Extending Corporate Worship at Home

Shortly after resuming worship from a COVID-19 shutdown, a precious elderly member enthusiastically proclaimed, "Oh good! Now I can worship again!" I know what she meant, but at face value, her comment marked a depreciated view of worship. Worship is not an hour-long activity on Sunday, worship is a way of life for those following Jesus. Corporate worship is an expected privilege and should be the culmination of believers in worship during the week.

Recent weather has demanded that Wilmont cancel some regularly scheduled worship and Bible study events. Once again, as in 2020, members are facing the reality that a week or two may go by where personal worship is the only avenue to honor the Lord. These times of necessity can be sweet and can offer several unique opportunities.

Spending time in personal worship during what would normally be seasons of corporate worship:

"Worship is not an hour-long activity on Sunday, worship is a way of life for those following Jesus."

1. Allows followers of Jesus to dive deep into personal Bible study or devotional meditation. When the pace of life regularly exhausts us, these unexpected seasons can be the spiritual boost we need.
   
2. Reminds members of the value of meeting with other members. We miss our corporate praying, fellowship, singing, and encouragement. We miss seeing life change taking place in those around us. We miss the corporate exhortation from the Word. It is good that we miss these things to remind us to appreciate them when we gather again.
   
3. Provides couples and families opportunities together. Seasons when you are isolated from your larger church family helps you unite as a nuclear family, bringing the focus of the home back to a place often neglected.
   
4. Turns passive worship into active worship. Serve someone else by calling to check on them, or braving the weather to deliver a favorite treat. Caring for others is an active worship event that pleases the Lord.
   

So as you shelter in place during days of pandemic or travel advisories, here are some suggestions on how you can participate in meaningful worship whether alone or with others in your family.

Read an entire book of the Bible (together if possible) ... a short one. Philippians or Ephesians would be a good start. Adventurous? Read an entire gospel. Check the internet for average reading times for each book of the Bible.

Write 4 or 5 cards or letters of encouragement to others in your church. Remember stamps? They are still sold and still work!

Lead your spouse or family through guided prayer. Start by reading Jesus' instructions on prayer in Matthew 6:9-13. Make a list of things to pray for. Be sure to include elements of praise, thanksgiving, needs, and confession. Call out your list and allow time for others to pray silently or lead the others in the group out loud. Close by reading Jesus' longest recorded prayer in John 17.

Each of these activities may take more time than some are accustomed to spending. But none of them will take more time than you would normally spend during a mid-week or weekend event at church with others.

We would gather as a church if possible, but when we can't, know that your worship can continue!