The $513,000 question

You may ask, “why $513,000?”  Because, a little show named “The $64,000 Question” first aired in 1955 and according to this website $64,000 then has the purchasing power of $513,000 today.

So what is the $513,000 question?

How do you repeat Easter Sunday?

To answer this question you have to answer another question first.

What is so different about Easter Sunday?

Here are a few possible answers:

1. We emphasize the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Hopefully, those who attend FBCC would say we focus on this weekly, but allow me to be forthright and honest with you – Jesus Christ is no more resurrected on Easter Sunday than any other Sunday of the year.  Every week should be resurrection week.
2. There are more services.  Technically true, but I do not think anyone sits at home on a Saturday night and says, “I’m going to church tomorrow because they have more services than they did last week.”
3. The music of Easter is so special.  Yes, the music on Sunday at FBCC was fabulous, but honestly it is every week.  So there was one more choir special, I do not think people get excited about coming to church because the choir will sing two specials instead of one.  Additionally, we “offered” both “styles” of worship during all hours, so the idea that more people come if “you give ‘em what they want” doesn’t work either.
4. The sermon is better.  OK, I’m a little subjective on this one, but I do not think that the Easter message is necessarily “head and shoulders” above any other Sunday.
5. Videos are used to enhance the message.  At some churches this might be true, but not at FBCC.  In fact, Duane wishes we utilized video more – I’m getting there.

As you can see, as far as “elements of worship” are concerned, there really is no difference between Easter and any other week of worship at FBCC.

So what is so different?

Here is the answer to the multi-thousand dollar question: ENERGY.

Energy?

Yes, energy.

There is no pastor who can preach, worship leader who can lead, or usher who can “ush” who is able to create or formulate energy.  What I’m driving at is this – the “thing” that makes Easter Sunday so special, memorable, and exciting is this . . .

PEOPLE COME

In other words, I’ve heard so many people say to me around Easter, “I wish every week could be like Easter.”  It can, if everyone treats every Sunday like Easter Sunday.

How do you do that?

1. Prepare in advance to make worship attendance on Sunday a priority for you and your family.
2. Come on Sunday with a heart to serve and a desire to celebrate.
3. Invite someone who is un-churched to come with you or meet you at church.

There is no other place in the world I would rather be on Sunday morning than FBCC.

Wouldn’t it be great if every Sunday was as exciting as last Sunday?

It can be.

My prayer is that it will be.

I’ll see you Sunday, and let’s “do it again.”