The Sunday Sample, Episode 115

As of the time of recording the new year is almost upon us. Do you have a big hope for the corporate worship in the year ahead?

Whilst we cannot predict the ways in which God made refine us, teach us and shape us in our leading of corporate worship in 2020, there’s no harm in settling on at least one main hope for the future 12 months. As someone once said, “If you aim as nothing you are sure to hit it”.

You may notice I have not asked your main goal for next year? I’ve used the word “hopes” because it’s broader and leaves room for God to work. I have nothing against goals, and you will need to be specific and practical in the application of your hopes, but let’s begin with hopes.

How do we clarify our hopes for the year ahead in leading corporate worship? Let me offer three suggested steps that will take us from imagination to application:

1. Imagine that your leading of corporate worship in 2020 is by far the most effective you’ve ever produced. What does it feel like? What responses are you noticing? What is happening? What’s different in 2020 compared to 2019? Write down what comes to mind.

2. Bring to mind your first service in 2020. For me that’s Sunday 5th January with the Thames Valley churches of Christ. The theme is based on Matthew 5:4, “Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted”.  Imagine it has gone in accordance with your hopes. What is one thing, just one thing, even one small thing that would tell you the worship has been effective?

3. What is one practical step you can take to build into that worship event a greater likelihood that that small thing will happen?

Rinse and repeat for each lesson as the year goes by!

Question for today: “What is your main hope for your corporate worship in 2020?”

Please add your comments on this week’s topic. We learn best when we learn in community. 

Do you have a question about teaching the Bible? Is it theological, technical, practical? Send me your questions or suggestions. Here’s the email: malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

If you’d like a copy of my free eBook on spiritual disciplines, “How God grows His people”, sign up at my website: http://www.malcolmcox.org.

Please pass the link on, subscribe, leave a review.

“Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.” (Psalms 100:2 NIV11)

God bless, Malcolm

PS: You might also be interested in my book: “An elephant’s swimming pool”, a devotional look at the Gospel of John