The lights were on last Sunday night at Capitoland Christian Center in Madison, Wisconsin, as Executive Pastor Jake and Missy Stauffacher launched a new service format at a traditional time. “We wanted to do something different from Sunday morning,” says Missy, “that would try to reach more non-Christians, draw in younger people, and give time for the Holy Spirit to work.”
In the run-up to opening night, several surprises came along. People who hadn’t been seen in church for a while emailed to say they’d be there. A stay-at-home mom in the congregation revealed her hidden talent at video production, creating an outstanding promotional clip to highlight the service’s tagline: “Real. Relevant. Revolutionary.”
When the doors were opened on September 20th, attendance topped out at roughly two-thirds of Capitoland’s standard Sunday morning crowd–despite football games on TV. Finger food was available in the lobby, enhancing the casual atmosphere.
Worship time began at 6 p.m., with music a touch more contemporary but still with wide appeal. Pastor Jake explained the purpose of the new format. He then moved into his message, after which there was more time for worship and prayer for individuals. An extended period of contact with the Lord ensued, since no one had to rush off.
“In fact, people stayed around forever, it seemed,” Missy reports. “We have high hopes for what this service is going to become, engulfed by the Holy Spirit and winning the lost.”
