how long can you worship?

Sunday October 25 2009
New Theological Seminary, North India

.... how long can you worship?

The Church gathers at 9 am. The NTC community numbers about 300 people, including families, faculty, and students. Today, because it is the end of a 4-day sememster break – and some are out of town - the numbers are down. I estimate about 225. Women sit with their husbands, but single females are on the preacher's left, single males on the right.

This morning there are 3 preachers, two are a lead up to the special guest preacher from Canada. When I begin at 11:10 am, there have already been 45 minutes of worship (praise songs, one hymn – some in Hindi, some in English) and two Bible messages. The first was expositional preaching of Psalm 100; the second was exhortation from Isaiah 61:1-3. I was assured not to feel rushed. I am given one of their best translators (this being my first time preaching with a translator, perhaps they expected a tough challenge!) Over half are able to understand English, so the real test is to see if the response/laughter after I pause in English, is also repeated after the Hindi translation.

I had absolutely no trouble with the translator, who stood to my right. (You need a double wide lectern to accomodate both of us and our Bibles and notes and mics). We immediately got into a rythm, and I only crossed her up once or twice. I preach nine lessons from the letter of Paul to Philemon.

Church is done at Noon – a full 3 hours after we start! Try that at home! The entire school gathers again at 6 pm for one hour of worship and the 4th sermon of the day! Dinner at 7 pm after roll call for the start of the 2nd semester. Spiritually fed for sure.

.... preaching in bare feet

This is an interesting experience. If you lead in prayer, or the singing, or if you preach – basically if you are on the platform at any point, you take off your shoes. Barefoot or socks – both are acceptable.The 'holy ground' aspect. Women cover their heads if they are leading, and wear colourful Indian garments. Pants are quite acceptable for men and women, lots of blue jeans for the guys. I have only seen shorts on the cricket/soccer field.

We are back in our rooms by 8 pm – to read, write, sleep. It has cooled down, and the loud music from a Hindu celebration echoes through the valley until late night. Jim says it lasted until after 5 am on Monday!