I am at once concerned and hopeful about Sunday nights. I am concerned because as I write
this article, a good many congregations have ceased having assemblies on Sunday nights all
together. They report that their attendance numbers on Sunday evenings were substantially lower
than Sunday mornings, and had decreased to the point where only a few were attending. It
gradually got worse and worse. Sermons were no longer preached on Sunday evenings. Small
groups were attempted, but the intended benefits of that arrangement did not happen. Devotionals
became frequent on Sunday evenings, and other different, non-traditional programs. But the
numbers continued to drop, and finally it became obvious to all that the Sunday evening assembly
was a thing of the past. The straw that broke the camel’s back was COVID-19. The few who had
been coming on Sunday nights dwindled down even farther, and finally the decision was made to
discontinue Sunday evening assemblies.
I am hopeful about the Sunday night situation here at Central, which is unusual and not at
all as I have described above. Our Sunday evening numbers are much stronger than in many
congregations. Last Sunday, for example, about 72% of our Sunday morning number returned for
the evening assembly. There are many reasons for this, but I want to mention three specifically.
First, we have historically treated our Sunday night meeting as important as Sunday morning. The
order of worship is basically the same, the sermons are planned and presented with the same level
of preparation as in the morning. For the most part we observe the same formalities, and
intentionally make the format extremely similar to Sunday morning. There is a touch of
informality, but the Sunday evening assembly is treated every bit as important as the morning.
Second, after briefly pausing our in-person meetings because of Covid, we intentionally began
rebuilding with Sunday night first. For several weeks, there was no a.m. worship service, only the
p.m. I think this very effectively re-emphasized the importance of the evening services. Third, we
have intentionally utilized sermons on Sunday evenings designed to be fundamental and of general
benefit. They are especially prepared and presented for visitors, especially visitors who are not
members of the church of Christ. I believe this has boosted our interest and participation acrossthe-board.
This brings me to the challenge before us. Next year, Lord, willing, we are going to continue
to use our Sunday evening assemblies as a special opportunity to reach nonmembers. The sermons
will be drawn mainly from the gospel according to Mark, and will be fundamental, basic Bible
lessons. They will be very plain and scriptural. The preaching will be designed to stir our hearts
and reach others with the gospel. It will be especially good for visitors. We will encourage our
members to make a special effort to bring friends, family members and neighbors who are not
members of the church.
While our Sunday evening attendance numbers are already strong, I believe they could be
much stronger. With that in mind, if you are part of the weekly number who usually does not return
and assemble for the evening service, I want to ask you to seriously reconsider your practice.
Think about making a strong and determined resolution for the new year that you will faithfully
attend the Sunday evening services. Further, resolve that you will bring visitors with you. These
can be religious people, members of denominations, or friends who do not attend anywhere.
Remember that most of the churches in our area are no longer having Sunday evening services, so
here is a great opportunity to connect them with the gospel.
I commit to you that the Sunday evening sermons will be basic, solid, and scriptural lessons.
They will be easily followed and understood, even by visitors who have very little Bible
knowledge. Every attempt will be made to make them interesting and helpful. Each sermon will
be “stand-alone.” After listening to any one of these sermons, our visitors will feel that it has truly
been good to be here. Each sermon will leave them wanting more, and should provide openings
for future discussion and follow up.
My friends, this is the opportunity the Lord has placed before us. This is an open door.
Will we seize and and walk through it? I hope so! See you Sunday night!
