Church Starts At Least 10 Minutes Before It Begins

ClockSomething that I’ve become increasingly aware of is that it is good to show up to church at least 10 minutes early. And there is something more to this besides just making sure that you’re there on time. It’s because church actually starts before the “official” starting time.

Let me explain. Church isn’t just the building that we (as Christians) meet in. Church isn’t just the time from the moment the leader gets up to the last chorus of the final song.

Church is the gathering together of Christians around God and his Word.

In short, Christians should be at church before the “official” start time, so that we can hang out with people.

So are there any other reasons as to why is it good to show up to church early?

  1. It means that you can help out with any last minute things that need to be done.
  2. You can welcome people who are coming to church for the first time.
  3. You can hang out with the people whom you already know before church, and see how they are.
  4. It means that there is a good group of people there from the start of the service, which is generally encouraging for everyone.

So instead of sneaking into church during the first song, make an effort to get there at least 10 minutes before it starts. For most people, it’s not that hard.

Related posts from calumhenderson.com:

  1. Church History In 5 Minutes
  2. “Church Is” Survey Results Q1: What is Church?
  3. “Church Is” Survey Results Q2: What do you like about Church?
  4. “Church Is” Survey Results Q3: What don’t you like about Church?

5 Responses to “Church Starts At Least 10 Minutes Before It Begins”

  1. Sophie March 7, 2011 at 2:16 pm #

    Totally agree Cal! I also think it’s a really weird trend in my church to not walk in (to the actual hall) and take your seat until someone is standing at the mic begging you to come in.
    What are we embarrassed about? Being the keenest one there? Ahh – not really embarrassing… So often I make it my act of service to be the first dorky one sitting there in one of the first 3 rows. Love it!

  2. Johnny March 7, 2011 at 2:54 pm #

    Can’t agree with you more Calum.

  3. Calum Henderson March 7, 2011 at 4:35 pm #

    @Sophie I must admit that I have been guilty of not taking my seat fast enough! Totally agree with what you shared Soph, thanks!

    @Johnny Cheers mate

  4. Rhonda Mason March 28, 2011 at 5:38 pm #

    Absolutely agree Calum. Great post!

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