For many, a weekly church service is a way to get fired up for the coming week. It’s a way to get encouraged and equipped to live the life of a believer. But at the same time, you have people church hopping or complaining at the buffet line about how they got nothing from the service. Obviously that whole “recharging” thing doesn’t work every week.
I’m convinced there’s a way to get something meaningful out of nearly any church you visit, as long as you do a few things before and when you get there. I don’t do these things perfectly, but I’m trying. And none of these things are mandates from God…they’re just things I’ve noticed help me tune in better to the service.
1. Arrive Early
I realize traffic and kids and the sweet cry of more sleep make this problematic each week. But as much as possible, leave early to give yourself some margin. If you roll into the parking lot right on the dot, you’re going to be rushing into the service and you’ll already be a bit stressed. Show up early, chat with some people, and grab a seat. Give yourself time to relax and expect good things.
2. Listen to Worship Music in the Car
I know Taylor Swift’s latest track is amazing. But maybe save that for the rest of the week. Listen to some worship music in the car on the way to the church service. Get your heart in a posture of worship to God. You don’t have to rely on the worship leader to get you into the presence of God. You can do that before you even set foot in the church.
3. Pray in the Car
Ask God to do something cool in the worship service. Ask Him to speak to you. Pray for the pastor, that his message would impact people.
4. Forgive Someone
You know that person you’re about to see in the service…the one who gives you stomach acid when you see them? Forgive them. Forgive them before you even go inside. Ask God to work on your heart and pacify the feelings that are churning inside you. So when you see them worshiping across the room and are tempted to accuse them of all sorts of hypocrisy… Hopefully you can stop yourself. Don’t let unforgiveness rob you of getting something great from the worship and message.
5. Sit Near the Front
I don’t know about your church, but there are some super cute babies in our services. And as much as I love them, I can’t help but be distracted by them. Or worse, my phone seems to buzz with the most urgent things while I’m in church. Sitting in the front helps me focus. I’m less likely to see something distracting, and I’m also less likely to look at my phone because I know the people on stage can see me.
6. Assume the Best
When the pastor says something that offends you or that you think is wrong, assume the best. They might be dirty rotten, heretical creatures… But don’t let one stray word get those feelings stirring inside of you. Take the good and spit out the bad. No one gets things right all the time.
7. Identify the Vision of the Church and Buy In
Different churches are called to different purposes. Some are laser-focused on reaching the lost. Some are focused on discipleship. Some on prayer. Some on encouragement. Figure out what the church is called to do and value that. Get excited when you see them being effective.
Even though you’re already a believer, you can be excited when you see hands raise during an altar call. Even though you’re looking for a sermon beat-down, you can be excited when you see discouraged people encouraged through the message. Even if the church service doesn’t explicitly have something for you, you can be encouraged that your brothers and sisters are getting something from it.
Ultimately remember, the church service isn’t a fast-food restaurant. There’s nothing wrong with getting something of value from the service. But it’s a living organism – many moving parts accomplishing many purposes. Approach it with the right heart, and I guarantee you’ll get something great from every church service you attend, because we serve a God who can speak to you in any situation.
Great article! Lots of wisdom. 🙂
I really like how you said to not let forgiveness rob me of a good worship service. That is very powerful. I have seen how holding on to anger and hate have hurt my life. I feel that you if you want to get the most out of a worship service you have to purge feelings of hate and anger out you. I think it is important to let God work on your heart. I could really benefit from this.