Two Services: Making Room for You

I don’t know about you, but I like my personal space. If you lean in too close while whispering a secret, I’m probably going to casually lean back and inch towards the nearest exit. You are welcome to tell me all your secrets, but feel free to speak them in a regular voice instead of leaning in super close to whisper in my ear. I like my space. I typically sit on the first row at church. Always have. My dad’s in the ministry, so I grew up sitting on the first row of quite a few different churches. You are welcome to sit on the first row with me in one of those empty seats, but please leave a seat (or two) in between mine and the one you choose. I like my space.

Statistics show that, as Americans, we are most comfortable if there is 1 ½ - 3 feet of space between us - even if we’re close friends. If we are strangers, it’s most comfortable if we stay about 4 feet away from each other, and if I’m speaking to a large group, it’s a good idea to be at least 12 feet from the front of the crowd. Statistics also show that once a room reaches 70% of its capacity, it is full and people don’t feel as comfortable. We have been hovering close to 70% capacity in our sanctuary and have even been over that number some this summer. This is one of the reasons we’ve decided to expand to two services. We want you to feel comfortable and we want to have plenty of space for even more new faces to feel comfortable! 

I’ve only been at Life Church for a few short months, and, truth is, it feels like I’ve been here for much longer than that. Because my dad was in the ministry, I remember being a part of 5 churches in one capacity or another during middle school and high school. Since I began college, I’ve been a part of (and served on the worship team in some capacity) at 5 other churches. I say all that to say, there is something incredibly different about Life Church. There is A LOT different about Life Church. Since day one, I’ve felt like I can “be myself,” and I see that echoed in so many of those who call Life Church their home. We are all so different from one another, and yet, we worship and serve together. I truly believe that’s a small picture of what heaven is actually going to look like.  

You’ve probably heard that we’re asking those who call Life Church their home to “worship one and serve one.” Think of this as an opportunity to pour into all those who will be visiting Life Church for the first time. This is our opportunity to exemplify what Life Church is all about - it's our opportunity to love like Christ would. We need joyful faces to wave cars into the parking lots and warm smiles to serve coffee in the lobby. We need computer-savvy folks to help in the back, musically-gifted folks to help in the front, and folks who love children to work in the other building. HE is the ONLY reason we are here - I challenge you to continue to make that evident to all who enter our doors!  

Starting this Sunday, we will have even more space available for friends, neighbors, and families. Don’t simply invite them, bring them! I truly believe the atmosphere is different and ever-changing here at Life Church. We can’t keep it to ourselves. Without a doubt, I’m confident that God is preparing to do even more than we could ever ask or imagine. I can’t wait. As a matter of fact, I hope we fill to capacity, and at that point, you’re more than welcome to sit right next to me on that front row!!

Author

~Emily Harbin
(I'm a daughter, sister, and aunt who lives in Clinton, TN. I'm thrilled to be serving as worship leader at Life Church in Knoxville and am excited to see what God has in store there!)