Comments on: Fall Kickoff Poll Results

By: Chris Harmon

Chris Harmon — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 06:01:09 +0000

Commenting about the new poll – our church doesn’t take a sunday off but they have done things differently. About a month ago, we gathered on the lawn of a YMCA and had a picnic afterwards. Definitely different and felt nice.
Other point – even though I voted never, I really really think a shepherd should have time off to regroup :) Our main pastor did for a few weeks, and we had various area pastors come in on particular topics (one of which spoke about him looking to plant a church in the area).

By: BW Roberts

BW Roberts — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:36:54 +0000

My Church has advertised all through September for a “I Love the 80s” series happening this month, and we are SO excited. Our take is we keep all ministries and small group going through the summer – so attendance stays consistent – then fall and spring are times to reach outside of our church and bring an influx of unchurched, dechurched, and lost people in. Its not really a kickoff as much as it is a momentum builder, but we can’t wait for this Sunday!

By: Michael Schutz

Michael Schutz — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 11:34:34 +0000

I didn’t see this poll early enough to vote on it, but part of me is glad that 52% don’t do much special. I’ve always felt tension with the concept of fall kickoff.
Sure, there is a chance to celebrate the return of ministries that coincide with the school year: kids’ Sunday school, youth Bible studies, etc. Kick-off for that kind of thing is great! But for general worship services? I’m not so sure.
Cannot a fall kickoff just reinforce to people that it’s an ok thing to take the summer off? (That assumptive question obviously shows my opinion that it’s not ok.) I’ve struggled with that my whole ministry. I understand the need for “Sabbath”, but what do we say to our people when we don’t offer any regular ministries over the summer, when we combine service times, etc.? It’s like we’re inviting them to take the summer off.
I think that low summer attendance can be a self-fulfilling prophecy, and to me special fall kick-offs can help to help that come true.