Based on a report from Riverside Church (Alliance) in Big Lake, Minnesota
For 15 years, Riverside Church has staged large productions for both Christmas and Easter to reach its community and proclaim Jesus’ transforming love. The upcoming holiday weekend will be no exception as the staff and church members present—seven times over three days—a program of live music, drama, humor, and a message of hope.
It’s hard work, and the staff feels spent afterward. But after watching God move and seeing results, it is a grateful, exhilarated, “thank You, Jesus” type of exhaustion no one would trade.
Over the past 12 years of tracking production weekends (Christmas and Easter) and Christmas Eve services, more than 6,800 people have indicated on Connect Cards that they said “yes” to Christ as Lord.
Volumes of Volunteers
Riverside does not charge for tickets or receive an offering at its productions. Expenses are estimated and included as part of Riverside’s annual budget. Church members—known as Riversiders—give generously of their finances and time to make the ministry possible.
The cast and crew work for weeks ahead of the events drafting the script, practicing music, designing lighting and sets, and learning lines. Other than staff members, every person in the drama, choir, band, and tech crew is a volunteer.
In addition, hundreds of other Riversiders offer to bring cookies; work on the parking detail (a real gift of service when it’s December in Minnesota and the temperatures are below zero); or serve as greeters, ushers, childcare helpers, kitchen coordinators, data-entry volunteers, or behind-the-scenes help with staging, communication, or other aspects of hosting an event this size. Nearly 700 people serve over the course of a three-day weekend.
Personal Invitation
In December last year, more than 3,000 people came through the doors for the production A Christmas Carol, and attendance at Sunday services that weekend was another 1,500. Quantitative research each year shows that upwards of 85–90 percent of attendees come because someone from Riverside invited them. Riversiders are excited to share about their church and desire for their friends and neighbors to know Christ.
The church is purposeful to let those attending productions know they are welcome to come back. Programs contain information about the pastor’s upcoming message series, and Senior Pastor Tom Lundeen closes each presentation by inviting people to say “yes” to Christ and to return on Sunday.
In a timely manner, volunteers process the Connect Cards completed by attendees during productions into Riverside’s church management software (CMS). E-mails are then sent to them thanking them for attending and encouraging them to come back. Systems are also in place for immediate follow-up with any individual who indicates he or she made a first-time profession of faith. Each new believer receives a printed letter, a simple brochure explaining what it means to say “yes” to Christ and next steps to take, and two printed invitations to the new series. This way the person receiving the letter can invite someone to come back with him or her.
Only God
As part of the Christ-centered, Acts1:8 family of The Alliance, Riverside is committed to prioritizing its resources for outreach and discipleship. Before a production, staff members pray that God will continue to use these events to bring people into relationship with Himself and that many candles will be lit.
A candle is lit and celebrated in Sunday services each time a person says “yes” to Christ. The outcome of last December’s outreach events was 575 candles—something only God could have accomplished.
“God did something really incredible [last] year,” Pastor Tom says. Using one of Riverside’s favorite quotes, he adds, “Every number has a name, every name has a story, and every story matters to God.” And to Riversiders.
Pray
As Easter approaches, pray for Alliance churches and ministries around the world as they prepare services and outreaches that will proclaim the good news of the risen Savior. Ask God for many to decide to follow Him the rest of their days.
Taking Next Steps
Chris and LeAnn Balmanno are examples of how a simple invitation was the first step in beginning vibrant walks of faith.
2014
October: Chris and LeAnn visit Riverside for the first time.
December: They attend A Christmas Carol. LeAnn reaffirms her faith in Jesus. They join a small group.
2015
January: Chris and LeAnn attend Riverside’s core values class.
February: They start serving in guest services. LeAnn also joins the choir.
April: Chris says “yes” to Jesus at Easter.
May: They become Riverside members.
December: LeAnn sings in the choir for A Christmas Carol.