If you attend church regularly, you’re likely accustomed to listening to powerful sermons that impact your daily life. While note-taking isn’t a requirement during these sessions, the practice offers benefits, especially if you’re looking for a new approach to Sunday worship. Below is a guide to learn how to implement this practice and how it can create a more engaging experience.

Why You Should Take Notes in Church

Church provides an opportunity to decompress from daily stresses and reconnect with your faith in God. Taking notes adds to the experience, allowing you to jot down ideas and concepts that can be revisited and worked on at any time. Notes can include reminders to apply certain practices or ideas into your busy week, like taking the time to breathe or enjoy the beauty around you.

Taking notes keeps you engaged. You’re more likely to listen and absorb the ideas if you’re writing them down. Note-taking forces you to pay close attention so you can translate what you hear into your own words. Retaining this information can also help jumpstart conversations with family members who may not have been able to attend the service.

The notes from one week can also help you understand the following week’s sermon. Before attending church, pull out the previous week’s notes and review the details. When you listen to the new sermon, you may note connections that allow you to experience the words in a fresh way.

Tips for Good Note-Taking

Be prepared, and bring a pen or pencil, your Bible, and a notebook. Take notes directly onto the pages the pastor is referencing or use a journal for more extensive notes.

Note the date of the sermon and make sure referenced passages are included so you can read them as you reflect. Avoid trying to write down every word the pastor says—this can distract you from taking in the words and absorbing their purpose. Instead, focus on key points as well as specific phrases that have the most impact on you. Summarizing in your own words also helps you to better understand the message.

Don’t forget to look up from the page. Eye contact is important for showing you are paying attention. However, taking a break from writing also provides a much-needed pause so you can comprehend the message behind the sermon.

Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in Dickinson, TX, offers a welcoming and positive Sunday worship experience. Led by Reverend Kevin Reeves, the church’s mission is to glorify God through the power of prayer and education. In addition to church services, they also host small group Bible studies, corporate worship, and other fun events. For more information, call (409) 218-9339, or visit them online for upcoming events.