Every so often churches take notice that certain aspects of their programming aren’t drawing the crowds like they used to. Rather than blame or shame congregants for not showing up, it is the courageous churches that decide that the way “we’ve always done it” really isn’t working anymore. Milledge Avenue Baptist Church in Athens, Ga., is one such church that has begun to think outside the box regarding Wednesday evenings. Here’s how they are structuring their programming to build community both within and outside their walls (taken from the church Web site).

1st Wednesday of each month: Fellowship Night

Become a part of a small fellowship group and get to know some new people. We’ll have some light-hearted activities to get to know one another in a more meaningful way, or perhaps give you a chance to get to know others you haven’t met before. You’ll meet with your fellowship group for one semester, then join a new one. Children 3+, youth and adults invited to participate.

2nd Wednesday of each month: Mission Night

Gather with us as we travel near and far (or at least, around the Athens area) to offer help and support to those in need. Several of our projects will be in the church. A few will be serving outside the church, but we will carpool together to those events.

3rd Wednesday of each month: Prayer Night

Join us as we genuinely pray for one another. The evening will begin with a short devotional on prayer, and then will move into a time of prayer for one another, our community and our world. This is a time to become more connected with one another spiritually and as a community of faith who knows the concerns of the other.

4th Wednesday night of each month: Study/Guest Speaker Night

This week we will invite someone in our community (and beyond) to teach a lesson based on the month’s theme. This study will take place in the Gathering Room.

Each month will have a theme to help us connect these events. The first month’s theme will be “Taking time to Care.” Our Mission Project will be writing Thank you Notes to take care of our community agencies. Our Study Night guest will be Tom Camp, leading us in how to best take care of one another in the church and in life. We will discuss strategies for being an intentional community of faith.