Initially, the idea of returning to work after months of working at home and Zoom meetings at the kitchen table was exhilarating. I could return to my office! My productivity would soar! I could totally own my task list! I wouldn’t have to wear gym clothes every day! And just like that, the bubbling enthusiasm for a return to work crashed and burned. Y’all, I hadn’t worn real pants in four months. Genuine terror gripped my heart.
What if none of my jeans fit? Why on earth would anyone ever want a collar on a shirt? Could I find pants with elastic waistbands in time? Where was my belt?!
Thankfully I found my belt and some jeans that still fit to triumphantly return to work in early August. But I’ll be honest- it was a lot different than I expected. It was weird being around people again, and I had to adjust. It’s hard to believe, but it has been six months since we held in-person worship at Quest. Coming back to church for the first time in six months will feel different, too. Here are some ways you can make the most of your family’s return to church.
Getting Ready for Worship
Great worship begins before you ever pull into the church parking lot. The best thing you can do to make the most of Sunday is to prepare your hearts for Sunday during the week!
Start Now
Any successful game plan begins before the game ever starts, and your family’s return to church needs a plan to succeed, too!
First and foremost, decide which service is best for you and your family. You can read more about each of our in-person worship options here.
- Are you and your people awake and moving at chicken-thirty? Does your family need to utilize kids’ ministries? The 9AM indoor service is likely the move for your family!
- Do you love the idea of being outside and enjoying the fall weather while you worship? Grab your favorite tailgate accessories and plan on the 10AM outdoor service!
- Maybe the idea of going to church and heading to your family’s favorite lunch spot afterward is music to your ears. The 11AM indoor service is your best bet!
2. Do everything you can for Sunday before Sunday.
Y’all we all know what Sunday morning looks like. It’s okay. It’s my house, too.
I don’t have the stats or a source or any references — but I swear Sunday morning before church is the most chaotic time on the planet. But it doesn’t have to be you versus a pack of angry velociraptors!
Be proactive during the week and take control of your Sunday morning. Here’s how:
- Eliminate choices on Sunday morning. Lay out clothes the night before. Plan out breakfast ahead of time. Load the car on Saturday night with diaper bags, chairs for outside worship, Bibles, emergency chocolate…
- Pray with your family each day for Sunday worship. If you don’t already pray with your spouse or kids, this is an easy way to start.
- Listen to worship music on car rides, running errands, while you wait in car line, or while you lay out clothes.
- Talk about worship and church with expectancy and joy. Let your family know you expect God to do great things.
- Make sure everyone gets enough sleep Saturday night.
Remember — great worship begins before you ever pull into the church parking lot. The best thing you can do to make the most of Sunday is to prepare your hearts for Sunday during the week!
Sunday Is Here!
It’s go time! You’ve prepared and prayed all week for this!
1. Pray when you rise.
Before your feet touch the floor, pray over your Sunday. Ask God to meet your family in a mighty way. Ask for peace. If you can, get up a little earlier yourself and talk to Jesus over your morning coffee. He is always listening.
Say little prayers throughout the house as you move about getting everyone ready. Pray for Pastor John, ask God to bless the Worship team, give thanks for the volunteers who serve.
2. Have fun!
You are in God’s house! Dance to the songs you know. Clap. Sing your heart out. Raise your hands. Or don’t– it’s ok! It’s been six months since we were together, and we are so glad you are here.
If your kid sings “baby shark doo doo doo” during Pastor John’s sermon, it’s okay. It’s okay to pass a snack over and pull up a YouTube video on your phone to buy some quiet. We have all been there! At Quest, we love the Next Generation and are so excited they are here.
Take Church Home With You
Church doesn’t end when you leave campus, roll the service into your weekly prayer and conversation time. Take church home with you and roll it right into preparing for next week.
- Discuss the sermon bottom line with your family. What did you feel God saying to you?
- What was your favorite part of being at church?
- Add the songs from worship to your favorite playlist.
- Talk at dinner how your family can connect to Quest through serving or giving.
Most of all, I look forward to seeing you and your family on campus this Sunday. I’ll be present for all three services and would love for you to come say hi if you read this blog post.