Last Wednesday evening, I was driving to church for Lenten worship. On the way, I passed a fitness center. Through the walls of glass I could see lots of people in the brightly lit center. It appeared that every treadmill and most other pieces of equipment were in use. I actually took it as a good sign. If it is a good night to be out exercising, I thought, it will be a good night to be at church.Attendance had been a bit sparse at the Ash Wednesday service the week before. But, for the rest of the Wednesdays of Lent, the midtown congregations of Rockford are joining together, so there was the potential for greater participation last Wednesday.
The nave of the church where we were is very large. I was not able to guess with any accuracy the number of people who were there. But, it was obvious to me that the fitness center was doing a lot better business than was the church.
I love midweek worship during Lent. It has been important to me since my youth. I like the discipline. I need to be reminded of the call to pray, fast and serve during these 40 days. I appreciate the call to repentance. Lent always improves my relationship with God.
A few people have discussed Lent on Facebook. When asked what they were giving up for Lent, some responded that they were giving up Lent. It is just too depressing. Others do not think they have time for Lent. One congregation even gave up midweek worship. They must not understand what Lent is really all about.
It may seem like we are fighting a losing battle. Going to church on a Wednesday night is certainly counter-cultural. I encourage you to not give up. Your Wednesday evening service may only have church geeks like me in attendance, but you will be equipping us to reach out with the gospel in new ways and in new contexts. Who knows? I may be talking about Jesus with someone on a treadmill on Thursday night.
By the way, I want to thank the midtown pastors for their efforts. Do not forget to thank yours too.
Comments? Go to http://niselca.blogspot.com/. The image is the much copied “Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane” by Heinrich Hoffman, taken from http://www.freechristimages.org/. --JC
One of my fellow interns (not serving in this synod) reports that a congregation near him has given up "disciplines" and "fasting" for Lent. When it was suggested that this be emphasized, the pastor angrily said that Christians shouldn't fast. I find that baffling. Ultimately, if we expect people to come to Wed. night church during Lent (and Advent, and...?) we need to give them something they think is worth coming for, so we leaders should all work on sharpening our worship and preaching skills.
ReplyDeleteI also love the wednesday evening lenten services. After the rush of the day in mid-week, I find the services calming. They force me to slow down and provide a time for contemplation about the Lent season and what our Lord and Savior did for me on the cross. Even if the sermon is not inspiring, the music, readings and quiet of the sanctuary are enough for me to come away refreshed and full of the Spirit to continue my week.
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