It's this simple - why can't church events be GOOD events?

In this country, we seem to have an abundance of low expectations for things that emanate from churches. We expect poor music, uncomfortable chairs, poor coffee and always POOR ENTERTAINMENT. That is, if there is entertainment at all.

In general, I sense churches are uncomfortable about prividing "secular" entertainment - unless, of course, it can be rounded of with a truly cringeworthy invitation for all non-christians to give their lives over to Christ. I have been at many such events, and I really wish I hadn't.

Imagine my surprise, then, when I discovered my current church had every intention of just putting on great social events - without any preaching of any kind. Ah, at last! Events I can invite almost anyone to. Sure, there are a few cards listing when services are, and the mildest announcement - but these events have no 'agenda' as such.

I see the advantages as two-fold (in case you're thinking -"So what's the point?"):

1) Great for people from church to meet up in a non-service setting. Good to simply socialise with friends from church and have a good time. It builds relationships and aid cohesiveness in the group.

2) People from outside the church can see that we are not from Mars - that we are just normal people who enjoy music and laughter, and who do not frown on having a drink at the bar.

I think this actually may be the most important evangelism of all - the offering of real friendship without a specific agenda. It only works, in my view, if the events are good ones - time for churches to throw off the mantle of the coffee morning, and put on the glorious rich clothes of great food, great music and superb events that people will talk about because of the quality and the fun they had.

Time to stop being apologetic about our church events, and to start shouting about them, I say.

It's interesting, if only to me, to note the dynamics of whether I am playing or not playing at church.

I am not playing tomorrow, and whilst this is a pleasant change, it is also a source of slight disappointment for me. I simply love to play. To play in church when the worship is flowing is an immense privilege - and a great personal joy for me.

I play in a band. We actually played this evening, and I have just got in from the gig. It was fine, as gigs go - and I got to play nice and loud and share some good friendship with the other members of the band, all of whom I like tremendously. It was great - but there was an emptiness to it as well. We were paid well for what we did and we performed a function. It's very different for me when leading worship.

To play music in church adds a wonderful extra dimension for me. The absolute need for the presence of God to be felt makes it much more vital and important to start with. The audience in church is definitely not just an audience. They join in and take a very active part in everything that happens. Singing, praying and worshipping in many different ways. The sincere desire in each of us to get close to God raises the event up to a higher level.

It's fulfilling, satisfying, uplifting, nourishing and so much more. I never feel a sense of emptiness afterwards. I suspect that it is in this environment that I truly achieve my potential as a musician. Having played in church since I was 7, I suppose I must have 35 years experience of doing this sort of thing. Ultimately, though, it is not about experience. The real joy is to use music to invite people into the presence of God and to see them respond.

If you're not a Christian it going to be tough for you to understand - but there is something very special about worshipping God using music. Come along one Sunday and find out for yourself, if you like. I think you'll notice the special atmosphere, although it's not way-out or weird at all. There's just this wonderful sense that God is there. It feels fantastic.

So, I am not playing tomorrow. I shall try to enter into the worship as fully as I can from my seat in the congregation. I find this harder than when I am playing, but the practice will do me good.

Done well, it is the most sublime joy. Done badly, it is like a never-ending trial of the worst kind.

How fortunate I am to be part of a church where poor preaching is the exception, rather than the rule.

John Wilthew is speaking today. He preaches with eloquence fired up with the enthusiasm which comes from truly knowing God.

What I particularly like is his understanding of people's concerns and difficulties. He stops when he is speaking about the joy of being in a big group of christians and recognizes those who do not function well in such a group.

It's thoughtful. It's considered - and in so being it enables him to deliver a very powerful message in a very gentle manner.

I never feel pressurised or compelled to do things or be 'obedient' to God. Instead, I feel a love for the man speaking, a love for God, and a willingness to follow God in any way I can.

John helps me to overcome my difficulties with issues of authority and enables me to follow with joy - instead of being forced into grim compliance.

For that one thing alone I am so very grateful. It reinforces my view that different chruch settings are right for different people at different times of their lives.

Right now I am convinced I am in the right place. It's cool, because in general I am sure of so little.

In church this morning, I was reminded of something by someone standing up and speaking the words he felt God had given him. He reminded me that I am forgiven by God for all the evil in my life - my thoughts, my mixed motives and everything else I dislike about myself. God’s son Jesus paid the price for everyone’s sin once and for all - and that’s it.

Sure, we aim to live the best way we can with God’s help, but there is no sense in which we are trying to earn forgiveness from God - it is a gift already given.

I have been plagued with doubt about my fitness to be a “child of God”. Sometimes my own unworthiness simply overwhelms me. Sure, I have good intentions, but I seem to fail so much.

Then, at times like this morning, I get a glimpse of Father God smiling at me, and reminding me that He loves me. I mean, He sent that message to me and made sure it hit home. It’s mind-blowing to think that he personally cares about me enough to speak to me directly.

Once again.

Real. Real. Real.