I'm gearing up for another Sunday and looking forward to a concert style event in which I am an audience member, and really just a consumer, so I thought about what I think are the essential functions of a church service, since I was actually privileged to perform such services in the military setting in July. That was great, but actually being in charge forced me to ask what was essential, and the reality is, it comes down to resources. The fact is there are sermons and music available to people all the time, so those aren't the vitality of the sunday event. But when people are starved for those things, it's important to bring the word, and to allow people to celebrate in song. It's also vital to get out of the lecture hall and into a dialogue. Service needs to be two ways. Time in prayer/fellowship is important. Also communion, and recognizing that the cup is really what it's all about. I'm no Catholic, but I do think that renewing communion with Christ is the central function of a gathering of believers. Ultimately what we want is a renewed and restored faith. Service's must be practical. Most of this doesn't come through to me at my sunday event, sadly, but I am willing to believe that it is dependent on my effort, and that I am not meant to be a consumer.
