Midweek Encouragement - “How to Get More from Your Church’s Corporate Worship Service!”

“How to Get More from Your Church’s Corporate Worship Service!”

        ^{Hopefully you’re not one of those Christians who moans, “But I just don’t get anything out of the worship service.” Often, when believers share those kinds of feelings, it’s because they didn’t personally prepare themselves for worship. If we think we can haphazardly enter a worship service and assume it will be engaging because it’s a spiritual activity, we’re way off base. If you assume it’s the responsibility of your pastor and church leaders to give you a good worship experience, think again!} 

         ^{I’ve been around the worship block long enough to know that there are practical and spiritual actions you can do to prepare your soul for corporate worship at your church. If you find yourself wanting more out of your church’s worship service, take ownership and consider doing one or more of the following:}  

         ^{Get ready for Sunday morning worship on Saturday night. Instead of making Saturday night your time for self-indulgence and leisurely activities, consider making it a time to start preparing yourself for the Lord’s Day. Why not turn off the T.V., leave that party, and put your phone on silent mode before the clock strikes eleven?! Enjoying Sunday worship starts on Saturday night. Be intentional about how you spend your Saturday evening and be extra sure to get a good night’s sleep.}

         ^{Read the sermon text in advance. Your pastor will be glad to give it to you. Just ask him. Reading the sermon text in advance can help you get more out of your pastor’s sermon. It’s not hard to see why. By taking 5-10 minutes to read and meditate on the text your pastor is preaching from, you’ll position yourself to listen better. You could even personally study the book of the Bible your church is studying in your personal devotional time. By doing so, you’re already meditating on God’s Word. Trust me. You’ll feel more engaged during the sermon.}

         ^{Arrive 15 minutes earlier than normal. I know. That’s not always possible with three kids. Sunday mornings can be rough for moms with children. As best as you can, show up 15 minutes early so you don’t feel rushed entering the service. By showing up a little early, you might even be able to personally connect with someone else or find an area where you can serve (which will help the church). Whatever you do, don’t show up late. Don’t come into the sanctuary as the invitation to worship is announced or during the first song.}

         ^{Stay 15 minutes after the service. Do you sprint to your car after the service so you can get the best seat at the restaurant? Don’t! Make it your goal to connect with at least one other person before you leave the church. Remember that, by connecting with someone you don’t know, or encouraging someone who’s downcast, you display an attitude that says the whole morning wasn’t about you.} 

         ^{I get it. You might not be able to practice every one of these tips. That’s fine. But if you want to be more engaged with your church’s worship service, consider these practical actions you can take. Obviously, the Holy Spirit is the One who uses God’s Word to build you up in your faith, but these practical steps can help you get more out of the worship service.} 

         ^{Let me add a bonus one, one you’ve heard me offer before: remember that the worship service isn’t all about you and your preferences. You won’t like every song or every point of the sermon. Someone may rub you the wrong way before, during or after the service. But instead of thinking the worship service is mainly for what you can get out of it, focus your mind on God’s majesty, on the love of Christ, and less on yourself. If you practice these tips, I guarantee you’ll leave your church’s worship service better than you entered it.}

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.