They are absolutely right….I attended the Trellis and Vine Conference in Chicago 2 weeks ago, and Colins “Ministry of the Pew” was a real game changer - read the whole article on “thebriefing.com/au” website, or google it.I don’t think you can read it and walk in to a worship service with your old approach again!

As a pastor with many young families and as a parent of many little ones I would add:1) Prepare your children during the week and the night before with family worship (that includes singing - this helps them to learn to enjoy singing in the corporate service)2) Be clear about expectations for your children and try to make it an joyful time3) For those without kids, look to assist the parents with grace and service…look at the children as your spiritual grandchildren or nieces and nephews (avoid exasperated sighs and judgmental glares)4) Parents of young children - be considerate of those who don’t have little ones and make sure you provide parenting to your children

I see in the original article that Colin Marshall uses the phrase ‘ordinary’ church members. Thanks for making that correction Tim.

I get a little testy when these kinds of lists start to be drawn up but overall some good practical advise here to see that things are done decently and in order.I think it a bit proscriptive to ask someone who has not a great voice to sing with gusto, and not everyone can easily greet newcomers, nor start up conversations easily. Watch out that you don’t lay burdens on people in trying to fulfil the various rules here.

Now maybe the Scots got it right:Of the Assembling of the Congregation, and their Behaviour in the Publick Worship of God.

WHEN the congregation is to meet for publick worship, the people (having before prepared their hearts thereunto) ought all to come and join therein; not absenting themselves from the publick ordinance through negligence, or upon pretence of private meetings.

Let all enter the assembly, not irreverently, but in a grave and seemly manner, taking their seats or places without adoration, or bowing themselves towards one place or other.

The congregation being assembled, the minister, after solemn calling on them to the worshipping of the great name of God, is to begin with prayer.

“In all reverence and humility acknowledging the incomprehensible greatness and majesty of the Lord, (in whose presence they do then in a special manner appear,) and their own vileness and unworthiness to approach so near him, with their utter inability of themselves to so great a work; and humbly beseeching him for pardon, assistance, and acceptance, in the whole service then to be performed; and for a blessing on that particular portion of his word then to be read: And all in the name and mediation of the Lord Jesus Christ.”

The publick worship being begun, the people are wholly to attend upon it, forbearing to read any thing, except what the minister is then reading or citing; and abstaining much more from all private whisperings, conferences, salutations, or doing reverence to any person present, or coming in; as also from all gazing, sleeping, and other indecent behaviour, which may disturb the minister or people, or hinder themselves or others in the service of God.

If any, through necessity, be hindered from being present at the beginning, they ought not, when they come into the congregation, to betake themselves to their private devotions, but reverently to compose themselves to join with the assembly in that ordinance of God which is then in hand.

Some examples that come to mind:Newcomers tend to feel uncomfortable and alone…Widowers and singles also enjoy companionship…Large families are often blessed by the helping hands of other adults (at least ours is with five children seven and under).

Just wondering if those reading would jot down 3 to 5 great music cds of Christian music, preferably of the reformed persuasion. The less they sound like Pearl Jam the better!

“Is there anything that should be added to the list?”

Yes, three things at least as important as the things on the list:1) Considering how to stimulate one another to love;2) Considering how to stimulate one another to good deeds, and;3) Encouraging one another, all the more as we see the day approaching.

Strategic pew placement … hmmmmm.

I mean, if it were a church potluck, I would be strategic about sitting next to a new family to make them feel more comfortable, but services aren’t very interactive, so it almost completely minimizes the effectiveness of the gesture.

About the “think strategically who you sit with” point. Yes, seek out those who are alone, or those couples/families that no one seems to ever notice. Think they’re not in your church? Look again!

Years ago, a recently widowed woman returned to church one Sunday and sat alone. The pew, on either side of her, was clear for several spots. During the first hymn, the pastor looked down and saw her. He stepped down from the platform, took a place at her side, held the hymn book for the two of them and sang and worshiped with her until his duties called him back to the pulpit. I felt so ashamed of myself, and others, for not seeing her need and being at her side. I hope I never see that happen again without acting myself!

Think strategically about who you should sit with - Um lets say my family.————————Listen carefully and yet be worried about what my face is doing.————————Help with logistics, depending on which logistical thing that is being mentioned, get rid of all the stuff that has the potential of causing problems and taking the focus off of God.Check out what a typical Sunday is like at Voddie Baucham’s church. Little room left for any logistical errors. Yet they are growing and planting with out all the “extra” stuff thrown in to make Sunday the busiest day off the week.

Think strategically about where you sit is all dependent on the “arrive early” part. I notice lots of newcomers like to come early (they may have looked up the time online so they get there 10-15 minute early). These people sit down quickly because they don’t know anyone and a lot of times they are alone. I think these are the people to look out for.

Also, members of the church who sit alone, who may be left out a lot of times. Maybe those who recently lost a loved one, or went through a divorce, or who are just having a bad week. Picking someone out to sit next to makes them feel loved and encouraged and by arriving early you can talk before the service and maybe invite them to lunch afterwords.