Two Time Slots #### As I travel across the nation, speaking to leaders from various denominational, theological, and socioeconomic backgrounds, I’ve found they all say the same thing: As a rule of thumb, most people will participate in only two time slots a week. No matter what that third meeting is for or when it takes place, it’s hard to get anyone to show up. Certainly, there are exceptions. Every church has some ministry animals who show up whenever the doors are open or there’s an opportunity to serve. In addition, those who serve in key lay leadership positions often give more than a couple of time slots. But the pattern seems to hold true for most people. It’s two time slots, with an occasional extra meeting or special event thrown in. At North Coast we’ve chosen to adjust our ministry to this reality. Our entire church and our sermon-based small groups are designed to work within the two-time-slot paradigm. It might not be the ideal, but it’s what we have to work with. And since we believe so strongly that everyone (not just those with time on their hands) needs to have significant relationships to become spiritually healthy and mature, we’ve adapted our programs and ministry to fit within the time slots people will give us. While some may see this as a spiritual compromise, I see it as following in the footsteps and spirit of the apostle Paul. If I were a missionary in South America, I wouldn’t insist on starting every worship service on time—even if I thought that being on time is an important sign of respect for God and a symbol of his priority in our life. Why? Because if I did, I’d be the only one there. Same goes for designing a ministry that expects people to give more time than they are willing or able to give. I can do it. But nobody will show up.  Larry W. Osborne, Sticky Church (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).