- Inspiring: When the pastor deeply rooted his message into Scripture and then inspired me to act upon it through challenge, story, or emotion, I wanted to return. I remember one sermon when my pastor, Kerry Bauman at Chain of Lakes Community Bible Church in Lake Villa, IL challenged us to forgive our enemies. His words motivated me to perform an act of kindness to two people who had deeply hurt me in the past.
- Authentic: When the speaker or the worship leaders came across as real and accessible, rather than far above me or far ahead of me in the Christian life, I was drawn into the service and wanted to return.
- Learning: Although I have an MDiv and a DMN, I still have much to learn about the Bible. And since most people love to learn new things, including me, when it was obvious that the pastor had done his homework and then had brought fresh Scriptural insight into his message, he drew me in. Again I wanted to return.
I’ll cherish those past 18 months as a unique opportunity to learn what it’s like to be on the other side of the aisle.
This article on a compelling worship service originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
