What role does the "word of encouragement" play in church services today? Setting the Scene “After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent word to them: ‘Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.’ ” What the Phrase Meant Then • In the synagogue order of service, Scripture was publicly read first. • A “word of encouragement” (Greek: logos paraklēseōs) followed—an exhortation applying the readings to life. • Paul used this invitation to preach Christ (Acts 13:16-41), showing that encouragement can proclaim the gospel and call for a response. Core Purposes of a Word of Encouragement Today • Illuminate Scripture – Moves a passage from hearing to understanding (Nehemiah 8:8). • Strengthen faith – “Encourage one another and build one another up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). • Call to obedience – “Proclaim the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and encourage” (2 Timothy 4:2). • Unite the body – Shared exhortation knits hearts together in Christ (Colossians 2:2). • Guard against drifting – “Encourage one another daily…so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness” (Hebrews 3:13). How It Fits in a Typical Service 1. Scripture Reading 2. Word of Encouragement • Short exposition or testimony connecting the reading to everyday life. 3. Worship Response • Song, prayer, or communion reinforcing the message. 4. Sending Forth • Congregation leaves equipped to live out the truth proclaimed. Practical Forms It Can Take • Pastor’s brief devotional between worship sets. • Elder sharing an applied insight after a passage is read. • Testimony spotlight illustrating the text’s power. • Closing benediction that both blesses and charges the church (e.g., Hebrews 13:20-21). Why We Still Need It • Scripture’s sufficiency is not theoretical; exhortation presses its truth into hearts (Hebrews 4:12). • Believers face constant cultural pushback; weekly encouragement realigns them with Christ (Romans 12:2). • The Spirit distributes gifts “for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7); the gift of encouragement (Romans 12:8) must be exercised publicly. Guidelines for Those Who Offer It • Stay rooted in the passage read—let the text speak. • Keep Christ central; He is the ultimate encouragement (Colossians 1:28). • Aim for clarity over cleverness; the goal is edification, not entertainment (1 Corinthians 14:3). • Blend truth and tenderness—both are essential for lasting impact (Ephesians 4:15). Lasting Impact When each gathering includes a sincere, Scripture-saturated word of encouragement, the church is: • Anchored in truth • Stirred to love and good works (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Empowered to witness with boldness (Acts 4:31) Thus, the ancient pattern glimpsed in Acts 13:15 remains a vital, life-giving rhythm for Christ-honoring worship today. |
    |