Tags
Recently I led a funeral service where many of the attendees were not regular worshipers. In fact, it might be safe to say they never attended, nor had a belief system about God, nor could possibly think about encounters with God. I could certainly be wrong about that. Regardless though, this raised a few questions in my mind.
Before the funeral began, a thought went through my head – that I was going to have to explain everything to the people. There would need to be an explanation about communion – not just what we did, but why we did it. There would need to be an explanation about the hymns, where to find them, and more. There would need to be an explanation about the passing of the peace. The entire service would be foreign for many people. And here was an opportunity to explain it to people.
I’ve never had to explain everything we did in worship before – all at once. I’m not sure how I did with explaining everything, but that’s ok, it was a good exercise anyway.
This has got me thinking about when people come to worship – visitors. We can’t assume people know what’s going on.
There is an opportunity to explain. And an opportunity to bring someone into relationship with others, with God, and with facing the realities that exist around them.
How would you go about explaining parts of the service to someone who has no experience with church? How would you explain communion to someone who has never heard of Jesus?
Laced up Lutheran 
If even only 1 or 2 heard and absorbed, perhaps a seed was planted which might root some curiosity . Down the road the individuals might seek help from a church or pastor. We can pray that happens.
I am not sure about explaining to someone who has NO concept of God/Jesus. Explaining the Holy Spirit woukd certainly beca challenge cause U know some church goers who don’t understand it.
The service reminded me of my very first Christmas concert in one of the schools where I taught in W Va. It was way out 17 miles from town in a hollow where the performance was deemed a social event for the attendees who got to visit with “neighbors”/relatives who lived miles away. They had no concept of “this is about the children”!
Although many at the service might not have seemingly gotten much spiritually from your words and the event, we never know who might have been touched or even seeking! At least our brother was commended with dignity and id resting now without pain in the arms if Jesus, whole again.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for your words Lynne. I know that it is not our doing that moves people or saves people. Instead it is God’s doing. Our job is to proclaim the Good News. God is in the transformation and resurrection business. For that I am extremely grateful.
LikeLiked by 1 person