Why the move?

by Dr. David Belk on May 26th, 2011

Recently we moved our Downpour contemporary service to the gym and you’re probably wondering, why? That’s a great question. Simply put, it’s about creating a relevant contemporary worship environment. If you’ve been around any length of time, you know that creating environments is our thing. It’s the linchpin in our strategy of leading people into a life-changing relationship with Jesus. As a Pastor and staff, we cannot make anyone experience that kind of relationship. That’s up to you and God. But what we can do is create the optimal environment for God’s Spirit to work in us. That’s what we’re trying to do. In fact, since beginning the Downpour service 4 years ago, it’s been our plan to create a contemporary worship space.

Most of you experience the “environment thingy” just about every day. For example: Which would be the better environment for your eight year old son’s birthday party: Clear Lake Hospital or Fun Max? Or, which would be a better environment for your student to study? In your living room in front of the TV or in a quiet room free from distractions? Or if you wanted to take your spouse out for a romantic dinner, I hope you wouldn’t plan on going to Chuck E Cheese, right ladies? You get the point. Environments are key to accomplishing the goal. And our goal is simple: we want people to know what it’s like to be in a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Now, I can see the wheels turning in your mind (not really). “What was wrong with the Auditorium?” Well, it is a great environment for our blended worship service. And we will continue to use it for that. But a contemporary environment is another thing all together. In this environment, we’re able to utilize lighting to help create a variety of moods, and have full, rich sound without increasing the volume. And with the video system, we are able to create larger images on a giant 32’ X 9’ screen. Creating this kind of environment is what we’ve attempted to accomplish with the move.

This is new to me too. Like you, it’s taken me and my family some getting used to. We’ve had to adjust our campus routine on Sunday mornings. Some issues like the lighting and sound system are still being worked through and adjusted. And every week we are learning more and more. Your ideas about how to make it better have been implemented.

Thank you for your words of encouragement and your patience. We ask that you keep praying for us and the people around us who do not yet know Christ as their Savior. We commit to continue giving you the best worship experience possible and making this a place you’re proud of.