BY HEATHER GOBLE-SORRELLS

Imagine yourself walking into church, but it’s been transformed from the weekend service format into a venue for learning, worship or fun. When the event begins, you are suddenly surrounded by thousands of people looking at a stage with bright, colorful lights and big screens showing close-ups of your favorite author, speaker or singer. The amazing acoustics make you feel like you are the only one in the audience, like the show was being put on specifically for you. Now think about all the work that goes into setting up events, all the time invested to prepare, and all the behind-the-scenes things attendees don’t even notice.

Chris Tomlin performed at Northview November 2011 (photo by Kurt Hostetler)

God has gifted Northview’s Carmel campus with the perfect auditorium for hosting conferences and they are approached to host events on a regular basis. Some events have happened at North Beach as well. “Word has gotten out about the incredible facilities, video screen, etc., so there’s a lot of interest,” says Greg Wallace, Northview’s Creative Arts Pastor. On average, Northview hosts one or two conferences a year in addition to other events, which are typically sold out. These events are single day, but “that day is jam packed with an incredible lineup of speakers!” says Wallace.

With the mindset that church comes first, Wallace says they make sure the regular worship services are not hindered by a conference coming to Northview and that it’s a win-win situation for both Northview and the conference.

Northview has hosted numerous events including concerts, children’s events and women’s ministry events. Back in 2010, many families enjoyed the “Sing Yourself Silly” Veggie Tales Live event which was full of kids having a blast. In 2012, Casting Crowns was attended by many who didn’t attend Northview, but thought the auditorium was astounding.

Veggie Tales Live came to Northview November 2010

Northview also hosts events for schools, community organizations and private corporations. “Working with some of the corporate groups and schools is especially rewarding because folks who may have been away from church for years, or may never have been, can come in and see the building—especially our incredible children’s areas—and perhaps be encouraged to visit for a service,” says Wallace.

Northview has a “fantastic staff team who organize and prep events, but it’s our volunteers who make it all happen,” says Wallace. These volunteers help behind the scenes for the weekend services as well as usher, provide security, handle technology and take tickets for events. Wallace says, “Northview is a church of great people who make the great events possible!”

America’s Best Hope corporate workshop will be held at Northview’s Carmel campus on Friday, November 15, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The purpose of this one-day conference is to build godly leaders. World-class speakers such as Francis Chan, Henry Blackaby and Patrick Lencioni will be featured throughout the day. For tickets, go to itickets.com.

Recently, Northview hosted Stephen Curtis Chapman’s concert, which was a huge hit. Stay tuned to your church bulletin since Northview is going to announce the first 2014 concert very soon!

Steven Curtis Chapman performed at Northview this past October (photo by Shayre Rivotto)

Ultimately, the reason for Northview bringing in conferences? “God has blessed us with so much, so we want to be a blessing,” says Wallace.