Use whatever we have available!
That was the guiding principle for Steve and Charlotte Weenink at Elmvale Community Church during the pandemic.
They used all sorts of technology and social media to connect with their church community – for teaching, for fellowship, for mission.
Elmvale’s Sunday morning services were multi faceted – with a focus on connection and participation, rather than providing a highly polished presentation.
They did not want to provide a performance that would entertain, but ultimately leave the congregants unchanged.
Instead, they prioritized providing ways for every member of the church to participate and function as part of the body.
Though it was a bit messy at times, with live stream and online chats and different speakers from different locations, their approach provided multiple ways for everyone to actively engage as a member of the church body.
More than a show, this was people gathering and working together as the kingdom of God.