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SOME THOUGHTS ON THE ASSEMBLY
I suppose no one has a better view of assembled worshippers than the preacher! What he sees is interesting, informative, and yes, often amusing! But thisis a solemn occasion, and one we need to give serious thought to. In this setting, we are sitting at the feet of the Lord and King of the very universe, God himself. Therefore, it would do us good to reflect on this. Positive Things
For the most part, our assembly here is exemplary - yet momentarily, I would
suggest we consider some things from a negative perspective.I would offer these
things from the viewpoint of one who sees, and has stood before such assembles
for about four decades. We can all learn from them if we will.
First, as I preach I see an attentive audience, and one that for the most part seems genuinely interested in what is being said. I appreciate that, and it is indeed encouraging. This will in turn produce a spiritually educated membership, which is essential to congregational growth. I see an audience wherein most people follow along in their Bibles as passasges are read and discussed. After all, it does not matter what the preacher believes or does not believe. But it matters a great deal whether or not he accurately represents what God says and thinks! From time to time, I have people come to me with an additional thought - and that is fine. It has always been done in a considerate and constructive way. No preacher should ever have a problem with this. I see an audience here that not only enjoys the singing of good gospel songs, but seems to realize that their real purpose is not for us to merely "enjoy," but also to worship and praise God in song. Our song leaders are to be commended as well, and certainly we need to encourage them. Let us continue to "sing and make melody in our hearts," and with "the spirit and understanding." I see an audience wherein many people have their pencils and paper out, taking notes. here is where real learning takes place! To merely listen to important points, and then remember them but briefly doesn't do us much good. When I see pencils busily moving as I preach, it shows an extraordinary interest. NEGATIVE THINGS
A lack of punctuality in getting seated is a thing we need to work on. Should
we be visiting, walking around the auditorium with only a minute or two before
the services starts? Can we turn our minds on or off like a faucet in just a few
seconds and be in a frame of mind to worship?
Arrival for worship service on time is yet another area where we are lacking. When we arrive just in time to walk through the door when the song leader, or whomever is beginning the service is in front of the assembly, we are late! Such is easy to remedy - all we have to do is leave home a few minutes earlier. This practice is disturbing in many areas. Classes are disrupted; worshippers are distracted - and all the while, there is usually no need for it. Disruption during the invitation. I have noticed that as the invitation song begins, it is usually a signal for some to leave their seats and the auditorium for the restrooms (I guess), the water fountain or whatever. This is also true during the Lord's Supper, especially at the evening service. The ones generally doing this are younger folks, and especially younger children who ought to be taught to remain seated for another five minutes until the assembly is dismissed. "Backrow sitters" (when it isn't necessary due to large crowds) are also distracting. "How so," you say? If you doubt it, try to teach a class, or preach a sermon to a row or two of people on the front, the entire middle part of the auditorium is bare, and a few people on the back seats. I truly believe people would not do this if they realized how difficult this makes it, especially on those teaching classes. These are some suggestions that would go a long way in making our assemblies more pleasant for everybody, more reverent in their attitude toward God, and more beneficial for those who have assembled to worship. Please give these some consideration - or any other things that you might think of to enhance our worship services. Let's all do our part in making our assembly what God would want it to be. - Bill Moseley AND ANOTHER THING ...
(Huh?) The fellow was late for work, causing the office to be thrown into an uproar
due to some time constraints not being met. When questioned by his boss as to
his tardiness, he replied: "Well, the circular component upon which my vehicle
is propelled along the traffic artery was suddenly deprived of the pneumatic pressure
it contained due to an unnatural orifice on its perpendicular surface, rendering
my means of transportation immobile."
The stunned boss (I've found out that's a "bossman" here in the south), in flabbergasted amazement turned to his secretary and asked, "do you know what he said?" "Well, I'm not real sure," she said, "but I think he said he had a flat and his car wouldn't go." All of which goes to show there are at least two ways to say a thing! How about when someone asks you to explain a Bible passage? Do you leave them in addled consternation, wondering what you said? Do you know how to give them a straight answer, or do you throw up a "smokescreen" that says, "I don't know the answer to your question." Seems to me it would be a heap better just to say, "I don't know the answer to your question - let's both go and find somebody that can tell us," or better yet, "let's turn and see what the Bible says." Concerning Bible matters, a confused man is not much better off than an ignorant one! - Bill Moseley |
