Don't Marry the Program

5 summers ago we lauched a program at Hillcrest called "Wednesday Night Service".  It took months of research, conversations with Hillcresters, conversations with potential non-profits with whom we would be partnering for the service projects, deciding which opportunities were better 'fits' for our groups than others, communicating the program, inviting people to participate, following up with those who served, following up with the agencies who received the service, and many other administrative type tasks.  And when we launched it the program was a huge success!  Tons of Hillcresters came out and participated in different projects throughout the community.  Many folks served outside of the church for the first time.  And for new people checking out Hillcrest, the program was a big badge of honor.  They couldn't believe we took time each week to serve the community.  They were very impressed!  Our members and attenders also loved being a part of a church so connected to the community.

But as great of a program as it was, it could not escape the fate that happens to so many programs.  At the beginning, many people came out and many people were excited.  As time went on, the newness wore off and soon there was a group- a sizeable group, for sure- that made up the regulars who particpated each week while others came out for projects they were more excited about.  All good stuff.  As more time went on, the 'regular' group became smaller.  With a smaller regular group, I then began to limit the number of opportunities we provided on each Wednesday night.  Did this mean Hillcresters no longer care about the community?  Of course not.  Many had discovered ways to serve in their own communities, schools, and workplaces.  Many continued to participate, just less frequently.  Many took a season away.  Again, all good stuff.  This isn't a post about guilt! 

I've never tried to be 'married' to a program.  The program of Wednesday Night Service was designed to put feet to a value Hillcrest has (mainly, that we give a rip about our local community and thus desire to serve it in meaningful ways).  The decrease in numbers indicates a problem with the program, not with the value.  So this fall we've made some changes to how we're going to serve on Wednesdays and throughout a month around our community.  Because while programs may come and go, the value is here to stay.