The Sabbath morning preaching service should be a fitting climax to a soul-winning Sabbath school service. And all Sabbath school members should be present to help in realizing the attainment of one of the Sabbath school goals—"Every member of the Sabbath school a member of the church."
Promptness, reverence, simplicity, sincerity, and godly consistency should characterize the service. Stereotyped formality should be earnestly guarded against. A simple, well-understood, definite program will help to avoid stiffness. Unnecessary "trimmings" have no part in my program. Christ is to be lifted up, hence the Sabbath service is no place for oratorical display, for flashy exhibition of musical talent, or the shOwing forth of scholastic attainments. Previous planning by the one in charge will eliminate whispering on the rostrum and prevent any "hitch" in the service.
As the ministers enter the rostrum to kneel and the congregation also implores the divine presence and blessing of God with bowed heads, a worshipful hush prepares the way for a clear announcement of the opening hymn, which need not be read every time, since the congregation will later do that in the singing. An efficient chorister is a distinct asset to the music phase of the service. The one asked to pray should respond promptly, facing the congregation, who in turn kneel facing the rostrum, thus being able to better understand the short, fervent prayer which should be clearly audible. Brief, necessary announcements fit in best just before the offertory. The congregation should know for what purpose the special offering of the day goes, and that all money outside the envelopes is applied to that special purpose.
Appropriate special music fits in well just before the sermon. Then comes what should be the most important part of the Sabbath worship—the spiritual feeding of the whole flock. Not mere sermonizing or just filling in the time, but really ministering to hungry, starving souls—this should be the minister's earnest endeavor. Only a Spirit-filled shepherd can take proper care of the flock, and he will feel in his own heart to ask, "Who is sufficient for these things ?" Blessed results always follow to the glory of God when a truly fed congregation feels that "God bath visited His people today." This is much to be preferred to "What a brilliant minister we have!"
Aside from a revival-service ending of the Sabbath morning meeting, what is more fitting than an appropriate congregational hymn or a touching special selection, followed by silent meditation to the soft tones of organ or piano?
