I’m declaring 2013 the year of no longer saying hello to other campuses.
Not that I’m against saying hello.
Or things that are just a church building but called “campus” because that feels more relevant.
I just don’t think anyone is noticing.
But maybe I am getting ahead of myself. Let’s backtrack.
Sometimes when I speak at churches, they will tell me, “We have a few satellite campuses you will need to memorize and give a shout out to at the start of the service.”
So when I come out on stage, I have to then say, “I want to start today by saying good morning to our other campuses. Denton, hello. Farmerton, good morning. Looking good Oakville. Stay classy Springfield. I’d also like to welcome people who are watching us online and from our acoustic service for people who hate amps. Last but not least, I’d like to say hello to our friends joining us via fax machines. Thanks for reading the faxed sermon notes every Sunday.”
The challenge I have with the hello is that I’m not sure it matters.
I’ve been to satellite churches before, and I know the pastor isn’t there. Say hello all you want, and I’m still going to know that’s a video of you, not the actual you. Plus, it never really changed my worship experience. At no point have I ever angrily said to Jenny, “Let’s bounce. Stupid pastor didn’t give us a shout out. We’re outta here.”
Am I wrong?
Is the hello meaningful?
Is this a big church problem that 99% of all churches don’t think about?
What say you?
