I’m so mentally fried from my “real” job and all that is going on there, that I think today I’m going to pull a topic straight from a tweet request I received.
@phawnykeh asked me what my preference in a worship service versus Alex’s might be. Religion, faith, and church aren’t topics I really tend to explore on the blog in part because of where I am in my faith journey. But also in part because I tend to pull myself in because both my mother and my brother are SOOOOO open and {quite frankly in my opinion} over-the-top in their beliefs that I naturally just keep my mouth shut.
They can annoy me (they know that I feel this way don’t worry) and as I don’t want to be annoying I make sure to do the complete opposite of them!
You just have to love my deductive reasoning skills!
With that being said, for me a church service needs to include the following:
- A time where visitors are welcomed and you are encouraged to say “Howdy” to your neighbor. Many churches don’t have a formal time for this, but I think it’s a good (and gentle) way to remind folks to greet those they don’t normally talk to.
- Praise music. Bring on the guitars, the drums, the singers, and more either way LET’S PUMP IT UP. Nothing is more depressing than a church of sourpuss faced folks singing songs that drag everything and everyone down.
- A song that brings the praise energy down from dancing and clapping levels to lift your hands, or heck even seated and reflecting as prep for the sermon. I know many churches do this and I feel it is important.
- A sermon – why yes I find these key to a church service. Funny how I think eh?
- A time for tithes, offerings, and prayer. This is the ONE part of service where I think the singers need to SHUT UP. I’m trying to pray and its hard enough focusing on stuff getting me in such a place to pray that your undeniably heartfelt worship really distracts me. Instruments only please! Just to make sure the congregation doesn’t join in – take away the words and put up something on the soundboard like the day’s scripture reading.
- Ok now then – BRING IT ON UP with the praise music one last time. This is the song that wraps it all up and sets everyone’s mood for reflection on the service. No pressure praise team but you better get this right!
- Lastly, a call to arms so to speak. I’m a big believer in the reach out and hold hands before going forth, but I realize a lot of people aren’t too comfy with it but its important to me.
So that’s me. Alex says pretty much everything I pointed out with the addition of a Pastor with a sense of humor. One who can deliver his message thoroughly and sincerely with a slight humorous interjection to break the monotony of a “traditional” sermon. As he puts it “really that’s it.”
As you can see we’re pretty similar in our styles. Alex is a very happy person by nature which is why I think he stresses the importance of humor as opposed to me and the importance of friendliness.
So there you have it – hope this answers your question @phawnykeh!
Wish you both could attend First Assembly in Ft. Myers. They have everything you and Alex could wish for in a service. I watch the service on a Christian channel on Saturday nights at 7:30-8:30. It’s the service from the Sunday before, but still just as meaningful as if I was sitting in the sanctuary. They also have the same service on the same channel on Sunday mornings at 6:30.
Twitter: Mrsourma
says:
We really like the church we attend now because it does have all of the things we were looking for. Plus the additional benefit of Saturday and Sunday services so we can always find a way to attend.
Twitter: brftpreachr
says:
As your mother, (this always starts a conversation with a raised eyebrow and an immediate guards up stance) I have to say I agree with you completely!
I share my beliefs openly (and often!) for a variety of reasons, one of which is most obvious – it’s muh sjob mon! More importantly, I share my faith because I have seen the destruction, hurt, and pain that people I love have been through and there is nothing I can do to fix any of that so I try to tell people what (or who) has helped me. This is another way for me to heal also.
From the perspective of worship order, you have nailed it. Although I also love praise & worship music I treasure those old hymns that I grew up hearing my parents and even my grandparents singing! They connect me with the saints of the past who taught me about their faith – some quietly and some wayyyyy over-the-top! All authentically, and all because they loved me.
What I hope (and pray) for my children is that whenever, wherever, and however they choose to worship, they know the One who loves them so.
Twitter: Mrsourma
says:
It is your job and Zach’s job – doesn’t mean I don’t shake my head at yall.
Thank you so much for your frank and honest reply! I LOVE the church I attend and I am so happy thaty ou found a church home that works for you too. We may not all worship the same way…but most importantly is finding a church home that is right for you. Praise the Lord!!!
Twitter: Mrsourma
says:
Thanks Kristy!
Thank you for sharing this. It can be hard to find a church that fits you. My husband and I often struggle with the church in America mostly because of our experiences overseas with the persecuted church.
Twitter: Mrsourma
says:
I’m sorry y’all struggle to find a church. As you can see from my post y’all definitely aren’t alone in those struggles. I sure do hope y’all find what you are seeking / needing sooner rather than later though.