Studies show that in an average week a person will be found in three places: home, work, and a shopping mall.

And at Christmastime, particularly, if a church wants to reach people, the place to find them is at the mall. Folks may not come to church for the holidays, but they won't give up their Christmas shopping. Christ the King Lutheran Church in Southgate, Michigan, recognizes this and makes the most of it.

Robert D'Ambrosio, minister of discipleship, decided to hold a Christmas sing-along at the local mall. He arranged a time and courtyard location with the mall activities director. The group of 75 singers from the church met for a brief rehearsal before going to their location.

While shoppers gathered to listen, the church singers passed out song sheets so the audience could join in. Members from the church choir helped carry the singing, and the youth flute choir presented a separate performance. "The high school kids felt apprehensive about performing in front of their friends at the ...