Around this time of year, we are used to seeing headlines in magazines like “Get Beach Ready” and “The Perfect Swimsuit Diet“. I am not saying these are valid or good headlines, but rather that we are used to seeing them since our culture is often concerned about matching the season and attire. 

This past Sunday I got to go to church so, this weekend I wrote a headline in my mind: “Get Your Church Bod Worship Ready.”

Lethargy in the Liturgy

Sunday was a smaller group gathering as an opportunity to finalize details for gathering again this coming Sunday (Lord willing). It was a delight to not be in pj-pants and hear the voices of others sing (through a mask). I have been praying for the chance to gather again for months now and God has answered that prayer. But, as I sat in that mostly empty auditorium this Sunday, with ample space around me, and with a mask ready for singing, I felt something odd… I felt tired… I felt lethargy in the liturgy.

It was hard to sing in that setting again; it was tiring to stand, and it felt awkward and vulnerable to have so much space around me in church. Usually, I am surrounded by people and my voice is drowned out by the congregation. Normally, the preacher does not have the time to look each of member of the audience in the eye one by one. I was out of shape for the corporate gathering of the Church, even though I was excited to be there.

This reality reminded me of 1 Timothy 4:8,

“For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.“

1 Timothy 4:8 ESV

The Christian Workout

Take a moment to “check your worship bod out” and reflect if you were one of the people who took the time in the last few months to get fit, or another 3-letter f-word. I, regretfully, chose the latter. There is still time to change that trajectory and get “church-ready” not just “beach-ready.”

The Christian life of virtue and devotion is an upward climb that is initiated and sustained by God’s grace, but not without active participation from our will and heartfelt devotion.

The Bible describes our lives as Christians as a race (Hebrews 12:1) and a fight (1 Timothy 6:12). We are to put on the full armour of God (Ephesians 6:11), and work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12). It is a journey inspired by the stories of those who have gone before us in faithfulness (Hebrews 11:8-11) to obtain the prize of the call of Jesus (Philippians 3:14). Our worship and growing in Christ-likeness is not passive or automatic. It takes effort, it takes focus, and it takes training.

In this season of isolation and web-based fellowship, I didn’t realize how “out-of-shape” I was getting until I tried to engage again. That realization was humbling. It broke my heart. Worshipping with God’s people has been the most consistent habit and exercise of my life. I am shocked at how quickly what was once familiar became out of practice.

The effort of coming back to church is real. Even now as we plan, the levels of consideration are many and church will look very different (for a while, at least). After my experience on Sunday, I realized I needed to encourage and challenge all of us (myself included!). Regardless of where we are on the spectrum of willingness/ability to return to in-person gatherings, we must be training ourselves at home to be ready to meet soon.

Homework

Here are some “exercises” I thought would be helpful to practice while you worship at home:

Sing

Singing has been a part of Christian worship since before Jesus went to the Cross (Mark 14:26), so we need to engage in this aspect of our worship in our homes. Due to restrictions we will be doing less singing together when gathering, but remember when singing, “Sing to the LORD (Psalm 96:1)!” Singing encourages our hearts and those around us to engage with the words and commands of God (Colossians 3:16).

Stand

At church, we stand for periods of the service. We stand to orientate our physical bodies to match the reverence and respect due to the God we worship in our hearts. Standing, even alone in your home, will engage your body in the act of worship in a way lounging on the couch will not.

Read your Bible

The gathering of God’s people is marked by a centrality of the Word of God, the Bible. It is the Word of God that sustains us (Matthew 4:4), most importantly through the Word-made-flesh, Jesus Christ (John 1:14). Be in God’s Word on your own time to keep your attention and affection tuned into God’s leading (Psalm 119).

Fellowship

In this season of isolation many of us have not been able to connect with the family and friends we are used to doing life with. As we look to return to physical services, we need to be in contact with each other to sensitize ourselves to the shock of group gatherings. Phone calls, porch visits, Zoom meetings, and text messages remind us of the sweet fellowship we are meant to share with our brothers and sisters in Christ (Acts 2:42). Connecting with others also gives you the chance to listen to the struggles and concerns of others, which will make us more sympathetic to the challenges we face as we seek God’s will for our gatherings moving forward (Romans 14:19).

Be Accountable

With guidelines expanding to include “bubbles” of 10 people, consider inviting those 10 to watch the service with you in your home or on your deck. They could be family members, friends, or neighbours. We are not meant to be alone (Genesis 2:18), in being together you can stir-up and encourage one another in the faith (Hebrews 10:24). Coming back to church may not be in your immediate plans. I understand that and I want you to be encouraged that you are loved and cared for. We look forward to the day when we can all be together again. 

See You Soon

I hope to see you in church soon. I am praying that when we see each other we will be in tip-top shape for worshipping God, in the name of Jesus, through the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen (Ephesians 3:20-21)