Recently, I had the opportunity to do something rare for me. I visited a church. For more than thirty years now, I have been involved in the leading of church services. For most of those years, I have been the speaker. We have gone on vacation, but it seems like we are traveling a lot on Sundays, so visiting churches has not been a thing.
My wife and I went to see one of our daughters and planned on attending her church. I was excited to join my daughter in worship. It was out of state and a different experience. We really enjoyed our time. The music was inspiring, the message was convicting, and our overall experience was outstanding. This is not an evaluation of those upfront but rather an observation that all who attend church might want to take to heart as you attend services this weekend. Here are three simple things you can do not to wreck the church service you attend.
1. Come on time. We were not early, but we arrived right on time. The singing was just starting as we entered. For the next ten minutes, people continued to enter the auditorium. People were attempting to find places to sit, many doors opening and closing, and people going in every direction. I have noticed this at our church but had never realized its impact until then.
I was totally distracted. I found myself people-watching. The song faded, and I was a spectator of the crowd. Something as simple as getting to your place five minutes before the service starts can lessen the distractions immensely. Being aware of how we impact others is a start. It comes off the wrong way for someone who doesn't regularly attend.
2. Sing As a person who has spent the last thirty years in the "worship wars" era of the church, I have a couple of observations; people have preferences for various reasons, and singing is more about us than God. I have heard every excuse in the book as to why people do not participate in singing at church. If confirmed in other contexts, I might go along with some of them...People pour into countless concerts, karaoke, and other music venues. Music is a multi-billion dollar business. People are used to singing but not so much in church. It is a distraction to watch people who are not engaged. Sing the best you can by singing to God.
3. Engage the speaker. This church service was laid out like most; songs, communion prayer, and message. The pastor was well-prepared and a practical Bible teacher. I thought he was exceptional. As the speaker moved further into the sermon, I became distracted by those around me. Some were busy on their phones, while others were distracted by little ones who were fidgeting. Nothing new and expected in a church service; as a speaker, I couldn't help but think that the audience has more to do with "my" effectiveness than I ever realized. Do your best to lock into what the speaker is saying and avoid the unnecessary.
We all must consider what part we contribute to the overall experience of corporate worship. Consider these three behaviors that might make all the difference in someone receiving the message they need.
