Church requiring ticket reservation to attend

It's creative. It could help increase attendance, too.

I think if the alternative is being shut down by the government that is it a solution for sure. I think that they should have it setup so you can call someone and have them fill in the online forms for those who don't have access to a computer and/or internet.

Our parish uses a free eventbrite ticket. It helps us with gauging the seating. We're getting close to capacity now that we're in our Lenten season.

My local church has reserved seating on an online first come, first served basis. But they now have two services instead of the "old" just one. So most weeks it is not a problem to reserve the needed seats. Yet after a year of this I'm still not a fan and definitely dislike singing hymns through a mask.

I was literally "turned away at the inn" on Christmas because I didn't have a track and trace form.

I don't want to sound inflammatory, but when there's a will there's a way. I'd expect a little more gumption and loyalty to be honest.

Sorry, sorry. I've had that bottled up for a while. Lol.

aog17 said:

My Church has been requiring attendees to reserve tickets online to prevent overcapacity due to Covid. As opposed to doing walk-ins and sending people away when they reach capacity. Do you think it’s a good idea to require online reservations if your state/county has limits on gatherings?

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It is a policy that keeps the poor out, if they don't have access to the internet.

Yes, I think reserved seating is a good idea. My church begins collecting reservations on Monday for the following Sunday. We also added 2 additional Sunday services to avoid having to turn folks away.

Michael Collum said:

It is a policy that keeps the poor out, if they don't have access to the internet.

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We've had one individual who has refused to wear a mask and he has tried sneaking in through other entrances. So there is that.

As far as I know, we have not had to turn anyone away, especially visitors.

If a church is doing it of their own volition and not because the government is telling them to (assuming US laws because I'm an American haha) then cool. Makes sense.

spiritfilledjm said:

If a church is doing it of their own volition and not because the government is telling them to (assuming US laws because I'm an American haha) then cool. Makes sense.

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In case of those of us in an episcopacy, it may have to do with a diocese-wide order from the Bishop as is the case for my parish.

Our secretary sends out e-mails to remind us to phone or e-mail her to get reserved seats. And we have people outreaching to ones who have not gone to services, so they can get reservations and rides if they need them.

seeking.IAM said:

In case of those of us in an episcopacy, it may have to do with a diocese-wide order from the Bishop as is the case for my parish.

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If it is one in a denomination of any sort, that is still that organization as a whole making that call and not the government overstepping its bounds. (Again, assuming American)

Hello! We also have online reservations here, maximum attendance at the moment is fifty. Some of the tickets are distributed through Eventbrite emails but there are reserved places for those considered most needy in a pastoral sense. For example the very elderly, disabled and those who don't have the internet. It's good to let them know that the church has not forgotten about them.
God Bless

GreekOrthodox said:

As far as I know, we have not had to turn anyone away, especially visitors.

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That's good to hear.