Participation: It is interesting that much of the church have become spectators on Sunday mornings. It's too bad, because it opposes Paul's command to participate:
1 Corinthians 14:26 What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up.
Have you been to a service where you can get up front and and speak what God has put on your heart? I find it really exciting that God wants us to participate. Some churches have small-groups where you can participate in such a manner, but not many.
How do you join in from the pew? First talk to the pastor. This type of service is hard to control - and most would rather go without it. Some, do work towards releasing folks like you bring something from God.
Relationship: The church is pretty lame on relationship in most of America. We are busy folks jamming our days with work, and our free time with technology; it's no wonder we don't have a chance to hang out with others.
Why not ask God to give you folks that you can be a friend to. How about purposing to meet a newcomer and offering to call every day, or meet for coffee once a week? People need to connect, and have friends, that is how the Kingdom works.
The Bible says that in the last days, love will grow cold. (Matthew 24;12) I think that busy lives will fan the chill of lovelessness.
Prayer: Not a whole lot happens in anyone's life without prayer. How about taking some time every day to pray for someone, a group, or the whole church? Spirit-led prayer can accomplish a lot! Maybe you can set aside a few hours a week to pray right in the church - for love, relationship, revival - for God to move - the list is endless.
Did I miss anything?
Here's Part I in case you missed it.
Comments
My church sets up a microphone in the back. They pause between songs during worship for people to get up and pray or give a word of encouragement or read a verse or several back there over the microphone. At first, this was a really strange concept to me, but I’ve come to love it, although I haven’t utilized it myself. The participation from the entire body is cool though, rather than just from the deacons and pastors.
“People need to connect, and have friends, that is how the Kingdom works” AMEN!
All of this was good, but I wanted to comment on those couple of points. :)
You pretty well covered this missing concept in churches of today.
To share and have a lasting and meaningful fellowship in the churches is paramount for growth, but as you said every one seems too busy to apply the fundamental principle of the churches purpose and being.