Comments on: A Good Word to End Worship

By: Sally Iberg

Sally Iberg — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:46:04 +0000

I’ve enjoyed reading this discussion. My favorite part of the service is at the end with the call/benediction. At the front of the chancel steps I’m closer to the congregation than I’ve been in the rest of the service. It’s the moment of the worship that I’m able to get out of the way and let the Spirit in. The words may come from the final hymn or the sermon or somewhere else, but they come and I’m grateful.

By: Bob Miller

Bob Miller — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:01:53 +0000

A UMC friend who went to a Presbyterian seminary once said a good thing to say at the end of the service was,
“Grace, and go for it!”

By: Bob

Bob — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:22:55 +0000

I say a brief charge based on the morning’s theme and then say a traditional benediction. One argument for saying something traditional is that it connects us with the saints. It links us with Christians of all times and places and gives the family of faith a broader context within which to worship.

By: Count von Words

Count von Words — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 03:43:38 +0000

It can be either, as long as our Rock appears in your words. By using the expression “our Rock” I mean that everyone is expecting some kind of reference (tradition) from your words.

By: Veronica

Veronica — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:05:54 +0000

I appreciate hearing different benedictions, both traditional and those tailored to the liturgical season. But I really appreciate a short, direct charge. Our assisting lay minister actually says it, the last words of the entire service. For instance: “Go in peace. Feed the hungry.” “Thanks be to God.”

So it’s called a charge – makes sense. I feel charged to do something when I hear those few words.

By: Stef

Stef — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 05:47:44 +0000

You may also like to try the favorite one of the youth at my church:

L: And the Holy Spirit said,
C; Oooooh.

It may or may not have quite the effect you are looking for.

By: Jeff

Jeff — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 00:24:07 +0000

My partner in ministry weekly gives this charge after the benediction and closing hymn:
Go in peace,
remember God,
keep the faith,
and wherever you live, work, rest and play,
be the church of Christ!
Go in peace, serve the Lord!

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:57:53 +0000

Tom Long does fabulous charge/benedictions. He takes a brief phrase from his sermon as the charge and combines it with a standard benediction. It’s not wordy, it doesn’t feel totally extemporanous (as when I make it up on the spot and am not always sure where I’m going), it connects the themes of the service in a powerful way, and gets out of the way.

By: Betsy

Betsy — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 21:13:41 +0000

I like to do a charge that somehow connects to the Sunday/sermon/text/season/topic, and then close with a more traditional Trinitarian benediction!

On a side note, I prefer if the charge/benediction is not muddied with other announcements (“visitors, stop by the welcome table,” “hope you’ll join our church,” “don’t forget to pick up your pledge envelopes,” etc) – the one possible exception being a reminder/invitation for a church luncheon or other event happening right after the service. In the latter case, I like the announcement to be short and sweet, maybe leave out the charge, and perhaps a transition to the benediction).

By: adamjcopeland

adamjcopeland — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:08:19 +0000

Thanks for the comments, folks (and for the facebook ones too). I hadn’t thought of that, Rebekah, but you’re right. This pastor we’re thinking of does become less visible the farther he gets. In fact, you could say he’s leading the way into the world by example. I didn’t remember the particular words, but that’s good info too. Hmm, lots to think about for sunday