If the gathering experience can no longer be build by content, what is the foundation for the experience we must create?
If we are remodeling the in-person experience, what is the foundation?
I’m so glad you asked!
A Connection Experience
If you’re hoping people will show up to HEAR something, don’t hold your breath. If we get the EXPERIENCE right, we are well on our way to creating a more connected experience beyond the content.
This is the secret to your church experience: CONNECTION.
As people move through a discipleship journey, church gatherings become more and more connection-focused. But our connection goes beyond community in the church. We want to help people connect to:
CONNECT TO THEMSELF: As we create more space in our gatherings, we make room for introspection and self-reflection. This is a critical new element needed in our physical gathering spaces.
CONNECT WITH OTHERS: Theologically, relationally, and experientially, people need people. Connecting with others is one of God’s primary mechanisms to grow our faith. So in our various gatherings, we need to prioritize connections with others.
CONNECT WITH GOD: Finally, and most importantly, people want to experience transcendence, not welcomes and worship and sermons. Part of our gathering design must include space for the presence of God to become present in the lives of our attendees. It’s a shame when people come to church looking for God and only find us.
As we adjust our physical gatherings, we must focus more on connection. After all, nobody should ever out-connect the local church.
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
