Why Church is Unlike Any Other Gathering (we don't need to compare Divine Service with secular events)
In our world of constant comparisons, we are tempted to utilize other activities to try to "motivate" people to go to Church: "Why does one hour at church seem so long when three hours at the football stadium flies by? Why do people gladly brave the cold, rain, or snow for concerts and sports events, but suddenly have a dozen excuses when it comes to Sunday worship?" These comparisons, though well-intentioned, miss the point. Church is not just another option among the weekend distractions and leisure activities competing for our time. When we compare Divine Service to secular events, we are making it more difficult to understand what church actually is. Some superficial connections can be drawn, for sure - every gathering has its rituals like singing anthems at games, standing ovations at concerts, actions, "Liturgies" that are the framework of those events. Yet they are fleeting and most of the time self-focused. The Church operates on an entirely diff...
