DRIVE-IN WORSHIIP: "PARK AND PRAY"

by Stan Griffin

Parishoners at the Gender Road Christian Church near Columbus, Ohio have a choice on Sundays during the summer. They can attend traditional services at the usual time, or they can come earlier (8:30 a.m.) for an informal 45-minute devotional program. It is conducted by the minister from a hay wagon outside the church building.

Worshippers drive into the parking lot, sit in their cars or on the lawn, sometimes on blankets. If they choose to remain in their car with the windows rolled up, they can tune to an FM frequency on their radio and listen to the entire program. Each week there is a different soloist or music group performing.

Folks who attend like it because they can come in casual, comfortable clothes and even drink coffee if they choose. Others say " ... it’s serene .." ... it adds to the personal religious experience ... and it’s more private ... (but) with fellowship ..."

Associate pastor Rev. Kay McGlinchey hopes the innovation will boost membership and " ... attract people who might be afraid to come inside a church."

Gender Church is not the only institution to implement a more flexible schedule. Central College Church in Westerville, Ohio, for example, has been offering such "drive-in services" for 30 years. An official of this Presbyterian denomination claims attendance of 350 on many Sundays, some of whom bring their pets.