Experiments

Experiments move society to bigger and better things. They are the only way to progress. No matter your industry, innovation is the mode of survival. Without it, you will eventually lose your audience, your market, your focus, and your worth. Not every experiment works. But all experiments are worthwhile in some way. If they fail, they teach you something. If they work in some respects but not others, you learn and innovate at the same time. If the experiment is an outright success, you’ve accomplished your goal.

This summer, we are experimenting after Mass. The Mass remains the same (reminds me of "The Song Remains The Same," for you over 40 Led Zeppelin types out there who read my blog, all 2 of you). There is a brief homily during Mass, but after Mass, a full message is given by the Pastor via video feed. Being a pessimist, I didn't think people would stick around to hear the message, but they are, in large percentages. This experiment not only serves a current need (it provides us with a great way to give the staff some bench stretch while keeping aligned with “one church, one message") but it also helps us try out some preaching methods that may serve us well as we grow.

Let us know what you think. And remember,

This:

Eventually led to this: