Recently I read a training paper from an Australian organisation called ‘The Ministry of the Pew’. It encourages us to see our Sunday gathering as an opportunity to minister to one another. We are not to see ourselves merely as part of an organisation called ‘
BEFORE THE SERVICE
Preparation
The minister should not be the only one preparing for church. We prepare by praying for the preacher, the musicians, the service leaders, and the newcomers. We prepare by studying the Bible passages beforehand so that we maximise our learning by being aware of the issues. We are also better equipped to enter into discussion with others.
Meeting visitors and newcomers
We enjoy meeting our friends at church, but we need to develop a nose for new people. We need to sit with them and help them feel comfortable by introducing ourselves and explaining what is going on. We should greet the non-Christian friends of other members and introduce our friends to others. And genuine, relaxed hospitality will slowly evaporate some of the prejudices held by outsiders.
Arriving early
All of this requires that we arrive not on time, but early. That may be the greatest miracle of all.
DURING THE SERVICE
Active listening
Communication is a two way process. Energetic listening through using our Bibles, taking notes, making eye contact with the preacher, sitting at the front, laughing at jokes (even old ones) will spur on the preacher. It is very hard to preach enthusiastically to a sleepy, distracted, group.
Singing
It is everyone's responsibility to share in the corporate singing of the congregation. The music may be well chosen and played but if it is poorly sung it is disheartening. Our enthusiasm and gusto in singing is of great help to those around us and those leading the music, even if we can barely hold a tune. Just pretend you're under the shower.
Newcomers
Keep attending to newcomers’ needs. If they can't find their way around the Bible, or they don't have a Bible, or they need to find the crèche, help them yourself. It is your meeting, not the minister's. It's all about being observant and outward looking.
AFTER THE SERVICEDiscuss God’s Word
We have just heard the Word of God and we respond by talking about last night's TV. It isn't right and we know it, but many of us are uncomfortable starting up 'spiritual' conversations. Asking “What did you think of the sermon?” will usually put your neighbour into a coma, but making a specific comment like “I didn't know Abel was a prophet. What makes someone a prophet?” may generate a fruitful conversation. Even if the conversations don't always get off the ground, enthusiasm for learning the Bible will be contagious and non-Christians will see that church is not dull and boring but fascinating and life enhancing.
Pray with others
Having met with others and found out their concerns, pray quietly with them.
Newcomers
Newcomers tend to leave fairly quickly so we have to move fast by offering them conversation immediately as the service ends. You may have to postpone catching your friends until after the newcomers have been cared for.
Stay late
Once you catch this vision of church you are always the last to leave because the opportunities to minister don't end until the last person leaves. Ministry takes time.