On of my favourite memories of church during my childhood was ‘drive-in church’ on warm summer Sunday evenings.  It was the time to hop in the station wagon, head to the mall parking lot (our church was right across from the local mall where I became slightly addicted to Purdy’s ice cream bars – anyone tasted these heavenly treats?). The stage was set, cars parked and kids rushed to the front to sit as close as they could with friends. I do not recall what was said or the songs that bellowed through the speakers. What I do remember was the echo through the parking lot and beyond of the pastor speaking, music filling the air, warmth of the sun and being with family. Personally, I believe this outdoor service was way ahead of their time. It could have been more of an outreach perhaps, but for the youngest viewers it was a normal way to celebrate church community. These were the days when malls were closed on Sundays and the parking lots were empty.

This celebration of coming together was more than just rushing to the stage, it was a God-given memory of the gift of corporate worship! I had no idea these moments would have such a lasting impact, but it happened. Then today (June 8th) as I opened up New Morning Mercies by Paul David Tripp, he shared a moving devotional about just that, corporate worship. I appreciated the illustration he shared from his own personal experience about feelings we likely have all had about going to church. We are tired, been a long day, it’s so much work to get the family up, fed and out in time and I just can’t do one more thing. Paul Tripp shared, “Very honestly, I hadn’t come to the service with a celebratory heart. I had grumbled my way into the room.” Ouch, I can relate on so many levels there. Entering church means the just before moments are often a heated battle. Arguments arise, we lose our patience, diaper bags get left behind, hunger pains arise as we exit the parked car and then you remember you forgot to check your email – you are a greeter. This is life! Enter the service and the scriptures are read out loud, prayer happens and the worship team leads you into a time of praise to our God. Paul Tripp expresses so perfectly what so many of us have felt, “But in the middle of it all, something captured my heart – glory. The glory of the grace of Jesus suddenly loomed larger than the exhaustion of my body or the weariness of my mind. My cold heart was enlivened by the fire of the gospel of grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. The talents of the musicians and the voices of the congregation reminded me once again of who I was and what I had been given in the grace of the cross of Jesus. Once again, this grumbler became a celebrant. Once again, the gathering of God’s people for worship had done its job.”

It is hard to count how many times my heart has melted into a worshipful posture when not long before it was hard and seemingly untouchable. The Holy Spirit moves mightily in the hardness of our hearts and calls us into a time of repentance and gentle yet persistent conviction! Tears would roll down my cheeks, my husband would grab my hand (makes me cry harder!) and we both know without a word, that we are to be exactly there at that moment singing, checking our hearts and preparing for the Bible to be opened ready to learn. Those times have been some of my sweetest worship. Knowing that all 5 kids were beside us (taking up most of the row) despite the hurdles before we entered, was worth what may have seemed a long distance run. God in his mercy, brought us there and allowed us to become students and soak in the powerful preaching that would change us.

 

Paul ends his devotional with this, “Corporate worship is itself a gift of grace. Run with celebration to its rescue any time it is available to you.”

Even though we have been unable to meet in person for way too long, the change is coming and lockdowns are being lifted. This means church on the couch changes! Sundays will become what they used to be, a community gathered to worship and serve, together. 

We may have outdoor services this weekend! A sort of drive-in church. The change would be bring your own lawn chair and socially distance from others (still not a preferred option but what we must do). To the mom of young ones, don’t underestimate the impact of going to church. The impact is real and live-giving!

Paul Tripp came to our church a few years ago (Hope Bible Church) and I thought I would share a his sermon   The Three Most Important Words Ever from the book of Jonah. It was moving, memorable and life-giving. 

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16).

2 responses to “At the Drive-In”

1. Thanks again for the memorable reminder of drive in church of years gone by! And the beauty of merging into corporate worship and the blessings of it after we’ve pushed past the enemy’s efforts to deter us. ??

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   • So glad you loaded up the station wagon and took us! Xo

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