March 6, 2015

Are Different Music Styles at Different Service Times a Good Idea?

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As churches grow, so does the need to add services outside of the traditional Sunday morning optimal times. Growing churches are trying new service times on Saturday and Sunday nights with great success. However, with the addition of more services, comes the temptation to add not just another service, but another venue. In other words, instead of just adding a service at a new time, or in a new space, churches are creating a new type of service, often differentiated by a different music style (think “edgier,” “softer,” or “acoustic café”).  And while venues with different music styles can be strategic, having one style of music – at all services – is also strategic. Maybe more. Why?

1) More choices. For the attenders of your church and the friends they want to invite, every weekend schedule can look a little different. Schedules are often clogged with kid’s sporting activities, family commitments, work schedules, etc. No weekend looks the same from week to week. With one style of music at all of your services, you actually give your attenders more choices. They can attend any of your weekend services – giving them multiple options.

Contrast that with a multi-venue weekend offering. Multiple venues actually create less choice for people. For example, let’s say we offer three different music styles:

  • 9am: Traditional worship
  • 11am: Contemporary worship
  • 6pm: Acoustic worship

…then they really only have one choice – the time their preferred music style is offered.

2) Excellence.  Another benefit of offering one music style at all services is an increase in the overall service quality. With limited time and resources, it’s hard to implement 2-3 music venues with excellence. More leaders, more musicians, more management and more leadership is needed to pull it off. But, having one style allows you to pool your hiring, recruiting, training and rehearsal efforts. This results in a stronger, higher quality experience because you are maximizing and focusing your resources.

3) Consistency.  Lastly, by implementing one music style, you will have clarity around your church’s brand. No matter what service someone attends, they will find an experience that is consistent across all of your services. It also makes for an easier invite. Instead of having to explain what is offered when, and which service you think someone should try, you can just invite someone to come anytime it fits their schedule.

Offering one style provides more choices, increased quality, and a more consistent weekend experience.

Amy Anderson

Amy has served as the Director of Consulting at The Unstuck Group since 2016. During this time she has served over 150 churches, helping them design ministry, staffing & multisite strategies that aligns and fuels their mission. Prior to joining the Unstuck team, Amy served as the Executive Director of Weekend Services at Eagle Brook Church in the Twin Cities, helping the church grow from one location of 3,000 to six locations with over 20,000 gathering each weekend. Her husband is a Teaching and Engagement Pastor at Hosanna Church in Lakeville, MN.

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