January 3, 2021
I sincerely hope that everyone presently involved with online church sessions are getting the most out of them every single week. I get that looking at church on your computer, phone or tablet, as opposed to being in the sanctuary, is a little more difficult. For this reason, I want to provide helpful advice. This is especially important since many of our churches will be online, in some form of bible study or messages, for the foreseeable future as this pandemic rages on.
To maximize your experience, I’m providing you with the ABCs of Online Worship and Bible Study:
A – Allow the time.
It’s very important that participants take the time of your church studies very seriously, and especially on Sunday mornings. You need to eliminate any scheduling conflicts and block out the time, and block any potential distractions—including those self-imposed distractions. If you devote this time for study, praise and worship, just as you would at church, you will get the most out of the experience, and it will carry you through the day and the entire week!
B – Be Intentional.
Just as in church, you don’t just show up to check off a to-do or get brownie points from God—isn’t that right? God wants you to approach online sessions with a heart’s desire for His presence. He wants you to show up with the mindset, “Here I am to worship.” Get online to hear the complete worship service message after Sunday school (if you have it, and if you don’t, you should). These are being prepared each week by your pastor or speaker with you in mind. This intentional approach will make your online experience much more enjoyable as you give praise and glory to God!
C – Call on the Holy Spirit.
Call on the Holy Spirit throughout the online session for wisdom and guidance as you stop, look and listen. If you are of the understanding that every lesson and message is inspired by the Spirit, then there will be something for you to get out of it. Yield to the presence of the Spirit each week. It’s a time of learning, and I don’t want you to miss out.
Please also remember any members who are unable to join us online. Don’t forget to call on them or drop them a note. If you are able, pray with them for the same presence of mind in the Holy Spirit. I’m also prayerful that all of us can soon get back together in fellowship in our respective churches as we grow in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For now, think about your ABCs.
Blessings to each one of you.
© 2021 Melvin Gaines
Melvin Gaines 