Asamoah Gyan: Make your church services short, and we will gladly come instead of forcing and chasing us to come to church

 

Ghanaian football legend Asamoah Gyan has sparked a conversation that many might have been too shy to voice. "Make your church services short, and we will gladly come instead of forcing and chasing us to come to church," he recently urged pastors. His words, simple yet profound, reflect a growing sentiment among people who feel that lengthy services might be pushing potential congregants away rather than drawing them in. Could this be the wake-up call the modern church needs?

The Heart of Gyan’s Message

Asamoah Gyan, a celebrated figure in Ghana and beyond, isn’t just speaking as a sports icon—he’s speaking as someone who understands the value of time. In today’s fast-paced world, where schedules are packed and attention spans are shrinking, the traditional model of marathon church services might not resonate with everyone. Gyan’s suggestion isn’t a dismissal of faith or spirituality but a call for practicality. He’s asking religious leaders to rethink how they engage their communities, prioritizing quality over quantity.

Imagine a Sunday where the sermon is concise, the worship is meaningful, and the entire experience leaves you uplifted rather than exhausted. Gyan believes this could be the secret to filling pews—not with coercion or guilt trips, but with genuine enthusiasm from attendees who feel their time is respected.

The Struggle with Long Services

Let’s face it: we’ve all been there. A service starts at 9 a.m., and by noon, you’re still sitting there, glancing at your watch, wondering if the pastor’s closing prayer is really the end or just a teaser for another hour. For many, especially younger generations or busy professionals, this can feel less like devotion and more like a test of endurance. It’s not that people don’t value faith—it’s that they also value balance.

Long services can unintentionally alienate those who might otherwise be eager to participate. Parents with restless kids, workers pulling weekend shifts, or even individuals who just want a moment to breathe on their day off might hesitate to commit to something that feels like an all-day affair. Gyan’s point is clear: if churches want to grow, they need to meet people where they are, not where they think they should be.

Quality Over Quantity

Gyan’s advice doesn’t just stop at shortening the clock—it’s about making every minute count. A shorter service forces pastors to distill their message to its essence, cutting out the fluff and focusing on what truly matters. A powerful 20-minute sermon can leave a deeper impact than a two-hour ramble. A few heartfelt songs can stir the soul more than an endless playlist. The goal isn’t to rush through faith but to make it accessible and impactful.

This shift could also open doors for creativity. Imagine a church that uses technology—like livestreaming a succinct service—or hosts multiple short sessions throughout the day to accommodate different schedules. By focusing on quality, churches might not only retain their current members but also attract those who’ve drifted away.

A Cultural Perspective

In Ghana, where Gyan hails from, religion is a vibrant part of life. Churches are often community hubs, places of connection as much as worship. But even in such a faith-driven culture, the call for brevity speaks to a universal truth: people want to feel inspired, not drained. Gyan’s status as a national hero gives his words weight—he’s not an outsider critiquing from afar but someone deeply rooted in the same society he’s addressing.

His perspective might also resonate beyond Ghana. Across the globe, religious institutions are grappling with declining attendance. Could adapting to modern realities, as Gyan suggests, be a way to breathe new life into these spaces?

The Counterargument

Of course, not everyone will agree. Some might argue that longer services allow for deeper reflection, extended worship, and a fuller experience of community. There’s value in that, especially for those who see church as a sacred escape from the rush of daily life. But Gyan isn’t saying eliminate depth—he’s saying streamline it. The challenge for pastors is to find a balance that honors tradition while embracing change.

A Call to Action

Asamoah Gyan’s words are more than a casual comment—they’re a challenge. To pastors, it’s an invitation to innovate. To congregants, it’s permission to voice what they’ve long felt. Maybe the future of church growth isn’t about chasing people down with guilt or obligation but about creating an experience so compelling they’ll come running.