Sunday morning Chaos.
"What should a Sunday morning service look like?" This
question was thrown at me over a lunch after my first visit to a church, this
last weekend. "Unfair question" I cried, "I am no longer in
pastoral ministry." My friend persisted so I presented two scenarios, the
latter being my experience that morning. Should a church service look like?;
Seats or Pews facing forward, starting on time, four songs
and no more, news and updates and a twenty five minute well presented and
structured sermon. Close in prayer and invite to coffee.
Or
Seats in a semi circle, starting five minutes' late, arbitrary testimonies,
meandering news updates, four songs and people wandering around praying for
anybody they feel is in need of prayer. A hastily prepared sermon, more an
informal chat then anything solid or sound. Confusion as to do with the
children, a prayer and offer of coffee.
Firstly let me say that I found nothing offensive with the
service I attended, I just found it chaotic. Secondly, there was group
leadership but no clear person in charge, which in itself is never a good
thing.
When it comes to leadership, those of us who are privileged
to lead should hold the reins lightly, but nevertheless we should hold them.
Without clear direction and a clear program in mind, the horse and cart will go
where it wants. The same is true of church.
In regard to what a Sunday service should look like, this I
believe is in the hands of the Christian Leader. It should reflect their vision
for the church and all churches are different. We must remember that it is all about people and more specifically
the non-Christian.
For me Sunday morning should be our shop window to the world
and community around us. It should present and be focused on Jesus from start
to finish. The welcome is friendly and courteous, the service starts on time,
the music has its focus on Jesus not about our feelings. News item should be
kept short and the sermon should be well prepared. The subject of what
Christ has done for us should always be touched upon and an opportunity for
visitors to either make a commitment to Christ or to ask questions afterwards.
At coffee the senior leader should make an effort to talk to the visitors.
1 Corinthians 14:40 "But everything should be done in a
fitting and orderly way" (NIV)
Can anything be more simple? Lunch went rather well after
that I thought.
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