My work has recently taken me to three other world divisions and four Sabbaths in four different churches and countries. In two of the churches any engagement was through translators. One of the churches had English as its second language and at the other church, English was the main language but there were Sabbath school classes in multiple languages. But each of these churches had a different feel. Let me explain.
Church 1 ran a great planned program. Everyone was articulate and well prepared. The music was of a high quality—almost like a performance. Sabbath school encouraged participation, but I felt the church lacked heart. Church 2 seemed to be trying to be relevant—the order of service was unique. There were welcomes from the pulpit and an official greeter in the foyer but no warmth or engagement by anyone else. The music was basic—we sang because that is what we’re supposed to do when we gather at church.
Church 3 was very large and had a good program—nothing out of the ordinary. However after the worship service most people stayed around. They were interested in fellowshipping with each other and that included me and the other visitors. They asked real questions about family and talked about their dreams and goals for life and their church.
Church 4 ran a very traditional program. Each person who led out was well prepared whether it was the news story or offering announcement. There were two testimonies of how God had intervened—one in a person’s life and getting them out of detention and another in the congregation’s life. Tears of thanksgiving flowed. The people sang with gusto, even the children. There was life here and Jesus was honoured and glorified.
All churches are different. Paul writes letters to different churches to encourage the people into right thinking and behaviour. As you read the letters you get a feel for the church. In Revelation, John reveals that Jesus has a message for each church—He describes their strengths and weaknesses and asks them to focus on Jesus and His truth (Revelation 2,3). You also get a feel of what each church was like.
So what will people feel when they participate in your church this Sabbath?
Jesus’ and Paul’s goal would be that they sense the love, glory, mercy and holiness of our God through all the elements of the program and the interactions with people.
