If you’re part of a local gathering of Christians, how could you make your church even better? Paul encourages growth when he writes, “Brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more” (1 Thessalonians 4:1). What would that look like in church?

Let me offer two tips. First, seek God. During every song, every prayer, every minute of the pastor’s message, seek God. Our brains love autopilot. Familiar settings allow them to zone out and conserve energy (like driving home from work). So fight for your focus and seek God as soon as you enter the sanctuary. I’m sure you don’t want to spend an hour in church just to check some religious box. So I urge you to seek God with every song lyric, bullet point, and prayer request.

Second, serve people. Especially before and after church, find ways to connect with, engage, and love people. Put others first. Sit a few seats in so that you silently invite others to sit next to you. Ignore your church friends and invest in a guest. Make the experience the best it can be for others.

I love church. Hearing about my Savior and gathering with his people is the highlight of my week. But for the good of others and the glory of Jesus’ name, I want to do it even better. May God help us do greater things!