Three significant actions stand out from church today:
1. Here’s What to Expect
“Let me tell you what to expect in our service.” A lady takes time to explain their worship style and reveals they take communion every week. “It’s an open communion.” I nod, glad to know.
I ponder this question every time a church we visit serves communion—and seldom is the answer clear. “You may partake whenever you want…we don’t do it all together.”
I nod again. No one in the past 46 weeks has told us what to expect. Her thoughtfulness makes so much sense.
We’ve had communion many times on our journey, but today is the first where I’m free to focus on the moment and don’t need to worry about the method.
When format overshadows substance, meaning is lost. Today, I’m truly able to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
2. Conversation with God
Before the minister starts his sermon, he pauses to pray, turning his back to us to face the cross behind him. I appreciate the symbolism, reminding us that prayer is not an obligation to complete but a conversation with God.
3. Pray for Others
After the service a man introduces himself. I share our names and tell him about our sojourn. He asks, “How can I pray for you?”
I applaud his question. “You know…we’ve visited 46 churches and this is the first time someone’s asked us this—I really appreciate it.”
“And this is the first time I’ve asked.” We simultaneously acknowledge the work of the Holy Spirit. “…and I’m going to start doing it more often.”
He thanks me for the encouragement, and my wife and I share a concern with him. I know he’ll pray for us, perhaps even as we head to our car.
[Read about Church #46 and Church #48, start at the beginning of our journey, or learn more about Church #47.]
My wife and I visited a different Christian Church every Sunday for a year. This is our story. Get your copy of 52 Churches today, available in ebook, paperback, hardcover, and audiobook.
Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.
Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.