This article is for you, especially for you, if you have been thinking about going back to United Baptist Church. On the part of all of us at UBC, let me personally invite you back to church: We want you back! Today’s article looks to give you a few tips which we hope will enrich your experience. But remember, in the end, it’s simple. We want you back. Just come!
Maybe it has been a little while since you last went to Church, or maybe it has been a very long time. Either way, returning to the Sunday morning Church worship service is the necessary preparation for growing in your faith and in the fellowship of the church.
If ‘going back to Sunday Morning Services’ has been in the back of your mind for some time, if you can feel a little pull on your heart that wants to go back but you’re worried or anxious or just a little unsure about it, this is for you.
1. Remain Calm!
Just as a little disclaimer before we get started here, let’s just state something clearly: If you are worried, don’t worry. It’s not like there will be a flashing light above your head saying “Hey! This guy hasn’t been to Church in YEARS!”
God wants you back how you are now, preparing for Sunday morning Worship doesn’t mean becoming perfect first before you can return. God wants us all to grow into the very best He has prepared for us, but that doesn’t mean you have to pass through a sin metal detector to get in. Come as you are.
2. Prepare in Advance
As with any special occasion, preparation is important.
A. PREPARE: Get your family mentally and spiritually ready to come back to church. Remind them that you are planning to come back days or even weeks before you return. Rebuilding the habit of going back to church can be challenging. Talk about it with each member of the family in advance. Listen to how they feel and prepare accordingly. Have fun preparing the family to return to church!
B. PRAY: Pray for your family and WITH your family to prepare them to return.
C. PLAN: Make a plan for your family (or your self if you are single). Wearing masks is still recommended. Plan to sit with your family. We have space for social distancing. How will you greet people (shake hands, fist bump, wave)? We have plenty of hand sanitizing stations to keep your hands clean!
**Just to be clear, these are 3 suggestions that we make because we think that it will enrich your experience and to keep you and your family safe, but don’t let these things stop you from coming. In the end, it’s simple. We want you back. Just come!
3. Find someone to go with.
It is tough to go anywhere new alone and it’s no different if you are returning to church after some time. If you want to go to church but have no one to go with, see if you can connect with someone who could go with you.
This might be a friend who already goes regularly or even just an acquaintance. Maybe it is a family member who has asked you previously if you’d like to come to church with them. Contact them and ask if you can go along together.
You don’t have to tell them all your reasons why or give them the backstory if you don’t want to. Just reach out to someone and ask them simply to accompany you. If they are a good friend, they won’t be nosy, they’ll just quietly take you along with them.
5. Engage
The Sunday Morning Service is not meant to be a form of entertainment but neither are we meant to be static watchers of the event. Sing your heart out (it doesn’t matter if you think you can’t sing, it’s not a competition!) think about what you are learning and how to apply it to your life.
Be sensitive to what God is trying to speak to you in the singing, teaching, or as you interact with other believers.
Experience what God has prepared for you.
6. Children are welcome too (Even if they are crying)
Maybe you are returning to church with your children for the first time. If so, please don’t worry, we've got you covered. There will be many people there who are parents and remember what it is like taking a baby to Church.
We have Kids Church for the elementary aged students at the 11 o'clock English service. Elementary aged students stay with parents during worship and then go to the Kid's Church Experience before the sermon. The teachers wear masks.
Our Nursery is prepared for babies. All of our workers are vaccinated. They wear masks to keep everybody safe.
We have a Small group Sunday School class at 10 for Teenaged students.
8. Afterward
Afterward, don’t just rush off out of the Church. Take some moments inside to reflect on what just happened. Was there anything that struck you? How should this change your life? Is there anything you need to do to change? You could reflect on this at home if that is better for you. Many step outside and fellowship a bit.
You can also leave if you do not feel comfortable being around many people. We have plenty of sanitizing stations to keep you safe.
9. And Finally - Don't Expect Perfection
Sometimes when we go to church, things don’t go as well as we would wish. In an ideal world, the congregation at Service would be full of life and joy, the pastor would give an inspirational message and everyone would go away feeling completely one with God.
But other times Church can feel different; others around us may look bored, still half asleep, the message may not inspire you that week. Regardless of your experience of Church, remember this- Christ is truly and objectively present in the the Sunday Morning Service.
He is not limited by our human imperfections. He still wants to be with us, in every part of our lives, even when Church may feel disappointing. Christ is still there, even if it feels like others are not truly present themselves. A strong familiarity with Church can sadly lead to tedium or apathy if we are not careful, but remember that Christ is still deeply interested in us and He does not stop gently calling us to deeper participation on Sunday mornings.
He came to bind the wounded and gather us all up together in Him. Focus on giving your all during the worship experience, making connections if you can with those around you, and remember, Congregational Worship is an act of faith. Don’t worry if you don’t feel anything but please be reassured that the body of Christ is delighted to see you back!
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