Today was the first Easter since COVID that I had no church responsibility due to being on staff somewhere. I was on staff during the year of COVID in an interim worship capacity, but the regular staff handled everything for the online services. This year was strange! It was almost as if we could flip a coin to determine where we would attend church. My wife had been attending our previous church to give the kids continuity, but it’s 40 miles away. I have been attending elsewhere due to my firm belief that a former staff member needs to stay away after a major transition. My wife and I mutually decided for her to end the long trips due to gas expense, so we attended locally today. I was pleasantly surprised!
We had visited this church years ago. During that phase of life, my sensitivity to church issues was heightened. When I saw that the worship leading couple was basically running the church, it did not set well in my spirit. This couple was very talented, but they basically provided an hour long concert and finally gave the pastor time when they were done. That couple is no longer there, and the church has an interim pastor who will likely become the next pastor. The atmosphere was unlike anything I have seen in a long time. I honestly needed it. What was so amazing about today’s service?
There was a lot of young in the room. I saw lots of young families with small kids. Many churches don’t have this anymore. I know it was Easter Sunday, but this has been a norm there for years. Lots of churches say younger people don’t attend anymore. They do if you provide something authentic and engaging.
They were friendly. Lots of people came to us, introduced themselves, asked some questions, and truly tried to get to know us. I felt like my presence mattered, and it had nothing to do with the religious goods that I dispense. Very few of them knew I had been in ministry.
The music didn’t seek to exclude any age group. I was surprised to hear such a blend of older and newer music while still seeing such a multigenerational congregation. People try to say that it’s the latest worship music that attracts the younger crowd. I’m not so convinced. Most don’t want to hear hymns sung to a funeral organ, but they will sing hymns with some lively accompaniment. This blend of music wasn’t an intentional throwback for those who only attend on Easter. It is a weekly norm for them as I have watched their services online.
The people were not in a hurry to leave. Because my wife knew several in the room, we stayed probably 45 minutes after the service was over. People were still there!!! That is always a good sign! I honestly thought that this could be a place for us if God opens no vocational church opportunities for me. I left encouraged by what I saw. God is at work in lots of places, and this is definitely one of them.
While it was awkward not having ministerial responsibility today, my soul was encouraged by being present in Christian community. I felt resurrection power on Easter Sunday, and it felt good!
Leave a Reply