By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer
BENTON, La. (LBM) – Cypress Baptist Church in Benton marked Resurrection Sunday with baptisms and multiple drive-in worship services, reaching thousands on campus and through the internet amid restrictions on gatherings related to the coronavirus outbreak.
More than 800 vehicles (2,400 people total), combined, packed the Cypress Baptist parking lot during four drive-in services April 12. The congregation averages 1,800 worshipers for a typical Sunday service.
Members and guests took part in, from inside their vehicles, services that featured uplifting music by the worship team, two baptisms that were pre-recorded and an Easter message by Pastor John Fream, all projected on several large screens around campus. The service also was streamed on Facebook Live, YouTube and the church website, which collectively have registered nearly 10,000 views a week since mid-March.
John Fream baptized Emma Broad, 9, Easter weekend at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton. Screenshot
“Our folks loved yesterday and couldn’t get enough of the worship service,” Pastor John Fream told the Baptist Message. “One of my favorite responses was from a lady who was pulling on the church grounds and just started weeping. I thought that summed up our members’ emotions when they returned for this special day.
“I hope the services gave them hope,” he continued. “My feeling is it was very much needed. Our entire staff was on the side of the road welcoming everyone and held signs that read ‘We love you!’ and ‘We miss you!’ The day was filled with a lot of hope and encouragement that we serve a risen Lord and He is bigger than this.”
The drive-in services were part of a busy Easter week for Cypress Baptist that began with car parades around 30 neighborhoods on Thursday, April 9. Church members drove from street to street with signs advertising the upcoming drive-in services. The next day, the church streamed its Good Friday service.
AROUND LOUISIANA
Cypress Baptist was among the many churches that took novel approaches for the Easter celebration.
A handful even opted to move their drive-in services to Saturday as a precautionary measure because of the threat of inclement weather on Sunday.
Other churches continued their use of social media to stream their services online.
Repeatedly, pastors encouraged members to stay strong and invited the lost to accept Christ.
“I continue to be inspired by our churches and pastors in these desperate times,” Louisiana Baptist Convention Executive Director Steve Horn said. “I anticipate that one day in the future we will hear many give testimony that it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that they trusted Christ to be their Savior.
“I can’t wait to gather again in a worship service, but I am also thankful to see the church in action in these days.”
The worship team led a time of high-energy music during an Easter service at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton. Screenshot
