HAGERSTOWN, Md. -- Tri-State Fellowship has added a remote video broadcast of its Sunday sermon as an alternative for members and visitors put off by the contemporary worship music at the church's main auditorium.
The Herald-Mail reported the unique service, dubbed Video Café, was launched April 13. About 140 people attended the first week. The video service features simple guitar accompaniment prior to the sermon. The contemporary service features worship music with drums and electric guitar. It is held in a multipurpose room that seats 800.
"We were leaving some of our people behind, as well as some visitors who came to the church and said they liked everything about us except the full contemporary format," said the Rev. Randy Buchman, pastor of the church.
Though they were a minority, Buchman told the newspaper, their comfort during services was important.
"Four years ago, I heard about the concept at a church in California," said Buchman. "I tucked it away, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it."
Buchman said the remote service serves another purpose.
"This also addresses another problem we were having with running out of space in the 800-seat multipurpose room on Sundays," he said.
