Sundays are important. I believe they are one of our greatest opportunities for the spiritual formation of the people of God. I believe that we should show up every week expecting that God will move in power, convict us of sin, comfort us, conform us to the image of Christ, grow our knowledge and affection for the person and work of God, and send us out on mission to live like the Gospel is true.
But I also believe that Sundays are insufficient for a whole life of formation for the followers of Jesus.
If our people commit weekly to the corporate gathering of the people of God, that represents one hour out of the 168 hours contained in each week. But the research shows that for many Christians, regular attendance at the Sunday gathering looks like attending a service twice a month - not once a week. That means out of 672 hours each month, many in our congregations give two hours to the corporate gathering. Is it any wonder then that we resort to gimmicks and ‘fire messages,’ and attempt to outdo the spectacle and production week after week in an attempt to get people to walk through the door?
Everything is formation, but ultimately, formation and entertainment are not playing the same game. Because formation is concerned about who we are becoming over months and years, not occupying our attention for minutes and moments. Yes, we should lead and serve with excellence - but not to entertain. We should lead and serve with excellence because the Gospel is true, God is worthy, and we care about making disciples of Jesus. Plan your set lists, choose your songs, lead your team, and speak with clarity and urgency, but never from a desire to outdo last Sunday or last Christmas - but continually put the truth in the hearts, minds, eyes, ears, and mouths of our people.