Q: Is there ever a need to split a series (maybe for a guest speaker)?

A: In most cases I would say no.

Rather than “split” a message series, see if the guest speaker’s message will fit into the series that is scheduled during that time (this may be as simple as changing the title of their message so that it matches the series terminology).

Another option is to utilize your “expansion joints” or open dates on your calendar to shift your series so that the guest speaker can bring a standalone message between two series. For example, move the start of the previous series up a week earlier so that the guest can speak the week after that series ends and before the next begins.

There are some times, however, when God opens up just the right opportunity and none of these techniques will work. In those times, you can hit the “pause” button on a series and consider it a God-inspired audible.

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© Nelson Searcy. All Rights Reserved.

About Nelson Searcy

Nelson Searcy is an experienced church growth strategist, pastor, church planter and coach, consulting with churches around the world. As founder of Church Leader Insights and the Renegade Pastors Network, he has personally trained more than 3,500 church leaders in over 45 denominations through live events, seminars and monthly coaching. Nelson is also the Founding and Lead Pastor of The Journey Church, with locations across New York City and in Boca Raton, FL. Nelson and his church routinely appear on lists such as “The 50 Most Influential Churches” and “The 25 Most Innovative Leaders.” He is the author of over 100 church growth resources and 18+ books, including The Renegade Pastor: Abandoning Average in Your Life, Ministry and The Difference Maker: Using Your Everyday Life for Eternal Impact, and At the Cross with the People Who Were There. He and his wife, Kelley, have one son, Alexander.