7 Reasons I Like Wednesday Night Meetings
Nearly every congregation has some sort of “midweek” meeting. Most are on Wednesday nights, but some have recently moved to Tuesday or Thursday. Since the Bible does not command this type of meeting, it is up to the wisdom of the elders to decide (1) IF there should be such a meeting, (2) when it will be, and (3) what the emphasis should be. Most congregations meet for a devotional and Bible classes, but there are other things that can be done (prayer meetings, singing schools, etc.).
Some do not see these midweek meetings as important. They “get in the way” of many other events and they take more time away from home. I’ll admit, there are times when they can make an already busy week even more busy, but I love midweek meetings. Here are 7 reasons why.
1. I get to see fellow Christians again. Sundays are far apart! Seven days can be a long time. It is a wonderful thing to get to see the faces of faithful brothers and sisters in the middle of a week.
2. It provides another opportunity to worship and learn. While most midweek services are Bible study-based, not all are. Whatever is done, so long as it is scriptural, should be seen as another opportunity, not another “chore.” Any chance we get to worship God and learn together should be cherished.
3. It provides information. Yes, announcements can get tedious, but they are helpful. Also–and this is hard for me to admit–, as much as email and internet helps, hearing the announcements and getting personal updates is a great help. If nothing else, it provides the church with another opportunity to pray together about a specific need.
4. It is encouraging. We often describe the midweek service as a time “to recharge our batteries.” That is so true! There is great encouragement that comes from being together and hearing more of God’s Word in the middle of a tough week.
5. It could change eternity. While someone can become a Christian or be restored to faithfulness at any time, there is still something to be said for a public invitation. If just one person comes forward in any length of time, then all the lessons have been worth it.
6. It provides an example to children. Kids know that there are services to attend, and, when we fail to attend, they know that something is “more important.” However, when we are present even in the midst of a difficult week, we are teaching an invaluable lesson.
7. It provides an effecient time for other activities. Living in a city makes it hard for people to come to the church building many times during the week for meetings or special activities. However, many will plan a brief meeting, meal, or other activity before or after our midweek services, since others will be present. Effecient is good!
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What are some reasons you like midweek meetings?
Will I see you tonight at Lebanon Road at ours?
6 Comments
Scott McCown
Adam,
I think you pegged mine in 1 – 4. Anytime I can get together with my spiritual family is a blessing.
Thanks
Wayne Gordon
Often when asked by a friend to do something that would occur during a meeting time of our congregation, we respond with, “I got to go to church.” I have thought for several years that “church” should never be viewed as a ‘got to’ but rather a ‘get to’. When that attitude is part of who I am, then whose I am is also evident. All of the reasons given are valid and important. This becomes more of an inner statement that causes positive action within those reasons.
Scott McCown
Wayne, I preach changing ‘got to’ to ‘get to’ constantly. You ought to see the looks on people’s faces when they hear my family say, “Not Wednesday, we get to get together with our church family then.”
Billy Hutchens
I won’t believe that Adam wrote this article until all 7 points start with the same letter. Plagiarism!
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Frank B.
Great list, Adam. I usually anticipate going to Wednesday-night meetings. Other times, I have to drag myself there. But I’m almost always glad once I get there. Church leaders, Bible class teachers, etc. should do what they can to make these the best they can be. So many times, it’s like a group of people said, “It’s 7 p.m. on a Wednesday. . . So here we are.” The good Lord hates that. Don’t discredit the gospel. Prepare the best Bible classes you can. Be sure the devotionals are devotional. Make youth gatherings meaningful. When leaders do this, Wednesday nights rarely fail to make an impact. But if we’re not going to do that, why abuse and waste so much time?