While working at Shine.FM this summer, I have also been working as a worship leader at the church that I attend. Growing up, and still now, my dad is a pastor and my mom is a children’s pastor. As a result, I’ve seen a lot of what goes on in church ministry. I also know that for as long as I can remember, my family would go to church Sunday morning, and then come home and my parents would nap on Sunday afternoons.
When I was younger, I was always confused as to how they could be that tired after only a few hours. Now as a 20 year old who works in the church, I realize exactly how exhausting Sunday mornings are. (But exhausting in the best kind of way, of course.)
There is a lot more that goes into a Sunday morning than most people realize, I think. It takes a lot of hard work, patience, guidance, and faith for everything to run smoothly. What makes it even harder, is that the trend today seems to be that if the “aesthetic” or “atmosphere” of the church service doesn’t fit someone’s taste, then they have no problem going somewhere else. Therefore, there’s an added pressure on church staff and pastors to create this kind of service.
I’ve heard and read people saying that there is too much pressure on the church to be trendy and popular, but I understand the conflict that creates because churches want to be welcoming and inviting to others, but it’s difficult when the “guidelines” for that seem to mean that Sunday morning has to be a performance instead of church.
Essentially, I’ve realized how challenging it can be to be in ministry in today’s world. And I think that not many people realize those challenges. My encouragement would be to get involved in the challenge! Support your pastors and ministry leaders. Become invested in your church home, in whatever position they need help. The church is strongest when everyone in the church participates and believes in the mission.
What can you do for your church?
