Evening Service FAQ

Launching Sunday 5th October 2025 – 6:30pm at The Canterbury Academy

💬 Why are we starting an evening service?

Over the past three years, we’ve seen significant growth on Sundays and are regularly close to or at capacity. Rather than squeezing more chairs in or splitting the morning, we believe God is inviting us to make space, not just physically – but also for mission, leadership, and worship. The evening service is a strategic and pastoral response to this growth.

🪑 Is this just about solving a seating issue?

No – it’s much more than that. While space is part of the story, we’re also excited about:

  • Leadership development – creating space for more people to serve and grow

  • Mission – providing another accessible time for people to explore faith

  • Creativity – a different style and rhythm to the morning, rooted in our values

  • Pastoral care – enabling those who serve in the morning to receive in the evening

🕰️ What time will the evening service be?

It will run from 6:30pm to 8:00pm at Canterbury Academy, the same venue as our morning gathering. Set-up will be minimal as the hall will be partially prepared already.

👶 Will there be kids or youth work?

No. The evening service will not run separate children’s or youth ministries. It is aimed at adults, students, and older youth. Families are still very welcome to attend, but we expect most families will continue to prioritise the morning.

🎶 Will it be the same as the morning service?

The preaching will follow the same passage and theme, so both gatherings stay unified. However, the feel will be more stripped back – more space for acoustic worship, extended prayer, and creativity in how we gather. It won’t be a carbon copy of the morning.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who are you looking for to join the evening service?

We’re praying for a diverse and committed core of around 100 people to make the evening their main service. This includes students, adults, and older youth across all walks of life. We’re especially looking for those with capacity to serve and help shape this from the beginning.

🙋‍♀️ Can I go to both morning and evening?

You can, but we’re encouraging people to choose one to belong to and serve in – especially to help ease pressure in the morning. Occasional crossover is fine, but if most people attend both, we won’t solve the space issue or create true ownership of the evening service.

🧑‍🍳 What roles or teams are needed?

To run each evening service well, we’ll need around 20 volunteers per week, covering:

  • Welcome

  • Hosting

  • Preaching

  • Worship

  • PA / Projection

  • Prayer team

  • Refreshments

  • Set-up / Set-down

  • Sunday coordinator / Security

We’re keeping it simple, but committed teams are essential.

🧑‍🏫 Who’s leading this?

The eldership team will oversee both services, with Martin taking a lead in shaping teams and direction. A dedicated Evening Service Core Team will carry responsibility for vision and delivery each week, supported by Sunday Ops.

🤝 How can I get involved?

We’d love you to:

  1. Pray – for the core team, unity, and fruitfulness

  2. Complete the short survey to express interest: [survey link]

  3. Talk to a leader if you want help deciding what’s right for you

  4. Consider committing to join the evening as your main Sunday gathering

📅 When does it all start?

  • Now – Sharing vision and praying

  • June–July – Survey, team formation, planning

  • September – Prayer gatherings, training, final set-up

  • Sunday 5th October – Launch Day!