Why a Drive-in Church?

Good job Verlyn! Next time when in GR, will try to come!

It makes good sense, every major community could use one, maybe even sponsored by a group of local churches. A no-name brand of a Christian worshipping congregation led by various pastors and others willing to make this a priority.

How long does it take to pass the credit card reader?

Excellent Verlyn! It is amazing how many folks are uncomfortable sitting in a pew for many many reasons. Our church has been offering a simulcast of the message in our Gym. We often have our own music and what we call an extended time of mutual greeting. People sit in more comfortable chairs gathered around tables in a more relaxed atmosphere. We regularly have 100 or more attending with a surprising number being older. These folks just find it more comfortable and otherwise might not be able to attend. They also appreciate being part of the church fellowship, but perhaps not so conspicuous. Some traditionalist just do not understand, but it fills a growing need.

<P>This brought back many memories for me. I come from eastern Canada (and the Baptist tradition) where several churches that held their summer evening services from the church parking lot or that of a shopping centre nearby. Most had special trailers made up for services that were used solely for the outdoor services. Others used their covered entrances or no covered area at all. One church regularly held their outreach next to a large camp ground, there services were often attended by several cars of the campers. The services did attract more people than would have been in a regular indoor service. There was an effort to have special music at each service and a number of people who were willing to come every week (8-10 services per summer) to set up the sound and electrics. Offerings were received in plastic ice cream containers that were taken from car to car by the ushers. The idea of passing around a card reader seems like it might work well in such a setting.<p>

<P>One of the most interesting parts of the service was the honking of horns when people appreciated the music or something that was being said. The end of some services brought forth more honking of horns as people would express appreciation. The preacher usually went from car to car at the end of the service, often meeting people 'from away' who were passing by and saw the sign for the evening service and dropped in. Actually, the horn seemed to help people to be more engaged in the service than when they would have been sitting in the pew. Coming in the evening usually meant that the outside temperature was more comfortable than it would have been inside the building.<p>

<P>All in all it was an enjoyable experience. And while I preached at several outdoor services over the years, I don't recall ever meeting someone leaving the service with a critical or judgmental spirit.<p>

Thanks to those of you who have responded. There are indeed a lot of summer drive-in services in parks and campgrounds, and those efforts are to be appreciated. We need to go to where the people are. The Woodland Drive-In church is one of the few in the northern half of the U.S. that meets year round. Throughout most of the winter months, we get 50+ cars a Sunday.

As to horn honking, when we met at the old Woodland Drive-In Theater on East Beltline (up to 1988), there was lots of that after special music. However, when that theater closed and we moved to 2600 Breton Rd SE, a piece of property owned by Fifth Reformed Church and zoned residential, we received permission to move there provided that we ceased horn honking.