A VIEW FROM THE BACK
(By a substitute usher.)
Last Sunday I had the privilege of serving as an usher. In many churches ushers sit in the back to help latecomers find seats, and help with the Lord's Supper. I usually sit close to the front and don't always get a overall view of what occurs during worship, but last Sunday I did.
There is no question that the back of the auditorium is noisier and has more distractions. However I noticed many POSITIVES, including:
Bibles! Nearly everyone brings his or her Bible. This is encouraging, as it reflects devotion to God’s word.
Children! We are blessed with couples that bring babies, toddlers and young children. Although the parents may not hear every word or sing every line, they are teaching their children valuable lessons by bringing them to worship.
Teenagers! We may not have an abundance of teens, but those we have attend worship regularly, including a few whose parents do not come. Their passion for God inspires me.
Singing! Listening to the singing of this congregation helps me understand why the only music authorized in the New Testament is acapella singing. The words are inspirational.
The elderly! I noticed people who have been Christians for 50 or more years, and couples who have been married for even longer. Some of these devoted folks are not in good health, yet attend virtually every service.
Four generations! I saw families with four generations in attendance! What a blessing for great-grandparents to see their descendants worshiping God under the same roof.
Friendships! It is thrilling to see people of varying ages, races, accents and backgrounds come together as a family – the family of God!
There is a lot to see from the back of the building, and most of it is VERY GOOD!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
(By a substitute usher.)
Last Sunday I had the privilege of serving as an usher. In many churches ushers sit in the back to help latecomers find seats, and help with the Lord's Supper. I usually sit close to the front and don't always get a overall view of what occurs during worship, but last Sunday I did.
There is no question that the back of the auditorium is noisier and has more distractions. However I noticed many POSITIVES, including:
Bibles! Nearly everyone brings his or her Bible. This is encouraging, as it reflects devotion to God’s word.
Children! We are blessed with couples that bring babies, toddlers and young children. Although the parents may not hear every word or sing every line, they are teaching their children valuable lessons by bringing them to worship.
Teenagers! We may not have an abundance of teens, but those we have attend worship regularly, including a few whose parents do not come. Their passion for God inspires me.
Singing! Listening to the singing of this congregation helps me understand why the only music authorized in the New Testament is acapella singing. The words are inspirational.
The elderly! I noticed people who have been Christians for 50 or more years, and couples who have been married for even longer. Some of these devoted folks are not in good health, yet attend virtually every service.
Four generations! I saw families with four generations in attendance! What a blessing for great-grandparents to see their descendants worshiping God under the same roof.
Friendships! It is thrilling to see people of varying ages, races, accents and backgrounds come together as a family – the family of God!
There is a lot to see from the back of the building, and most of it is VERY GOOD!
Jesus, always Jesus!
Dennis
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