http://blogs.lifeway.com/blog/edstetzer/2008/08/yellow-box.html
While I was in Chicago this past weekend I had the opportunity to worship with Community Christian Church where Dave Ferguson serves as Lead Pastor. CCC is a multi-site church with nine locations in and around Chicago. Dave invited me to lunch so we attended the Naperville "Yellow Box" site and went out after services.
I am not usually a church "attendee" as I preach most Sundays at my church. But, I was already in Chicago celebrating my anniversary and doing a TV shoot for the Assemblies of God and TLN. And, Dave and Jon are friends...
So, Donna and I rented a car and headed out to Naperville from downtown. About a long HOUR later, we arrived.
Community Christian and the Fergusons are having a growing imact. Their church is continuing to reach new people, launch new campuses, and start new congregations (though their New Thing Network). I thought I would share with you some thoughts as to why (I think) they are growing like they are-- this is not a "review" in the sense that I am listing what I like and don't like. Instead, I am just pointing out what I observed that I think contributes to their growth.
Here are four observations I made while in attendance.
1. People are excited to be there.
As we drive up the big "yellow box" (the nickname for this site) can't be missed.
When you walk in someone greets you at the door. You immediately see the coffee shop and see people mingling. (Pat Masek told me they were going to give me a free drink, but I did not stop by as we were too late!) But, clearly, there is a sense of welcome when you walk in.
Here is a pic from the lobby right before the service:
From when you walk in the door, there is a sense of excitement in all that is happening - and it is contagious.
2. Everyone is on the same page.
One of the things I noticed was that everyone "gets" their vision and purpose.
For example, this site has two venues in one building. One is a theater, the other is a gym. Dave was "live" in the gym, so we went there (even though Jon is my favorite of the two... a joke that Dave and Jon will get).
However, I went over to the theater venue to learn more about their approach. While I was walking in I met Amy, a very alert and attentive greater. She tells me everything - including the fact that though they have two venues they have the same mission, "to help people find their way to God."
When I ask the differences between the two services, Amy explains that one service is louder than the other and the other sings more hymns. You can see this in the contemporary band and feel of the service.
She tells me that the Icon theater service is more traditional, and has no drums or guitar.
Yet, she goes on to share that both venues are helping people "find their way back to God." Actually, I heard that phrase 13 times before I left - this is a shared vision in the church. And Dave later explains that "we believe Jesus makes it possible to find our way back to God."
3. CCC is very focused on reaching the unchurched.
After telling a story about Scott, an unchurched friend, Dave shares, "we are going to teach straight from the Bible... but we will explain it... I am going to start a church for my friend Scott..."
When I went to lunch with Dave, Sue, and Jon, Dave said they are not a "seeker church." However, they are certainly focused on reaching seekers regardless of what term you use.
They do that through clear and frequent reminders of the basics-- the need to follow Christ, clear repetition of their purpose, and an invitation to follow Christ.
I noted three additional things that stand out:
a) Clear communication to guests.Their signs are clear about where the main things are.
Children's registration is clear, well staffed, and secure:
b) The use of secular music and illustrations.
The church works hard to connect and they consider using secular examples and music as a part of that plan. In today's service they talk about leadership and show a video that features the Wright brothers as an example. They sing the Learning to Fly from Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. Most people know these examples well. They also showed a moving video testimony that you can see here.
c) The message is basic without being simplistic.
Deep Bible knowledge is not the agenda, but "one big idea" is. Today, the message (big idea) is "We are all meant to lead in helping people find their way back to God." Dave called people to find the place and/or issue (poverty, evangelism, family, addictions, etc.) that God has called you to so that you might live out that vision.
4. They focus on excellence.
In everything they do, they do their best. This doesn't mean that everything in the building and service is expensive, but that they work hard at doing their best for God, his people and their visitors.
Surprises and Random Observations
Now, on to a few things that I found surprising or just needed a random place to mention. Some of you would expect much of what I observed in a church like Community Christian, but here are a few other thoughts:
The building is, well, not fancy. The place where we met had plastic chairs, an exposed frame ceiling, and hanging basketball hoops. They are not putting their money in their facility.
They are teaching through the book of Nehemiah. The series is called "The Leader Within."
They passed out note sheets, but it was too dark for me to see, so I don't take many notes.
This is not a church of young adults. It has many, but it is really a multi-generational church. I saw many people older and younger than me.
They serve communion at the end of every service. This is unusual for a contemporary church, particularly one as focused on reaching the unchurched as CCC. However they are a part of the Restoration Movement, where weekly communion is an essential practice. Right before communion, Dave briefly explained what it meant and who should partake.
In the theatre, the bread and cups were passed down the rows. In the theatre, it had a little more of an ancient future feel as you can see:
We headed out afterward for lunch and called it a day. From left to right is Donna, Sue, Dave, and Jon.
A fascinating day with many takeaways including the importance of excellence, communication, and execution.
I have always appreciated the Fergusons because they love their church, and are growing it through multisite. Yet, they are also heavily invovled in church planting. They do "both/and" rather than "either/or."
And, Dave, thanks for buying lunch!
