The practice of holding Sunday evening worship services in addition to Sunday morning services has been common in many Christian churches and denominations over the years. There are several potential reasons why churches may opt to have these extra services.
Historical Precedent
Historically, Sunday evening services emerged out of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Reformers like John Calvin believed there should be daily preaching and Scriptural teaching throughout the week. But in reality, most churches settled on having at least two services on the Lord’s Day – Sunday morning and evening. Having both allowed for more preaching, singing, prayer, and study of God’s Word. This pattern became widespread and normal among Protestant churches. So the tradition of Sunday night services has long historical roots.
Greater Focus on Bible Teaching
Often Sunday morning services aim to reach a broad audience, including non-Christians looking to learn more about the faith. Sunday night services tend to have a more concentrated focus on Biblical teaching and discipleship, since they will largely draw the most committed church members. The sermons and studies can go deeper and longer. So these evening services provide additional opportunity for believers to grow in their knowledge of Scripture.
Making Use of the Lord’s Day
Sundays are set apart for the worship of God and activities that honor Him. Sunday morning alone may not seem sufficient for some churches who want to make the most of the Lord’s Day. By also gathering Sunday night, they maximize this special day of rest and spiritual rejuvenation the Lord has provided. It allows for more praise, prayer, teaching, fellowship, and communion with God.
Accommodating Busy Schedules
With hectic modern schedules, some Christians find it hard to attend both Sunday morning and evening services. Providing both options allows people to choose one that fits their routine. A family may prioritize Sunday morning due to kids’ activities. But young adults without kids may prefer evening. So there is wisdom in providing choices to accommodate schedules.
Reaching More People
The Sunday night service allows churches to connect with some individuals who can’t or won’t come Sunday morning. Maybe they work weekend mornings. Or they prefer a less crowded and more intimate evening gathering. Regardless, it’s one more opportunity to reach people with the Gospel and minister to spiritual needs that may otherwise go unmet.
Fellowship and Community
An additional weekly service allows the church community more time together. Believers can fellowship, pray together, meet practical needs, and build relationships. This strengthens the bonds between members of the body of Christ. It also provides more connection points for newcomers looking to get plugged in.
Outreach and Evangelism
For churches with a heart for evangelism, Sunday evening provides another prime opportunity each week to share the Gospel and extend outreach to their community. The service may feature contemporary worship music, testimonies, and preaching geared toward the lost. Visitors may feel more comfortable attending at this less formal time of day.
Ministering to Youth
Often youth groups and children’s ministries will meet Sunday evenings after the morning worship. This gives kids who attended school activities Sunday morning a chance to participate. It also provides focused age-appropriate discipleship. Whole families can come enjoy dinner or fellowship between morning and evening services.
Expression of Commitment
Faithful participation in Sunday evening worship can be one indicator of an individual’s spiritual commitment. Attending both displays devotion to God and hunger for His Word. It shows sacrifice of time and energy to be in God’s House. Of course, extenuating circumstances must be considered that could prevent attendance.
Midweek Service Alternative
Instead of or in addition to midweek prayer/Bible studies, the Sunday evening service functions as a second weekly spiritual gathering. People’s work schedules may prevent them from attending Wednesday or Thursday nights. Sunday night serves as an additional option that guarantees two weekly points of connection and teaching.
Preference for Two Sunday Services
Based on church leadership decisions and member feedback, some churches discern two Sunday services works better in their context than adding midweek gatherings. Given limited programming resources, they choose to focus their efforts on both morning and evening on the Lord’s Day. It’s what best fits their community.
More Opportunities to Serve
Additional services provide more volunteer opportunities for church members to use their gifts and talents in service. More greeters, ushers, musicians, and tech crew volunteers are needed. It allows a greater circle of people to participate in various serving roles.
Multiple Styles of Worship
Sometimes a church will offer different worship service styles Sunday morning vs. evening – traditional vs. contemporary, for example. The contrasting formats can appeal to different groups within the congregation. Or provide variety for those who attend both.
Multiple Preaching Pastors
Churches with multiple preaching pastors or teaching elders often take advantage of the Sunday evening service to let another pastor deliver the message. This gives the congregation exposure to various preaching gifts and perspectives in their leadership team.
Personal Preference of Pastor
If a senior pastor grew up in a church tradition with Sunday evening services, he may prefer to maintain this pattern in his own ministry context. The personal experiences and convictions of church leadership certainly influence worship schedules.
Church Planting Launch Point
New church plants may start by just gathering on Sunday nights, before eventually expanding to add Sunday morning services. Sunday evening offers a convenient time for a portable setup in a rented facility. It also provides a simple starting point to build from.
Outreach to Travelers
For churches located near major highways or tourist destinations, Sunday evening services timed right can attract more visitors passing through town for the weekend. Those on road trips or returning from weekend getaways may appreciate a later service.
Covering Emergencies
In cases where bad weather forces the cancellation of the Sunday morning service, the evening service can act as a back-up option. It provides at least one gathering time in the event of an emergency or unpredictable circumstance earlier in the day.
Hospitality after Morning Worship
Churches that draw from a wide geographic area sometimes set aside Sunday afternoons following morning worship for fellowship meals together on the church grounds. Then members can return for the evening service.
No Need for Evening Service
With busy modern schedules and declining religious engagement, some churches have moved away from Sunday evening services. They may encourage small groups and family worship instead. Each church must follow its own sense of purpose and leading of the Spirit.
Alternative Weekday Services
Rather than Sundays, other churches find better attendance and engagement through weeknight prayer/Bible studies. This conveniently accommodates those who work weekends. Creative service times can effectively reach communities.
Simplified Church Calendar
A single Sunday morning service streamlines programs and simplifies the church calendar. This frees up people’s weekends for rest, family time, and flexibility. It also reduces volunteer fatigue if fewer worship gatherings means less demand.
Limited Pastoral Staff
Smaller churches may lack pastoral staff to develop and oversee additional Sunday services. One excellent Sunday morning service may serve the congregation better than spreading resources thin with weaker multiple gatherings.
Member Availability
The congregation must have enough willing volunteers and leaders available to support successful ministry programs. If most members already serve Sundays mornings, limited availability could hinder adequate Sunday evening staffing and attendance.
Focus on Small Groups
Some church plants and smaller congregations choose to center their community around small groups throughout the week rather than corporate Sunday worship times. There are many valid models for fostering spiritual growth and fellowship.
Cultural Relevance
In an increasingly post-Christian culture, Sunday evening worship no longer carries the same relevance and appeal. Adapting to a changing society may mean rethinking traditional practices that no longer effectively attract people.
Conclusion
There are good reasons why many churches continue to hold Sunday evening services. But there are also lots of valid justification churches can have for only gathering Sunday mornings. Seeking the Holy Spirit’s leading, filtering through biblical principles, and applying wisdom to their own community context allows leadership to make the right decisions for their people and setting.