3 BENEFITS OF TAKING NOTES AT CHURCH
One thing you will constantly hear me say as I preach/teach during our times together is, “if you’re taking notes…” - usually just before I emphasize a point or something important to think on. I do this to help those who already take notes and have enjoyed the benefits of doing so for many years. It encourages me to see people in our pews, with Bibles open, paper out, and pen in hand ready to digest what’s being spoken on from the Bible. Personally, I’ve gotten to a point where I cannot listen to a sermon without taking notes and through the years have found taking notes to be an enormous help for any serious student of the Bible and for those desiring to grow in the faith. With that said, let me give you three benefits of taking notes whenever you are hearing the Bible being taught:
1. TAKING NOTES HELPS YOU STAY ENGAGED
It’s no secret that many people have a difficult time staying focused while listening to Bible preaching/teaching. And as one who has sat under some of the most gifted Christian speakers of our time – I can say that in most cases it has little to do with the speaker and more to do with the listener’s ability to remain engaged. We suffer from short attention spans. Research is beginning to show that because our culture is so used to multi-tasking and having their minds go in 100 different directions, it’s difficult for people to slow down, think deeply, and intellectually engage something for long periods of time. Studies[1]show the surprising reality that people who take notes not only stay engaged with a speaker, but helps them to digest what’s being heard better. Even in an age dominated by laptop computers and personal tablets that help us organize notes and things to do – students are able to think through subject matters best by taking hand written notes. If you’re like me and love to be organized, you can’t help but to listen carefully as you anxiously await the ‘next point’ or note-worthy quote while listening to a sermon or lecture. Taking notes will undoubtedly help you to remain focused on what’s being said in any teaching environment
2. TAKING NOTES PRESERVES A GOOD RESOURCE FOR THE FUTURE
How many times have you heard something in a sermon or class that you remembered something similar being said, yet in a different way? If you’re like me, this happens all too often and I’ve found myself wishing I’d written something down to consult back to for further study or just to be reminded. By taking notes we not only store up a resource that we can go back to time and again, but create a kind of tracking of our own spiritual progress and learning as a follower of Jesus. True Christians desire to grow in their knowledge of the Lord and to love God with all of their mind (Prov.9:10, Matt.22:37). It may also be good to take notes to pass down to children and grandchildren that show an example of faithfulness to God’s church and His Word as one who committed themselves to deep study of the Bible and marked a life that never got tired of learning about the Lord.
3. TAKING NOTES HELPS YOU TO KNOW THE WORD OF GOD
I can honestly say that one of the main reasons I wish all of the congregation would take notes is to ensure that what I am saying is biblically faithful and correct. I welcome feedback, questions, and follow up comments about whatever subject matter is being discussed during any given sermon or Bible lesson. I strive to study well so that I might rightly divide the Word for you (2 Timothy 2:15). Bible interpretation and exposition is extremely important to me and I want it to be so for you as well. In Acts 17 Paul is ministering to a group of Jews who were interested in hearing more about Jesus and was eagerly listening to Paul and ensuring that what he was saying lined up with the sacred scriptures
The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews. Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.Therefore, many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men. – Acts 17:10-12 NASB
The moral of this text? Be a Berean! Check the Bible to ensure what’s being taught is correct. Be a discerning Christian who wants to know the truth and cherish it for all of its benefits to your soul.
With these things considered, I encourage you to take notes. If you have never done so, what better time to start than now? Give it a try to see if it helps you in any way. I will soon be starting a ten-week sermon series entitled ‘We Believe’ which will outline some of the core Biblical convictions of our church family. This is a wonderful time to get serious about studying the Word with our faith family and benefitting from taking notes as you hear the Word.
In Christ’ love,
Pastor Adam
[1]https://www.npr.org/2016/04/17/474525392/attention-students-put-your-laptops-away