Is church a waste of time? Let’s put it this way—would it be a waste of time to refuel your car? If you never stop at the gas station or charging station, your vehicle eventually becomes just a piece of metal on the side of the road.

Cars also need maintenance. Wheel balancing, alignments, new brake pads—these keep it running smoothly. 

The same is true for us. Gathering with our faith communities is how we refuel and recharge our spiritual engines. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us not to forsake assembling together. Worship brings us together to hear encouragement, insight, teaching and fellowship. Like an ember that fades when pulled from the fire, our faith burns brighter when stirred back into the flame with others.

I’ve been in and around church worship my entire life, and I can say without hesitation that my life is better because of Christian people and the power of worship.

That said, no one wants to feel their time is wasted. I don’t mind a 90-minute service if the music is strong and the message is prepared, thoughtful and worth hearing. But bad music, unplanned preaching and endless announcements are a quick way to turn worship into drudgery. 

I don’t want to hear the same announcements, appeals and promotions Sunday after Sunday. 

Announcements can go in a bulletin, on a screen or on the church website. Worship time should be devoted to good songs, scripture, prayer and a meaningful message.

My hometown pastor used to say, “Preach about God and preach about 20 minutes.” 

Most people can stay engaged for about 25 minutes, maybe 30 if the sermon is exceptional. Unfortunately, too many ministers assume every sermon they preach is exceptional and stretch their messages to 40 or 50 minutes. Please—don’t do this to your people. A good worship service can be easily carried out in an hour.

20 minutes of well-prepared music to set the tone

10 minutes for prayer
and scripture

25–30 minutes for the sermon

That’s not a golden rule, but it’s a good silver one.

There’s nothing particularly spiritual or godly about keeping people in church for 90 to 120 minutes. In fact, churches that do this often have small congregations—and it’s not hard to see why. 

People flock to church during Advent and Christmas services, often bringing friends and family who don’t attend regularly. Those visitors are looking for hope, joy and encouragement—not an all-day marathon.

Think of it this way: When you refuel or service your car, you don’t expect it to take half the day. When it does, it’s frustrating. Church shouldn’t feel that way, especially during a season meant to celebrate “good news of great joy” for all people. 

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