Unchurched people often look at local churches as being completely unrelated to each other. One of the best ways to testify to the truth of the gospel is by demonstrating the unity of Christ-centered churches. Promoting community-wide worship can help do this.
For four years Racine Christian Reformed Church has hosted a National Day of Prayer service for the wider community. We have also promoted community-wide services hosted by other churches, such as Good Friday and Thanksgiving services. If your church doesn’t already host an annual event in your community, we encourage you to do so! “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (Eph. 4:3).
Jesus said, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35). Community-wide Christian worship services make for a powerful testimony.
Here are a few things to consider when planning community-wide worship:
- If your pastor doesn’t already have relationships with other local pastors, encourage him or her to work at building those relationships. Those connections not only benefit the churches, but also make pastors eager to worship together as a broader community.
- Put together a slate of speakers who are vibrant Christians and who represent the diversity in your community.
- Choose a coordinator from your church who is active in the community and has many connections. This person must be willing to invest time in sending personal invitations to participants, obtaining confirmations, and promoting the event through newspapers, Facebook, and ads on television and radio.
- Get as many volunteers in your church as possible to help host the event as greeters, bakers, nursery attendants, sound and audio people, and so on. The more people involved, the more joy!
Last year we were grateful for an overflowing crowd of enthusiastic worshipers. Brief remarks and prayers were offered by Police Chief Art Howell, “Miss Racine” Paula Kuiper (who is a member of the Racine congregation), a military spokesperson, several evangelical pastors from the area, and a health-care professional. A wife and mother of six gave remarks and prayed for marriages and families. Various churches provided music through soloists and choirs. Members of the congregation baked more than 800 cookies for the fellowship hour following the service.
The city’s new police chief prayed, “We know that there are serious problems related to budget challenges, but we also know, Father, that there is nothing that is impossible for you to accomplish.” Retired U.S. Navy commander Bill Schalk prayed for military personnel and gave testimony to Jesus as the light of the world. Pastor Rich Doering of the Community Church of the Nazarene prayed for community outreach and referred to Nehemiah, who said, “send me.” Pastor Willie Scott of the Christian Faith Fellowship Church prayed for the nation’s economy, jobs, and the homeless.
National Day of Prayer Order of Worship
Prelude
Welcome: Pastor of host church
Song of Praise: “How Great Thou Art” LUYH, CH 147, HFW 218, PH 467, PsH 483, SWM 150, TH 44, WR 51
Remarks/Prayer for the Community: Chief of police
Remarks/Prayer for Our Nation and the World: Local pastor
Anthem: Local church choir
Remarks/Prayer for Nation’s Security and Those Serving in the Military: Military veteran
Remarks/Prayer for Economy, Jobs, and the Homeless: Local pastor or representative of an agency working with those who struggle financially
Anthem: Local church choir
Remarks/Prayer for Healthcare Workers and the Health of the Community: Healthcare worker
Remarks/Prayer for the Spiritual Growth of the Community: Local pastor
Song of Praise: “Total Praise” (Richard Smallwood) LUYH
Remarks/Prayer for Marriages and Families: Local pastor, counselor, or other community member
Remarks/Prayer for Young People: Local teenager or someone who works with youth
Closing Song: “God Bless America” or another appropriate song
Benediction: Local pastor