Bring the Benediction Back

Like many new churches, Project Church tends to be unchurchy.   We will try things other churches may not and use methods not typically seen in more traditional churches.  The one thing that doesn’t change, and should never change, is the message.  The hope of the gospel.  The centrality of Jesus.

That said, I don’t think folks are wanting something totally out there. There’s something to be said for meaningful liturgy and tradition.  They can be quite beautiful when fully understood and I wouldn’t be surprised if the current crop of new churches rediscover them in the near future.

I know it’s not the “cool” thing to do in today’s church landscape, but one ancient practice I generally like to do is give a benediction (blessing) at the end of the service.

Benedictions are a practice we see in scriptures from Moses in the Old Testament to the closing of Paul letter’s in the New Testament. They are an opportunity to share a word of encouragement with your community, commission them to live as everyday missionaries, remind them of why your church exists,  saturate your service with scripture, or even reinforce the big idea of the message. The benediction also puts a punctuation at the end of your gathering.

So to all my fellow young pastors and church planters, let me end with this:

Perhaps it’s time to bring the benediction back. I know it’s churchy, but even the bible ends with one, “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:21).

Just a thought.

“The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.”  (Numbers 6:24-26)