The normal response of people who hear all that went into the preparation of this single hour on Sunday morning is, “My, but that was a tremendous amount of work.” It’s true, a lot of work was involved in each service. But, I defend this for many reasons.
First, we were planning one such service a week instead of three.
Second, the entire psychology of our congregation was one of excitement and anticipation toward church as a whole, and toward the morning service in particular.
Third, a great deal of our growth (and much of that growth was in the under-thirty age bracket) could be attributed to this positive psychology.
Fourth, the learning which occurred was far and beyond my previous experience. Please, just pause a moment and answer a question. Can you tell me what was emphasized, preached, stated last Sunday at your church? Or, in a month of Sundays?
Fifth, the careful planning of the morning service increased multifold the opportunities for members to utilize their gifts of the Holy Spirit. Since we were not content to do it the same way Sunday after Sunday, He was working in us a true expression of creative growth and power.
Sixth, the congregation continually shared with the staff its growth in understanding of worship as a direct result of the service.
Seventh, very little financial cost was involved, since for so long we had no finances to speak of and were forced to depend on human resourcefulness.
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Pastor, when “sermon prep day” rolls around each week, do you face the task of preparing another sermon with a frown on your face? If so, you’re not alone. Many pastors literally dread preparing their Sunday sermon. There just doesn’t seem to be an easy solution. The good news: David Mains and Mainstay Ministries can help. We offer a wide variety of Sermon Starters and Full Sermons that will give you Sermon Ideas to help you prepare for regular Sunday sermons, Mid-week Bible Sermons, and Sermons for special occasions. We also offer assistance as you create Topical Sermons, Sermons Series, and sermons for special times of the year. We have resources available to help you with Advent Celebrations, Advent Sermons, Christmas Sermons, Easter Sunday Sermons, Patriotic Sermons, and more.
For more information on how to create better Bible Sermons and how to turn Sermon Ideas into Sermon Outlines, and then into effective, meaningful Sunday Sermons, please click here to visit David Mains’ website.
You will also find a variety of resources for pastors and congregations at the Mainstay Ministries website. Just click here.
