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Anyone needing some solid dating advice? Read on…

Step one – make time in your schedule for a date.

Step two – communicate to your significant other (or someone you hope will become one) that you would like to have the date.

Step three – go to a restaurant, then sit far away from any other patrons and out of the view of the servers.

Step four – only engage in superficial talk, or do not engage at all.

Step five – do not communicate with each other after the date, and maybe set up a time for another date on the basis that nothing else comes up on your calendar.

Step six – repeat the process expecting enjoyment, fulfillment, value, and long-term impact.

 

For all the successful future marriages out there that this advice creates, you’re welcome!

 

Who are we kidding? The above advice is cringe-worthy by any standard and unlikely to produce any long-term, enjoyable relationship.

 

So maybe… just maybe, let’s evaluate how we approach the assembly time at church and ask if we are guilty of implicitly going about it in a similar manner to that outlined above.

 

A few tips to go to church, but not JUST go to church…

 

Make assembly times at your church “non-negotiable” in your calendar.

In our opulent culture that abounds with freedom, it’s all too common for us to commit to occasions or events that maximize our desires or schedule. This leads to a transactional and self-focused attitude in many spheres of our lives. While there is no command about how many assembly times a church must have, the obvious practice and teaching of the NT was to elevate the assembling of the saints as the priority of your week. What trade-offs are you comfortable making? A service in the AM so you can do something else later? You went Sunday, so why bother with small group? It’s all too easy to be a consumer rather than consecrated.

 

Make investing your mission. 

We are called to edify one another, which means a proactive mindset is expected from EVERY member regardless of gifting or personality type. How have you prayed for someone prior to the service? How have you prayed for your pastors or teachers prior to arrival? What spiritually oriented questions did you ask other members?

Who will be encouraged, exhorted, or admonished because you were at the assembly?

 

Sit closer than you’re comfortable with.  

I know this immediately sounds inconsequential or silly, but think about the impact this can have on you and others. When you sit towards the back of a sanctuary space or away from other believers, it creates a natural disconnect in both the singing and preaching time. It allows us to sing at the volume we are comfortable with and have only the conversations we want to have. Call it the vibe, energy, feel, whatever – it greatly reduces the “intimacy” or “experience.” Do yourself (and your pastor and fellow church member) a favor and sit no FURTHER than halfway back in the sanctuary.

 

Take it with you. 

Discuss the sermon (in a positive, retrospective way) with your family at lunch, share thoughts on SM, text a member you missed seeing a helpful thought from the assembly, or send the sermon to someone who is seeking Jesus. Further, set a reminder on your calendar to pray for some other members and text them. Look at your calendar and see when you can invite someone to coffee or have a family over for dinner. The edification of the saints goes beyond the assembly times and is integrated (and integral) to your week.

 

An enjoyable relationship with anyone requires self-denial, investment, intentionality, and commitment.

 

With the privilege of being a part of Christ’s church that He died and rose to create, let us enjoy His grace to make our church one of the most enjoyable relationships we will know this side of eternity.

 

Serving together,

Pastor Paul