Why Sunday Nights, Part 3
This is the 3rd part in a series. If you missed the first two, here is the first, and here is the second.
Well, this has been fun! I have to say I’ve learned much in the past few days while composing this article and arguing my point.
I must apologize to those who I promised to have this out sooner. I’ve had to take a step back and get some council–mostly because I intended this post to actually use my church as an example. But it occurred to me that I may want to discuss this with my Pastor, my boss, and my wise council, before I do that. After discussing it with him, we decided that I should tread very softly, because these posts do not necessarily represent the opinions of those of The Rock Church.
So this is me treading softly. If my Pastor takes any issues with my statements, they may be removed. Just so you know.
Our church does not have Sunday Night Services. As I mentioned in the previous post, the morning/evening service model simply does not work for us. That’s not to say that there aren’t some in our church that would love to have it. But after much deliberation, polling, and prayer, the leadership decided that Sunday Nights weren’t going to be part of our regular service line-up.
Now, there are many who may ask, “Why doesn’t it work? Aren’t your people hungry for God?”
And that’s not easy to answer. Again, as formerly stated, our members’ devotion to Christ can’t be measured by their attendance and participation. Our membership consists of Chief Financial Officers, small business owners, firm-partners, single-mothers, and the homeless (I had intended to be more specific, but it was decided that was a little invasive). For most of our families, there is no stay-at-home-mom/dad in the mix. The kids are extremely involved in school and other civic activities, such as band, gymnastics, and football (you can’t forget football in Valdosta…). With both parents getting home at 5, 6, or even 7 p.m., and many of the kids not getting home till then or later, getting homework done, baths taken, room cleaned, and other household responsibilities, cramming church in there is difficult at best. So not just Sunday nights, but Wednesday nights (or any other night of the week for that matter) are suffering. And there is no one to blame for it. It’s simply a fact.
Furthermore, they found (this was before I arrived) that many (certainly not all) of the folks that attended Sunday nights were those that were committed enough to come, and even be able to worship and receive the Word. But when they were asked to be honest, they expressed that they would prefer to be at home, trying to squeeze in a few moments with their families, since they really don’t have any relaxing time to spend with family during the week. Again, I find that understandable. And it is a symptom of the society that we have created.
So, it should be underscored that the decision not to have Sunday Nights, though one that I would have supported, were made before I got here.
Ultimately, here is my gripe: churches that hang on to things that don’t work. Can we please get rid of dumb traditions, mindsets, and goals, that in no way are prescribed in the Bible. There should be–and this is important–an effort made by the church to find new ways to minister to its people, and to bring them together for the glory of God (let’s not forget that the other mission of the church, besides ministering to people, is to glorify God). I suggest home groups. If we can’t get the people to the church, let’s bring the church to them!
Lastly, while discussing this with my Pastor, he said something that struck me between the eyes (which he often does–the guy has incredible wisdom). If people (not necessarily our church, but in general) are truly on fire for God, burning with a passion for His presence and and outpouring of His Spirit, then Sunday Mornings simply won’t be enough for them.
I’ll leave you with that.