Yesterday was the last day of our two-week vacation. It was great to be away from the daily/weekly demands of ministry. We attended a church in another city and I found myself doing comparison’s rather than worshiping. I am a bit embarrassed to admit it but I wanted to know how we/I stacked up to the ministry at this church. To give you some examples:

  • I evaluated the greeters (not as warm – didn’t engage)
  • Communion needed more instruction both on procedure and meaning
  • Attendance (though larger than ours) was down
  • Music had some glitches – a guitar had trouble finding the right key
  • The sermon was about the same length as mine (I was relieved)
  • I liked what they did with their prayer time – prayer requests were written on cards and placed at the front of the church. People were invited to come forward and pray for the request on the card.

Notice what was missing from my observations?

  • Was there evidence of the presence of the Holy Spirit?
  • Were people moved to a deeper relationship with God?
  • Is there evidence of a commitment to make disciples?

We tend to look at the mechanics of the service. I think God is looking at the condition of the hearts.

Before I allow myself to feel too badly about looking at another church with a critical eye, I know that others make comparisons as well – when people from our church visit other churches they return with reports of what we did “better” and what they did “better.”  We say we are one Church and that we are not competing but we still make the comparisons. Seldom do we measure against a Biblical standard. We measure against what we consider valuable.

Could I have had a better worship experience if I had:

  • Prayed for the service before I went
  • Prayed for the pastor as he was preaching
  • Prayed for those represented by the empty seats
  • Prayed instead of comparing
  • Rejoiced that God was working in His Church in this city

Lord, keep us from the pride that compares – that attempts to lift ourselves above others.