WHAT WE DID FOR EASTER, PART V

We made it! The last post in our Easter recap series. By now, you've got a good sense of what the service looked like, but here's how it actually went down.

We did three services (8am, 9:30am, 11am). All three services were identical although Ross and I did make a few tweaks after the first service. We realized that we probably ought to let people know that we were going on this journey. During the first service, I had this sense that the people were expecting us to sing six "He's alive" songs in a row, but that's not what this service was. After conferring w/ Ross in the break, we decided that he ought to let people know that our whole service was going to be a journey - that it would present the whole Gospel and would end where it naturally should - Jesus as the victor!

Here are the particulars.

SONG 1: CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY (A)
BREAK: After first song, I immediately welcomed folks. Our drummer segued almost instantly into the second song as I asked folks to greet one another.
SONG 2: MADE US ALIVE (A)
BREAK: Ross stepped up, welcomed folks and spoke on volition. This is also where he let people know what to expect during the service.
SONG 3: THIS IS HOW WE KNOW (B)
SONG 4: TO THE CROSS (E)
BREAK: Ross did his violence and vicarious talks together. One of the most striking things was that he taught from scripture that the worst violence experienced at Calvary was the wrath of God himself. Beyond the beating and the nails and the bloodshed, Christ willing endured the judgment of God.
VIDEO: "Look Around" from WorshipHouse Media. This was a good video that expressed that in a room full of people, everybody needs redemption.
SONG 5: IN MY PLACE (G)
SERMON: Ross spoke on victory!
SONG 6: HAPPY DAY (C)

TAKEWAY: The service was a real success. We got great engagement and feedback from our people AND it wasn't too stressful! In fact, I had a couple of musicians tell me that it was way less stressful than expected. That's a WIN! One downside was "capturing" visitor info. Bethel is still trying to figure out ways we can better get to know our guests. There was some miscommunication internally on our end and that hurt us on getting a good return rate on getting to know the new folks. Other than that, it was a great day.

It might sound silly to some, but looking back, we realized that we were able to create an "event" without sacrificing our commitment to Scripture and our firm belief in Christ's atonement. It felt like a win for us because we did something special but still stayed "us".