In May, Heartland Baptist Church in Ames, IA began regathering for in-person services. Over the past few months, approximately 50% of their congregation attended the in-person services, and close to the other 50% were consistently watching online. Senior pastor, Randy Abell, stated, “We were pleased that we were able to connect with the so many from our church online, but we wanted to provide a service where even those who are very cautious could experience a church service.”
Abell got the idea from several other BBFI pastors to host a drive-in service. The church purchased an FM transmitter to allow people to listen through their vehicle radio and, for the past two months, have hosted monthly drive-in evening services. The first one in July saw over 200 people attend and their second in August had almost 300 attend. God moved in great ways during each of these services. During the July drive-in service, there were 11 salvations. This was topped in the August drive-in service with 13 salvations. During the invitation each night, Abell asked those that gave their lives to Christ to honk their horn. Abell admits, “If you had asked me a year ago if he would do that, he would have said you were crazy.” Now he is praising the Lord.
Each monthly drive-in evening service also includes communion using prepackaged communion cups. At the conclusion of each service, vehicles drive through the carport where deacons are handing out ice cream sandwiches to everyone.