Sunday Evening Services

[titushome]

Is it even necessary to meet weekly?

The author of Hebrews wrote that we should "not forsake the assembling of [ourselves] together."  He didn't write anything about the frequency of those assemblies.

[SippinTea]

Uh oh. There goes the can of worms. 

Seriously, you make a good point. It's often in the unplanned moments that I'm ministered to the most. Maybe we've made a sacred cow out of meeting every Sunday, twice a Sunday, and Wednesday night, too.   

Some of the meetings I have learned the most from are the smaller, informal, more intimate meetings...like my Ladies' Bible study group on Tuesday afternoons. I love big services, too, don't get me wrong--but sometimes I think lasting changes are more easily made in less-structured formats.

Like tea shops! 

Okay, that might be pushing the point a little. 

[NessasMama]

Is it even necessary to meet weekly?

The author of Hebrews wrote that we should "not forsake the assembling of [ourselves] together."  He didn't write anything about the frequency of those assemblies.

I've wondered the same thing. All of my life in the church I've heard the only 2 reasons you have to be out of church when the doors are opened are if you're sick in the hospital or dead!!!!!! So, I've always assumed that meeting weekly is a necessity.

[nicolejoy]

MY - I loved your posts about your experience with church just once on Sunday...

Another thing that it made me think about is how "relaxed" Sundays are now... A couple of weeks ago, we had one service that started at 11 - but we got there at 10 for practice etc... We had church and church finished at about 1 - and there was some food etc, and we ended up going into a "spontaneous testimony service" which lasted until about 4pm!! Because it was in the day time, and because we didn't have to race off back home in order to eat/sleep/get ready for night service, we were willing/able to just pretty much spend the WHOLE DAY at church... we were there for SIX HRS but it wasn't stressful at all!! And I love the fellowship, how people don't want to just run home after service... I always found with two services that after the morning service, people wanted to run off and eat/sleep/get home etc, and then after the evening service, people wanted to get home because it was getting late!! And if the youth DID go out after church, everyone wanted to leave STRAIGHT away, so us youth weren't EVER "fellowshipping" with the rest of the church!!

I actually thought that I WOULDN'T like only having one service on a Sunday - but now that I've seen how it works in my church, I'm LOVING it!!

[Gingerale]

Thank God our church has not only 2 services on sunday, but we also have church on Tuesday and Thursday nights. (except this week, because Pastor Wilcox is at a conference).... Not to mention prayer meeting. honestly, I have never been in a church that I could feel more unity. It's awesome.

I hate that people have cut out on sunday night services. I mean... back in the day, services lasted til after 10pm. And the church today wonders why their people backslide. If anything, we need more church, to have more fellowship. And even though one can attain a great walk with God only going to church once on Sunday, there are some people who thrive on having been in church services. And being fed. what's the point in cutting the services? The world needs more God.  Not less.  Just because some people are able to make it without church, doesn't mean the weak, or the new converts can.

[nicolejoy]

More church services DOES NOT EQUAL more God.

There are some churches with a PACKED schedule that are successful, there are some churches with a packed schedule that are UNSUCCESSFUL...
There are some churches with less services that are successful, there are some churches with less services that are unsuccessful.

It's about knowing what works for YOUR church, in YOUR city, with YOUR culture, with YOUR congregation.

There's no hard and fast rule how many services churches should or shouldn't have - because what works somewhere WILL NOT work somewhere else.

So it's all well and good if you want to have one service a week, 3 services a week or 10 services a week - but don't put others down and don't act "holier than thou" because you have more services than someone else.

This is not aimed at ANYONE in particular... I just had to get that off my chest, that's all

[MelodyB]

Im with Tia on this one...whatever works for your church....

[NessasMama]

We have a church in our district that has Sunday night service except the first Sunday of the month. That is Family Night. The church families are encouraged to get together with one another or with there own family and spend some quality time. The pastor even said it's not just a night off from hearing him preach and go skipping off to another church!!!

[SippinTea]

I know of another church that does that, too. But the problem I've heard from that approach is that singles get left out often. After all, it's 'family' night.    As long as families are good at adopting people who might otherwise be alone, it could be a good idea.

[NessasMama]

I know of another church that does that, too. But the problem I've heard from that approach is that singles get left out often. After all, it's 'family' night.    As long as families are good at adopting people who might otherwise be alone, it could be a good idea.

Never really thought about the singles.

[Gingerale]

I agree totally with nic... except... the fact that I think that most people who are new to church, need more services, so they can gain strength. I just prayed back thru... and I am a weak person right now.  Since we are not having services this week, being a weak person right now, I need all the fellowship I can get.

AND... in most Sunday morning services (not all) I have noticed that there is less of a move of God... I can't speak for every church... but... If there were a strong move of God, to strengthen the new people/weak people, I can understand... but when the services are just geared towards a sermon, and no room for God to move, which unfortunately often happens, it is hard to get a refilling that one needs to make it through the week.

  I just think that by cutting down on services, alot of churches cut themselves short of great things, and powerful moves of God. I prefer to be in God's presence as much as possible... and I guess I just don't understand why someone would want to be in His presence any less.

*shrugs*

It's just something I can't understand.  I don't knock another church for their new generational tactics. I just wish I could understand the motives.

[SippinTea]

I know of another church that does that, too. But the problem I've heard from that approach is that singles get left out often. After all, it's 'family' night.    As long as families are good at adopting people who might otherwise be alone, it could be a good idea.

Never really thought about the singles.

See?    And then there are the widows, widowers, kids who come without parents, teens that are going it alone, etc, etc.  Talking with the person I know from this other church really made me think about people who get overlooked unintentionally. I don't think it's that people don't care....I think it's that they honestly never thought about someone else's position.

Anyhow, it's made me look past the surface of some of the activities we do at my church, and try to include more people.

[NessasMama]

We have such small churches around here that everyone gets included in no matter what is going on!!! Especially in my church, we only run about 15 on average.

[SippinTea]

Sometimes small is good. You start to feel more like family than friends. 

[NessasMama]

You're right about that.

[RandyWayne]

I can see the circumstances being different for a really small church -under 60, 70, or 80 people, but I was a member of a larger one many moons ago and they invited everyone to every service.  And everyone came.... which means your parents were sitting right behind you during youth service.  "Of course everyone is encouraged to come because were ALL 'young at heart'!"

[Melody]

the fact that I think that most people who are new to church, need more services, so they can gain strength. I just prayed back thru... and I am a weak person right now.  Since we are not having services this week, being a weak person right now, I need all the fellowship I can get.

I think I see what your saying PraiseBreak.  And if our walk with God was about church services then yes, more would be good.  But it's not.  Yes, new converts need more.  But not necessarily more church.  WE ARE THE CHURCH.  The building and service structure is not what makes a church.  I believe new converts and weak folks could be edified even more (on top of services but where's the time if you're in services?) by spending time with Godly folks.  Not only can you still talk about walking with God, but they can still teach it AND you see it in action.  I have 1000% more about marriage by spending time with a Godly older couple than the sermons I've heard preached on it.  Yes, the sermons were great and yes the Word of God is eye opening, but seeing it in action is a blessing and ministering I did not have otherwise.  There are so many areas that we can become stronger in by fellowshipping with stronger saints added to great preaching.

AND... in most Sunday morning services (not all) I have noticed that there is less of a move of God... I can't speak for every church... but... If there were a strong move of God, to strengthen the new people/weak people, I can understand... but when the services are just geared towards a sermon, and no room for God to move, which unfortunately often happens, it is hard to get a refilling that one needs to make it through the week.

see, now that explains your perspective right there.  If God is being hindered in moving in EVERY service then of course you need more!  I have been where you are.  Now imagine what I'm saying.  You not only pray through in the morning service but you shout and intercede, maybe even are used in one of the gifts!  You walk out of that service, not only full but running over.  There is a depth of joy and a new awareness/discernment.  You are not only motivated but reinspired with a deeper knowing of God Himself.  The only draw back?  You are physically drained.   Is there more preaching that could be done?  Always, but we are finite and when you're full, it needs to soak into you. 

That may sound crazy to you all but I've been there.  I can see if God isn't being allowed to move why people would feel like they need to have service after service.   But just in my experience, which does not negate someone else's,  when you're full, you're full.  Next day, maybe. 

I prefer to be in God's presence as much as possible... and I guess I just don't understand why someone would want to be in His presence any less.

I see what you're saying if the presence of God was bound to the church building.  But make no mistake, WE ARE THE CHURCH.  Where ever we gather there is the presence of God.  Jesus did not spend all his time at the 'churches' but fellowshipping along the way.  The disciples went from house to house breaking bread, and THAT was during revival!  It's great that we have some organization to religion.  It enables us to combine our efforts.  But God and His presence are where His people are, whether they're singing hymnals and preaching sermons or not. 

Not having as many services PraiseBreak is a wonderful opportunity for you!  New converts need extra attention, YES!  But they must also learn to practice the presence of God on their own and how to rely on God for their salvation, not others.  New converts are so precious, but make no mistake, missing a few services should not lead to backsliding.  They need to know that they must fight at times to be faithful and pray through by themselves and God.  Of course, continual missing church doesn't help but that's not on the table.  We shouldn't forsake the assembling of ourselves but we shouldn't make it a burden either.  If it's not then my statements are irrelevant to you.

Does that make any sense?   

[MelodyB]

Great posts MY

[nicolejoy]

I adore you, MY - you always know just what to say!!!

One thing that I LOVE about my church at the moment is that after the service, we have this thing called "small groups" which is, in a way, "structured fellowship" where we get ourselves into groups of about 3-6 people and talk about what the preaching meant to us, what scriptures we have on our minds, where we are in life, what "needs" we have... and we talk for about 10-15 min and then all pray for each other... It adds SOOOOO much to the service - but I've NEVER seen it done like that in any other church... It also helps "unite" the church as well!! My church has GREAT "unity"... and we have LOTS of new people too!!!

[MelodyB]

Ooooo that sounds great...we need to try that!

[Melody]

Yes, there is something to be said about small groups.  My church doesn't have Wednesday night service, instead we have cell groups.  It's basically like home Bible studies.  There is a leader that has a small lesson that every cell group also has that week.  Depending on your group, you can have it on any night.  When we started here, the leader of Cell Ministry (?) hooked us up with one and then checked back twice with other recommendations if that group didn't quite fit us.  It did, and we love the 6 other people who we are with, it's just what the DR. ordered.  You know my pastor told my husband that he has to do far less counceling now because when people develope family relationships within their cell group, there is that support and prayer and intimacy that we all need.  I think that is one thing that makes such unity in a big church.  I can't remember but maybe Bro. Cornwell said it, that there is a low retention rate in our churches.  But that home Bible studies increase that number GREATLY.  Why?  There's something to that.....

My cousin, who was raised in UPCI while I was raised in PAW as kids and then God has put me within UPCI churches as an adult while she has been in PAW has spoken with me about some of the things she has learned.  Both orgs have some wonderful qualities and flaws, it's inevitable.  But one major difference we both have noticed is that while it 'seems' (based on OUR experience mind you) upci spends time with congregants sitting in the pews listening, paw spends more time interacting.  She pointed out things her mom, who grew up in paw, would tell her about how Wednesday nights were far more interactive at church.  My cousin was sharing that she thinks many of the older generations were stronger because there was more interaction and fellowship.  That being able to reiterate and share what you see in what the subject is, makes people more interested and committed.  While there are other factors, I do believe that.  Now obviously this stereotype has many exceptions, but I think it's still more common than the way my church does it. 

In this I can see why the older generations are looking for more church while others aren't.  I think we need our church culture back, not necessarily more services, but if that is how a church can accomplish that, more power to them.  New converts need to be a part of a new family, not just a movement.

[Melody]

on a side note someone gave us the DVD of Bro.Mangun Sr.  One thing that stood out to me was that Sis. Mangun was almost always spending time with the young women in the church.  They shared memories and they said they did so much together.  If one of them was having a hard time, broke up with their boyfriend, the gals would rally together and build that one back up.  They said she taught them all kinds of stuff like hygene, manners, cooking, and how to pray.  Now this is the single young women I think but isn't it amazing that that many are still in church?!  They made it clear that Sis. Mangun taking them under her wing and the fellowship they had helped make them strong. 

Teaching and fellowship, on top of church services!  I hear a resounding wisdom. 

Why are our youth struggling so much?  Why are people getting saved but then backsliding so easily?  Why are people after years of going to church backsliding?  Well, the obvious is that they don't have a strong walk with God, it's a choice.  But how much effects that choice?  Would they have backslid if they had a supportive family that they not only worshipped with at church but fellowshipped with and had friendships with, sharing their struggles, and those saints rallying around them to be supportive, bearing their burden?

We can blame the backslider all day.  It does ultimately rest on their shoulders.  But, what if we helped bear eachother's burdens?  What if we spent more time together outside of church services? 

Whether you have 3 or 6... services a week, fellowship needs a place, and if we're having so much 'church' that there is no time for fellowship, how does that further the kingdom?

[titushome]

I hate that people have cut out on sunday night services. I mean... back in the day, services lasted til after 10pm. And the church today wonders why their people backslide. If anything, we need more church, to have more fellowship.

I think that when we look at the way church services used to be - more frequent, going later, etc. - it's easy to assume that if we follow the same pattern, we'll see the same moving of the Spirit.  But that's not how the Lord works: He's always doing new things!

What we really need to see is not more or longer church services, but the Church training the saints to live for God when the service is over.  As others here have stated, we are the Church - every day, all day, wherever we go, whomever we're with.  We don't need to go to church as much as we need to be the Church, and for many of us that's such a new and/or foreign concept that it's going to take some training and a lot of living to learn how.

[TiffanyJ]

I guess I am coming in on this late but Praise Break asked for some motives behind going to one service and our church over the last few years has went to one service. It started out as a winter thing. We have several ladies that drive about 30 minutes or so ...and their husbands didn't like them coming when there was snow and that sort of thing at night. So we went to a 2:00 service. Then after we did that we had a HUGE increase in our attendance because visitors would come because they wouldn't have to miss their own service to come and eventually alot of them became members. Plus they didn't have to get up early blah blah blah. So we started having huge growth. It also allows for practices and meetings. we have a staff meeting, and choir practice before church and many times on sunday night we take an hour or two break to eat then come back for a childrens ministry practice. Otherwise we would have to take out another night out of our week to fit all of this in. We also have over half of our church driving pretty far distances and if we had two services many of them could not come. It just has worked better for us altogether I can't imagine going back to having two services although my dad threatens to frequently lol.

[Heather]

we have one service at 2 pm on sundays. wednesday night we have either home friendship groups, prayer, or service. we also have youth service every friday night. we are in middle of revival and have saw tremedous growth in the 6 months i've been attending. one reason we have the 2 pm service is because our pastor works 12 hour swing night shifts. also we have others who work nights. afternoon service allows these people some sleep! of course our services go sometimes til 4 sometimes til 6. according to how the spirit moves. and of course this allows time for various ministry meetings and practices [choir, sign team, etc] after service without going wee into the night.

i used to attend a church that had 2 services. mornings was very slow and the evening service was usually swinging. lol. i know from contacts still at that church they have not saw much growth.

i believe that due to the industrial parks and other work schedules in my particular area that the one afternoon service is best.