Thursday, April 12, 2018

Hey Fletch … In response to the March 8, 2018 “Hey Fletch” column, let me add (and feel free to use my name here): In regard to how often our people come to church each month, we are closer to the traditional three times per month because we have so many worship service options. Sports and club programs and travel options are one of the main reasons for the drop from worship attendance of 3 or 4 times a month. Alternate worship service times help with that. Plus, sermon-based small groups cause those who miss to listen online to be prepared for their groups. Larry Osborne

DRF—Larry, thanks so much for sharing. Normally “Hey Fletch” is anonymous for the ones asking the questions, so I appreciate you giving permission to share your story. With five campuses, you make it easy for people to worship near where they live. I noticed on your Vista campus a variety of worship service times—Saturdays 5:30pm, Sundays 7:30am, 9am, 11am, 12:45pm, 6pm. It would be hard to say, “our kid’s sports program on Sunday morning made it impossible for us to worship this week.” Tami and I love going to church on Saturday nights. When I was young, I used to go to Vista to visit my great-grandmother. I’m thrilled that there is now a vibrant church in that region!