Making Space for More: Why We’re Launching an Evening Service
Over the past few years, we’ve been experiencing something special at The City Church: steady and significant growth. It’s been a season marked by God’s faithfulness — more people connecting, exploring faith, growing in discipleship, and calling our church family home.
But with growth comes the need for space.
Each week we’re filling Canterbury Academy with around 430 people — sometimes more on all-in Sundays or baptisms. Even though there are technically still chairs available, it’s often feeling full. According to the “80% rule” in church dynamics, that sense of fullness can make it harder for newcomers to feel welcome or for our church to keep growing healthily.
So… what do we do?
A New Opportunity
After praying and planning, we believe God is leading us into a new chapter. One that’s not just about space, but about opportunity. Starting Sunday 5th October, we’re launching a new evening service, 6:30–8:00pm at St Andrew’s URC, Watling St, Canterbury CT1 2UA.
We’re not doing this because we need another “slot.”
We’re doing this because we want to:
Make space for new people to come and explore Jesus
Grow more leaders, teams and opportunities to serve
Offer a different rhythm – one that’s stripped back, unhurried, and open to creativity
Give those who serve in the morning a place to receive
Reach those who can’t come in the morning due to work, family, or other reasons
What Will It Be Like?
The evening service will share the same preaching series and values as the morning — but with a distinct feel. It won’t be livestreamed. Worship will be more acoustic and intimate, and there will be space for prayer and community in a different format.
There won’t be separate kids or youth work, so it will be simpler to run and focused on adults, students, and older teens.
We’re keeping it lightweight in structure, but rich in presence.
Who’s It For?
We’re praying for a core team of around 100 people to help form the evening service — not just by attending, but by owning it.
That might be:
Those who want to serve and shape something new
Those whose Sunday mornings are full of kids, work or service roles
Students looking for a home and a place to contribute
Anyone ready to be part of creating space for others
This isn’t a bonus service for people who already come in the morning — we’re asking people to commit to one and give themselves fully to it.
How Can I Get Involved?
We’d love you to:
Pray for the team, for unity, and for fruitfulness
Consider being part of the evening service core – there’s room for every gift
Fill in the short survey to express your interest and help us plan well
Save the date – Sunday 5th October, 6:30pm – and invite others to come