“Is a boring worship service a problem in me or one that may be beyond me?” New Era, May 1971, 32
Aside from the sacrament, some of our worship services seem uninformative, and sometimes boring. Is this a problem in me or one that may be beyond me?
Answer/Bishop Robert L. Simpson
One of the most exciting new programs of the Church is the bishop’s training program now moving forward in every stake. Improved sacrament meetings will undoubtedly be an important by-product of these training sessions for bishops. In the immediate future, each bishop in the Church will be retrained in the fundamentals of a good sacrament meeting. For example, to insure instructional and inspirational sacrament meetings a bishop is encouraged to see that—
1. Advance planning is done for the sacrament meeting, and that those chosen to participate have been well instructed in their assignments.
2. A ward choir stands ready to participate in the sacrament service at least two or three times per month.
3. A preparation meeting is held sometime within the hour prior to the sacrament meeting time so that all points of the meeting might be double-checked and that the spiritual level of all participants might be high.
4. Resource people within the ward and stake are utilized to the maximum degree; that is, the MIA speech director might offer assistance to those assigned to speak; qualified music people might help with the musical arrangements.
5. A continuing reverence program is conscientiously pursued in all of the auxiliary organizations and the importance of reverence is stressed from the stand on frequent occasions.
6. A greeting committee is a part of each ward family so that each person is made to feel welcome and is properly escorted to his seat.
7. The Aaronic Priesthood members are adequately trained in their responsibility in the administration of the sacrament.
Just as important, of course, each member of the Church has an obligation to come to sacrament meeting with a desire to learn gospel principles and to be lifted spiritually as he recommits himself through partaking of the sacrament. A critical eye and attitude can usually be satisfied by looking for mistakes or human failings. On the other hand, one who comes with a desire to help his fellowmen and follow the admonitions of the Savior as he renews his covenants can usually find good in every word that is spoken and every note that is sung.
The sacrament meeting should be an uplifting experience for all. You may need to be more understanding, more receptive, more loving, and more submissive as you assemble each week with the Saints to be edified by the gifts of the Spirit.