I love being a dad.
It’s not easy, by any stretch of the imagination. But it’s good.
And one thing that we as a family love is laughing together. And one way I personally promote that is by tickling my son. It makes both of us laugh hysterically.
I don’t know if you’ve ever tickled a 2-year old, but it’s pretty funny. It’s hard not to laugh along with them.
And I noticed this the other day: my son starts laughing before I even tickle him.
I just curl up my hand, like I’m going to tickle him…and just get it close to his belly, and he starts to cringe up in laughter. And it’s not one of those courtesy chuckles. It’s an all-body laughter.
The anticipation plays into his overall tickle experience.
And I’m convinced that Sunday mornings are similar.
From week to week, we should be building anticipation as to what’s coming next time. Whether that’s through
- sermon series
- serving opportunities
- small group/Sunday alignment
- emails saying, “Get ready…”
- social media connections
- website resources
- mixing things up on Sundays so people really don’t know exactly what to expect
- building relationships that encourage continued gathering with other believers
We should be thinking, “What’s encouraging our folks to come back next week?”* Is there a reason for a newcomer (who may or may not be a follower of Christ) to return? How are you communicating to them that coming back next week is vital? Are you following up throughout the week?
If you believe that the message you’re presenting is valuable, why would you not create tension and anticipation for what’s coming next?
TV shows do it. Movies do it. Radio talk shows create it. Teachers create it. Guys who want a second date build it.
If you want a second round with a visitor, you’ve got to build anticipation.
How are you building anticipation?
Should we build anticipation, or should the message simply speak for itself, standing alone?
*Before you leave theologically charged comments, let it be known…I believe that God is the one who draws and changes hearts. He is the Motivator. It’s his kindness that leads us to repentance. I just don’t want anything to get in the way of that, if I can help it.
