Change The Way You “Go To Church”

Recently I was visiting with one of our RMD pastors and the conversation drifted to the all too familiar “summertime slump” in Sunday attendance. As we discussed potential reasons why and possible ways to address it, he shared with me something that his church is doing to respond to this trend. It was such a compelling and simple idea that I asked him if I could share it with you and he happily agreed. In short, they are asking their church to do two things to be more intentional about how they approach Sunday mornings.

First, they’re asking people to pray. Pray for those leading and serving in the service. For the children’s workers, the worship team, the pastor, greeters, and all of those who have roles on Sunday. Pray also for the congregation. For those who have been invited and are unsure about coming. For those who hear to have open hearts to the Word of God and for those present to love and serve each other well. Finally, pray for themselves. That God will speak to them and transform them during the service. That He will give them wisdom about where to sit, whom to encourage or pray for, and how to help others draw nearer to Christ.

Second, they’re asking people to act. Find someone to welcome, encourage, listen to, or pray for and make a connection. Ask someone about their walk with Jesus this past week. And ask someone about how God was speaking to them during the service.

This simple ask does three things that have the potential to be very transformative. First, it changes the way people think about “going to church”. It can’t help but shift the perspective from that of an attendee or an observer to an active participant. Second, it increases the amount of prayer for the church and over her time together. The things that occur during our gathering times are spiritual and thus must be given spiritual attention. Lastly, it encourages deeper engagement, and thus (rightly) gives greater meaning and significance to the church gathering. Sundays aren’t the entire scope of the life of the church, but if we believe that God is present with us, then these ought to be important and meaningful times in the life of the church.

Here is a half-sheet handout they provide to their church as a guide to help people walk out these two simple ideas. You are welcome to adapt and/or use it as it best fits your context. Whether this is helpful, or some other practice works better, may God help you to lead people to see the joy and significance of the church’s gathering times. As always, if you would like to talk more, please feel free to reach out anytime.

Together with you,

Chris 
ctweedy@rmdcma.com or (406) 647-2764