The view from the pulpit is often interesting. People are so used to watching unresponsive TV and computer screens that they forget preachers can see them! After a while, the unexpected becomes commonplace, and the preacher is able to keep his composure regardless whether "the walls come tumbling down."
When Christians gather for worship on the Lord's Day, something special happens. They strengthen their common bond, as in concert they pour out their gratitude to their Savior. It is a time for worship (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2), rejoicing (Psalm 118:24), examination (2 Corinthians 13:5), and fellowship (Acts 2:42-47). It is the week's beginning as well as its highlight; nothing else done during the next six days equals what happens on the Lord's Day. We understand why Paul delayed his journey for seven days so he could worship the Lord, on the Lord's Day, with the Lord's people (Acts 20:6-7).
Usually present are people of all ages--babies, children, teenagers, young adults, families, empty-nest couples, senior saints, widows, and widowers. Each comes to express a common love for an uncommon God; each feels a universal thirst for eternal truth. While worship is formal and congregational, it should be neither cold nor impersonal--it is "in spirit." (John 4:24) Worship involves personalities, and that can make it interesting. This past Lord's Day, we had an uncommon service. You should have seen what happened...
A BABY CRIED. Occasionally someone frowns when a child cries during services, but most of us smile. Parents recognize the need to take out the child to avoid disturbing others, but we don't want them to feel self-conscious. We are glad it happens! What if no baby had cried Sunday? It would have meant there were no babies there, for all babies cry. No church wants to be that quiet; a tomb is quieter than a nursery, but who wants to worship in a cemetery! A church without children is a church with its best days behind instead of ahead. If no babies had cried Sunday, it might also have indicated that parents saw no need to train the next generation in the Lord's ways (Ephesians 6:4). Good parents want children to learn about God, beginning with their first Sunday on planet earth (cf. Matthew 18:1-3; 19:13-14). They do not want them to be able to remember the first time they came to worship. We know they'll eventually learn to be quiet, but for now, we're glad to hear them.
A SISTER LEFT EARLY TO GO TO WORK. In a perfect world, all businesses would close on the Lord's Day so that every person could exalt God's name in worship (Psalm 34:3). In heaven, it will be that way, but it is not that way on earth. Christians are sometimes forced to make decisions. This sister had to be at work before the service ended... what to do? She could have skipped the service and told others that she "had to work." She could have slept in, had plenty of time to get ready, left in time to avoid traffic, and got a bite to eat before her shift. Rather, she chose to get up early, be in Bible class, sing God some songs, open her heart to Him in prayer, thank Him for Christ's sacrifice during communion, give Him part of last week's prosperity, and listen to His Word. She sat toward the back so as not to disturb others when she got up a few minutes before the sermon ended. Few saw her sermon on priorities (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1-2), but the preacher did.
PAGES RUSTLED. As the messenger preached the word (2 Timothy 4:2), hearers "searched the Scriptures to see whether those things were so." (Acts 17: 11) Far from offending him, it was music to his ears. Jesus found "the place where it was written," (Luke 4:17) and so should we. We joke that our favorite sermon words are "in conclusion," but we find most Christians thirsty for the Word (1 Peter 2:2) and hungering after righteousness (Matthew 5:8). They bring their Bibles, read their Bibles, mark their Bibles, memorize their Bibles, and live by their Bibles.
A SISTER NODDED. Probably no one noticed, except the preacher, but a faithful sister nodded in agreement with a sermon point. She would not speak out to say "amen" as did her husband (1 Corinthians 14:34; 1 Timothy 2:11), but she encouraged the preacher just as much without saying a word. Nods also help others in the audience to know that the sermon is expressing not only the preacher's convictions, but also those of other Christians.
A CHILD DREW A PICTURE. Any parent knows that profound statements come "out of the mouths of babes." Often, a little child has led God's people (cf. Isaiah 11:6). Most churches can point to some young people whose examples are worth imitating by those who are much older (1 Timothy 4: 12). Last Sunday, a child was interested enough to draw a picture that related to what the preacher was saying (cf. 1 Timothy 3:15). There is nothing unusual about that; when there's a PowerPoint presentation, little eyes are always paying attention, and little hands are often copying down the words. They may not yet fully comprehend the concepts, but the seed is planted; the foundation is laid; the base color is on the canvas. One day, fruit will ripen, the structure will stand, and the painting will be perfected. And these very notes may become fresh classes and sermons for another generation of children. Occasionally, some who now stand in pulpits still use notes written in childish letters on yellowing paper. These have been reborn into lessons for those who were not born when the notes were first taken. The truth never ages; it only needs recycling.
A CHRISTIAN WORSHIPPED FOR THE FIRST TIME. Baptized on Tuesday, on Sunday, a young man offered God acceptable worship for the first time. God cleansed him from sin, set him in the church, and watched with interest as he bowed in adoration (Acts 22:16; 1 Corinthians 12:28; John 4:24). If the Lord delays His return, and the new Christian's days are prolonged, that is probably only one of 10,000 times he will publicly worship his Creator (John 4:24; Hebrews 10:25), but it will likely never mean more to God, or him, than this first service. He took a beautiful step on a long journey, the first note in a grand symphony.
THOSE FROM "EIGHT TO EIGHTY" COMMITTED TO READ THE BIBLE. About this time each year, we encourage the members to read through the Bible. On Sunday, more than a hundred agreed to do so. The youngest, who is just under eight years old, will read the Bible for the first time. Perhaps this is the first of fifty or more times the cleansing Water of Life will purify his mind's recesses. The oldest is past eighty and may be reading it for the last time (Hebrews 9:27; James 4:14).
TEARS FLOWED. Christian love often expresses itself in tears, as it did with Jesus and the early Christians (Luke 19:41; Acts 20:37). God's Word touched good and honest hearts, and last Sunday, souls responded to the Lord's invitation. Joyful tears flowed over "one sinner that repenteth" (cf. James 5:16, 19-20).
What's going to happen this Sunday? Come and see!
I very much appreciate Brother Webster's article. Preachers have wonderful vantage points to see all of their audiences. I too have witnessed every one of the things mentioned in this fine article. Yet, as I look out over the audience on any given Sunday, I also see some other things.
MANY BIBLES ARE CLOSED. Why do we bring our Bibles to worship services and Bible classes? Hopefully, to study and examine what is being taught. How many times have you heard a preacher say "don't take my word for it-check it out for yourself?" This is necessary because preachers, including me, can make mistakes. How can you know whether any given sermon is truthful if you do not "try the Spirit" (1 John 4:1) by comparing the preacher's words to the book? Write down the Scriptures and read them later; if he's made a mistake tell him. If his words are true to the book, apply them and live them.
SOME ARE SLEEPING OR DOZING. I'm well aware that my preaching is not spellbinding. But, isn't God's word important enough to give it a listen? Sleeping or dozing during the sermon indicates a lack of proper preparation by getting enough rest the previous night. Or could it be that the worship service in general is boring to those who sleep during the preaching? What would be a good reason for sleeping? Believe it or not, I know some. On a number of occasions members have told me they are on strong medication that sometimes makes them drowsy. They're letting me know that they are not dozing because I'm boring, or because they are not interested, but because of the medication. Another time, a young mother told me she was up all night with a sick child. My faith is uplifted by these types of folks who still make the effort to worship with the saints.
SOME ARE ALWAYS LEAVING THEIR SEATS. I'm aware that some have good reasons for leaving their seats. Older people may have weak bladders. Some have back problems and must stand up to keep their backs from stiffening. Sometimes, mothers must take out restless children. Some may become ill during services. I'm not talking about these types of cases. Some, and you can set your watch by them, go out during every service. Why? They drink water, walk around, etc. We now have extra time before worship services begin. This is the time to use the restroom, get a drink, or stretch your legs. I wonder whether those who go out and then return to their seats understand that it is distracting to those sitting around them. And why is it always the same people?
Please understand that none of these things offend me personally. I've witnessed them throughout my preaching life. Besides, I'm not the one about whom you should be concerned; the Lord is. How much respect are we exhibiting for His word and His worship service? May God help us to consider others, to understand how our actions can influence them in a negative way, and to give God the respect He so richly deserves. Indeed, something is always happening during the church services on any given Sunday! (KMG)