A New Way to Worship

[Gregory Matthews]

Worshiping during a pandemic, with thanks to Spectrum:

https://spectrummagazine.org/news/2020/north-american-division-holds-ministry-pandemic-virtual-conference

 

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Patmos Chapel Adventist Church in Apopka, Florida, noticed that another church in the state had revived an old and seldom used concept. Lead Pastor James Doggette and Associate Pastor Rupert Bushner then noted the large parking lot next to Patmos’ building, along with a stairway that had a good-sized landing part way up. In short order, they acquired a short-range FM radio transmitter that would connect to their audio equipment.

“We sent out word to our members that there would be Patmos Chapel drive-in worship service,” Doggette said. On Saturday morning, car after car pulled into the lot, and parked facing the stairway. Doggette climbed the stairs and preached his sermon from the landing, the congregation listening through their car radios. The deacons kept watch, making sure that no one broke social distancing guidelines. Even from their cars, people were able to interact with the service in front of them. “We had people beeping their horns,” Doggette said. “That was their Amen.”

When an offering was taken, people flashed the lights of their cars if they wanted to give. A deacon then approached, holding a container attached to a pole so that people could drop in an offering without leaving their seats.

“The offering was a good one, I'll just say,” Doggette admitted. “More than we normally receive.”

“The folks didn’t want to leave,” Bushner said, “We had to tell them the service was over.”