are coming (whenever the doors are open - the leadership). We are praying that others will join too.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 3:02 pm
by Penny
The church I go to now has night service, tonight was a great one

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 3:20 pm
by beckrl
My feeling is that it is up to that local church. I know some who almost have to have a second service to service all of the people. Then there are other's smaller churches that my count it better not to have a second service.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 3:50 pm
by one love
Not COGOP but we have sunday Morning , Sunday Night and Wed still. I love it and we have great participation. It also give other ministers in the church to preach as well.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 5:32 pm
by lady4jc
I go to Church of God
We have Sunday school at 10am morning worship 11am
Sunday night choir practice at 6pm church at 7pm
Wends night 7pm
prayer meeting at 7pm Thurs. night

My pastor says if we close our doors on Sunday nights what will happen if a sinner wants to go to church to be saved and the doors are locked.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 5:39 pm
by Martha
[quote="lady4jc"]I

My pastor says if we close our doors on Sunday nights what will happen if a sinner wants to go to church to be saved and the doors are locked.[/quote]


Following that logic, the church should be open 24/7.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 5:43 pm
by A2JGirl
I visited a church once that didn't have Sunday School, instead every Sunday they met for worship at 10:30, shared a common meal, then had an informal Bible class (sorta like Sunday school, but very interactive) over coffee. I really liked it!

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 5:59 pm
by pastorables
We currently have Sunday morning and Sunday evening, but no midweek service. I agree with others that it's whatever works the best for each respective congregation in relationship to their community and outreach goals.

pa

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 6:43 pm
by Linda
I think we still have Sunday night service. I don't get out at night...I have a hard time driving in the dark. :(

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 6:49 pm
by rough_rider
The COGOP in this area does not have Sunday evening service.They have Sunday morning and Wed. Bible study.
Two out of four COG's in the area does have Sunday evening service. Ours have service Sunday morn and eve, Wednesday Bible study and Friday's are prayer meeting.

Sunday Evening services

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 8:23 pm
by Dr. Ron
A long time ago, someone figured out that making good use of facilities was the way to be good stewards.

We have two morning services. That is the general practice now for people to have more options....and you can use the facility longer without building. To only have one morning service option is not wise in this day. I know all the arguements for and against. We are soon to begin a 3rd service. I am hearing the same arguements ....

However, the pastor who is afraid to close the doors because some sinner might want to get saved is not dealing with reality...How many times has a sinner showed up in that church in the last 5 years....Leave a contact number on the door/sign whatever, and the sinner can get in touch with the pastor....now, will he be able to lead someone to the Lord without having to preach? Good question....

My people wouldn't come to a free supper on Sunday night. That is family night with most of them. I would not take that away from them at all.....
As rambo put it, the only ones you have is the faithful....

Just for thought, you might consider not what is "best for that church", but rather what is best for connecting with the community and leading them to Christ.

Posted: May 24th, 2009, 9:17 pm
by EagerBeaver
The church I am currently at has no Sunday morning service, but an evening service. I think it is an interesting way to attract people who attend other places of worship in the mornings but want to foster unity in the body of Christ. We begin at 6 p.m. and I don't think we've ever been there past 8:30.

Lakeside in VA where I used to attend, had a Sunday morning service, and Sunday evening prayer meeting -- it converted to life groups meeting in folks' homes. Nice touch.

The Kelso, WA COGOP held Sunday night services without fail. I don't think I ever saw double digit attendance there on Sun. night.