Exit Strategy

Those who exit a worship service before it's over for no obvious reason puzzle me. Today our pastor gave a passionate plea (his word) for baptized believers to participate in the Lord's Supper. Oddly enough, as soon he finished his remarks several folks slipped out. Were his words just empty platitudes? I didn't think so. And "slipped out" is too mild. They gathered their purses and things and, in some cases, walked the length of the sanctuary. Quite distracting.

True, they could have good, yet discrete, reason for doing so. But for all I know they were hustling out to grab lunch and get to the Cherry Blossom festival or a soccer match. In any case, it's hard to imagine another event beating out the Lord's Supper. Here is Jesus, with us like no other place this side of eternity, giving us the strength to make it. What could pull them away?

A few more folks head out at the start of the last hymn. I think too beat the rush, which is what I do at most sporting events. But this too is distracting and reflects that they've had enough worship.

Many more get ansy at the benediction. Sit in the back of the sanctuary and you'll get a good view of "the benediction shuffle". Upper bodies bob down to get Bibles and purses. Heads nod in silent agreement about which way to exit the pew. Keys make a muffled jingle.

A recent Basement Tape recommended a remedy to the shuffle. Grab your children's or spouse's hand and raise it so that you're focused on receiving the blessing of the benediction.

If we can't wait to the end of a worship service, how well can we wait on God the rest of the time?