The times right before and right after worship services are probably more important than you realize. Pastors have a unique opportunity to interact with the entire church. As a church leader, your persona on Sunday morning is not the whole of who you are, but it’s often the primary way church members form perceptions about you. Thom and Sam talk about the six best practices for pastors before and after worship services.

1. 1. Do: Take the initiative. The most approachable pastors approach others first.
   2. Don’t: Retreat to your office and avoid people.
   3. Do: Give yourself 5-10 minutes to recharge between services if you have multiple services.
   4. Don’t: Check your phone often. It may even be best to not carry your phone.
   5. Do: MBWA. Or “management by walking around.” Walk the halls and peek in classrooms. You will learn a lot about the happenings of your church.
   6. Don’t: Forgo prayer with people. The message is fresh in minds. Worship has softened hearts. It’s a great time to show someone how to seek God in prayer.

Resources:

• Upward Sports

• California Baptist University

• “Seven Reasons We Should Encourage Our Members Not to Use Their Smartphones or Tablets in Worship Services” by Thom S. Rainer

• FREE Research Report! New Surprising Insights

• Church Answers Central

• The Everything Church Resource Directory

• The Hope Initiative

• Get your FREE tool! Attendance Growth Projector

Episode Sponsors:

Who is Upward Sports?

• Upward Sports is the World’s largest Christian youth sports organization, dedicated to partnering with local churches to use sports outreach to reach the community.
• Upward Sports offers basketball, cheerleading, soccer, flag football, volleyball, baseball, and soccer as a league offering.
• When partnering with Upward Sports, your church can reach the community, attract young families, and share the Gospel.
• Upward Sports will customize your sports outreach strategy to support your church budget and community needs. We know one size does not fit all.
• Are you looking to engage new families, bless your community, or mobilize your congregation to serve? Consider adding sports ministry in 2025. If you have a gym, field space, or even access to a facility consider Upward Sports.
• Now is the time to consider using sports as your 2025 outreach ministry! Schedule a call to learn more about launching a first-class, organized, intentional league in the new year!
• Visit https://www.upward.org/ChurchAnswers/

• • Are you preparing the leaders in your church for the future? Are you considering pursuing YOUR degree? Let California Baptist University help you live your purpose and achieve your goals!
  • CBU offers a full breadth of courses through its online degree programs. Whether you’re looking to start your degree, finish your degree, or prepare others, CBU’s degree programs provide a flexible, online learning environment for everyone. Classes start every eight weeks; begin any time.
  • An online degree can:
    • Help you gain a better understanding of your life’s purpose;
    • Symbolize competence and integrity in your career; and
    • Provide you with the skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others.
  • Your team may benefit from a degree in business, leadership, finance, communications or Christian studies. There are dozens of online CBU programs available to you!
  • Are you looking for a degree to prepare your team for active leadership roles in the church or your organization? Consider the online Bachelor’s degree in Christian Ministries, which develops servant leaders with the tools for understanding and communicating biblical truths.
  • Financial aid is available, and thanks to CBU donors, online undergraduate degrees in Christian Ministries and Christian Studies may qualify for additional scholarship, making earning your degree more affordable.
  • Visit https://calbaptist.edu to learn more.

The post 6 Do’s and Don’ts for Pastors Before and After Worship Services appeared first on Church Answers.