4 minute read
Rethinking Sunday - Part 1: Drive-In Worship
by Pastor Dennis Arndt
During the pandemic the Lillyville Church decided to suspend worship in the building, and we were praying for ways to keep the congregation together as well as reach new people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We were led to several pastors who were utilizing drive-in worship. One pastor wrote that he had been doing drive-in worship for twenty years and would never cease offering it because there are always persons in your congregation and community that cannot attend worship in a building because of physical, medical, and emotional limitations. We also were given by God the perfect parking lot and building location for drive-in worship. The main entrance to the sanctuary is raised about four feet above the main parking lot, plus it is protected by two sidewalls and a roof. It is important for the preacher to be outside with the drive-in congregation. The physical presence of the preacher communicates love, unity, partnership and fellowship. Preachers and congregation have the joy of witnessing God’s control of the weather so that the worship service can take place. Job 28:25-26 says, “God controls the portion of rain, the power of the wind and the path of the lightning.” We purchased a portable sound system for $1,000.00 and a radio transmitter for $200.00 that transmits to each car. We began drive-in worship services in March of 2020 and have continued every Sunday except when we combine all our services for special occasions.
After the pandemic, many wanted the drive-in worship to continue so we added it to our morning worship schedule: 8:30 am inside, 9:30 am drive-in, and 10:30 am inside. Before the service every car is greeted and presented a worship folder. The drivein service includes the following: welcome and announcements, singing hymns with Alan Jackson or George Strait, prayer, Scripture, and preaching. The service runs about 40 minutes. Once a month we celebrate the Lord’s Supper using the self-contained communion cups. One of the leaders of the church assists me each Sunday by having prayer and reading Scripture. After the service each car is again greeted by three or four members of the congregation as they leave. A fish net is used to collect financial gifts and prayer requests. Children’s activity paper and treats are provided for children. We also have a treat for four-footed worshippers which includes dogs and cats.
God has used the drive-in worship service to reach many new people in our community. Two men who have not worshiped since they were children have not missed a drive-in service since we began. Many new persons begin at drive-in worship but eventually come inside.
Parents with young children appreciate the service because children seem to be more content in their car seats or asleep, allowing parents to enjoy the service without being constantly interrupted. We still average 15 to 20 cars or trucks each Sunday. During the pandemic we decided to offer a drive-in Christmas Eve service with fireworks to celebrate Jesus’s birth. This has grown into a wonderful community outreach. This year we had 55 cars and trucks totaling around 200 people gathered to celebrate Jesus’s birth and receive the gospel of Jesus Christ. I would encourage you to consider establishing a drive-in worship service as a way to serve those who may have difficulty accessing your building as well as reaching new people for Christ in your community.
