It seems like a long time since we’ve been to a physical church service and, for many of us, we’ve almost forgotten what it feels like. So as we head towards the opening dates, there may be questions that linger. What will church feel like? Will things be back to normal? How should I prepare?

Here’s some things that Christians can expect as they return to church.

You might feel nervous

With so many unknowns, it’s understandable to have some anxiety about church services returning and how they will run. It may be helpful to remind yourself in these moments that your whole church family is navigating these unknowns, so we can and should lean on each other for support. We are going through a moment in history together! You can pray that this trial will unite the church, and grow us in our love and compassion for one another.

It won’t feel normal straight away

You can expect that some things might feel different or new. Elements will need to be adapted to keep everyone safe. Some things will be familiar from 2020, While others may not be. You can also expect that not everyone will be there at first. As we get used to these changes, it will be important for us to be patient with each other, and to be praying for our staff to manage the new procedures well.

You will be safe

We know that having safe church services honours the Bible’s commands to love one another and look after the vulnerable. In response to the roadmap, Archbishop Kanishka Raffel said that churches will implement Government guidelines and COVID-safe plans to make everyone as safe as possible. When you attend your service, you can be confident that leaders are following the guidelines and won’t take risks with your health.

Everyone will be excited to see you

Be assured that you will be welcomed through those doors, because this is the beautiful reunion we have all been longing for! It will be a particularly exciting moment for your church staff. Ministry online can be draining and discouraging at times, and for leaders to see you faithfully turning up after the many months of separation will be hugely encouraging.

It will be filled with joy

Even if the meeting doesn’t feel quite like normal, you will still be able to enjoy many of the familiar “church things” we have been missing. Seeing church family, listening to a sermon with others, hearing music played live and being back in the church building are just some of the normal joys we’ll be able to share with others. Most of all, it will be a great way for us to praise our heavenly Father and give glory to him.

Meeting together means we get to actively participate in the profound mystery of Christ and the Church. Meeting together means we can experience the joy of the gospel corporately. Despite the challenges of holding physical church services, all these blessings make them worth overcoming! We are eagerly awaiting this opportunity to glorify and enjoy God together as the body of Christ, his bride.

Header Image from Village Church Sydney.