The Power of Benediction

Tony Cooke

If you grew up (as I did) in a mainline, denominational church, you likely heard a benediction every Sunday as the service was dismissed. What I heard frequently was the Aaronic blessing from Numbers 6:24-26.

“The LORD bless you and keep you;

The LORD make His face shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.”

There was a sense of comfort in regularly hearing those words, but Spirit-filled pastors from traditional churches have often discontinued benedictions and other formalities, perhaps because they had seen them become ritualistic over time. I get that. 

The word benediction comes from two Latin words. Bene meant well (think of benefit, benevolent, or benefactor) while diction referred to a word or something which is spoken (think of dictation). Over time, benediction took on the specific meaning of a word or prayer of blessing that was spoken over the people at the end of a church service.

The purpose of this article is not to say that any church must or should have standardized benedictions, but is simply to encourage pastors to think through the most effective way to close their services. Whatever you do, I pray that you will be intentional in how you dismiss people, and that you consider if there is something more meaningful than a generic statement beyond, “You are dismissed,” or “We’ll see you next Sunday.”

I was motivated to address this topic when I heard Pastor Bill Adcock in Murfreesboro, Tennessee speak a pastoral blessing over his people at the end of their services. Note especially the last part:

“You are the head and not the tail, above only and not beneath. Because you dwell by the rivers of living water, everything you set your hand to prospers. Because you dwell under the shadow of the Almighty, no evil shall befall you, no plague shall come near your dwelling. Angels of God watch over and protect you. The Lord is your shepherd, you have no lack. He meets your need according to His riches in glory. Jesus shed his blood that you might become righteous, his body was broken for your complete health and peace of mind. Because a greater one lives inside of you, there is nothing you will encounter in the upcoming week that you are not already prepared for. When you speak to people about Jesus, those words pierce like an arrow and break like a hammer, and they hit their mark. I love you and I bless you and I am privileged to be called your Pastor. I get to pastor the church that everyone wishes they could. Too bad for them.”

There is nothing arrogant in Pastor Bill’s “too bad for them” statement. He says that with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. It is an endearing way for him to tell his church family how much he loves and appreciates them. Having been in the services, I can tell how much the people appreciate being bragged and loved on by their pastor.

When I have preached for Pastor Mark Bintliff in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, I have appreciated a very brief confession he leads before dismissing the people. “What God did in Christ Jesus far exceeds any damage done to me by Adam’s fall!”

Pastor Mitch Horton in Raleigh, North Carolina speaks this this over his people at dismissal:

“Father, I speak life over every person here today. They are the head and not the tail, they are above and not beneath in life. Everything they set their hands to prospers. Jesus said that we are salt and light, everywhere we are and everywhere we go. Make us a blessing to others, giving us opportunities to share Jesus with someone before we come back here, in Jesus’ Name!”

Pastor Scott Robles in Fremont, Ohio closes with the following: 

“I call you blessed and I declare that you are the covenant people of God, that your minds are sound, that your bodies are healed. You walk in the faith of God, the love of God, the wisdom of God, and the obedience of God. Therefore I declare that everything you put your hand to is going to prosper, and I charge those angels to encamp round about you to protect you and keep you in all of your ways, and bring us back again at the next appointed time should He tarry. Say it with me church, ‘Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly. Even so Lord Jesus, come quickly.’ And may the favor of God be upon you. Go and be blessed.”

Prior to Pastor Scott’s blessing, his son Pastor Bryan Robles, who now serves as  the lead pastor, has the people close their hands, making a fist. He remarks that they do not live their lives “closed handed,” but that they are a generous people. At that point, he has them open their hands as an act of worship, representing the fact that they live their lives with an open hand, saying, “God, whatever and whenever you ask of us. As we open our hands, we are now in a position to receive all the blessings of God – He opens up the windows of heaven and pours us out blessing.” Then Pastor Bryan invites his father, Pastor Scott (the founding pastor) to speak the above-referenced blessing as the people’s hands are open to receive.

Pastor Dan Roth in San Bernardino, California invites the people to raise their hands, and then he says, “God, these are your people called by your Name. They are blessed in the city, blessed in the field, blessed coming and blessed going, and may everything they put their hand to prosper.” Then he leads the people in a bold declaration which they all know, “The Inland Empire shall be saved!”

Pastor Rusty Martin in Galveston, Texas (who grew up in Mom and Dad Goodwin’s church in Pasadena, Texas) regularly declares the following over his people:

“Thank you Heavenly Father for a wonderful service, and as is our tradition we claim the promise and provision of Psalms 91! Thank you Lord no evil befalls us and no plague comes near us!! In our travels, the righteous labor of our hands, and in our schools we declare Gods protection, provision, and favor!! Thank you Lord, our hearts are stirred for souls. Help us all to be your hand extended, your Word spoken, a problem to the devil, and a blessing to people! We depart this service walking in faith and love toward you Lord! We walk in love one toward another. Thank you for our Church! We leave as the ambassadors of Christ you have called us to be, and we declare that we are covered by the blood, empowered by the Word, and anointed by the Holy Ghost! We pray and declare this in the Mighty Name of Jesus! Amen!”

Pastor Mark Clements of La Crosse, Wisconsin shared a number of New Testament benedictions that he uses from time to time, such as Romans 11:33-36; 15:13; Philippians 4:23; 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17; 3:16; 1 Timothy 1:17; Hebrews 13:20-21, and 2 Corinthians 13:11-12, 14. Pastor Mark did say (with a smile) that he omits the “kiss” part. Click HERE for a list of LWCC Benediction Scriptures.

Pastor Joe Coyne in Greensboro, North Carolina gives instructions for first-time salvations, rededications, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and general prayer, and then prays a concluding prayer. He invites people responding to come forward “so my wife, Misti, and I can pray over them and our team can give next steps (a Bible, Welcome to the Family booklet, sign up for water baptism, sign up for our next step classes).” Pastor Joe has shared these four documents in case you wish to download them and adapt them for your use.

Next Steps 1 – Welcome to the Family of God
Next Steps 2 – Christian Essentials
Next Steps 3 – Dream Team
Next Steps 4 – Our Story

Pastor Josh Pennington in Newark, Ohio shared, “I periodically do a benediction. I often will write a declaration to speak over the people that is connected to the sermon series. This is what I’ve written for this weekend.”

“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and give you peace. May His goodness and mercy follow you, His wisdom guide you, and His joy sustain you. Go and live the life He called you to — a life of purpose, faith, and abundance. Live free. Live full. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

Pastor Chris Pfeffer in Seekonk, Massachusetts said that they sometimes close out a service with the song, “To God Be The Glory.” This reminded me of what Jesus and his disciples did after a lengthy time of teaching and a communion service. “And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives” (Matthew 26:30).

Pastor Stan Saunders in Chillicothe, Missouri uses this benediction.

“May the love of Christ

Be active in your hearts,

Be heard in your words,

Be seen in your actions,

And inform your choices,

Today and all days. Amen.

Go in peace and serve the Lord!”

Pastor Tony Finley in Omaha, Nebraska leads his people in confessing this (relative to their identity as a church). He says he learned this when he was on staff with Pastor Mike Webb in Lake Forest, California.

“We are a body of believers

Equipped with the Word of God

Developing in spirit

With a strong anointing to heal the sick

That will never be moved.”

Pastor Gary Hart in Great Falls, Montana asks the congregation to lift their hands and then prays:

“Father, I declare your blessing on the people of God. They are blessed coming in they will be blessed going out. They are blessed in their spirit, blessed in their soul, blessed in their body, and yes, blessed in all their resource! As we go from this place, we go as ambassadors of the kingdom of heaven to make a difference in the world in which we live and we are anointed to do so! We will return next Sunday rejoicing in all the great things God has done in us and through us according to the promise of Your Word. In Jesus name! Amen!”

Several pastors use the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26) and then add a bit to it. For example:

• Pastor John Carter in Syracuse, New York adds “And may something great happen in your lives this week, In Jesus’ mighty Name! Amen!”
• Pastor Jerry Weinzierl in Sterling Heights, Michigan adds “In the name that is above every name, the name of Jesus, Amen.”
• Pastor Gil Zaragoza in El Paso, Texas adds “In the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, to Whom honor and glory be forevermore, Amen!”
• Pastor Stephen Wescott in Nags Head, North Carolina sometimes adds “when you cross the threshold back out into life today” or adds Scripture from Psalm 91.
• Pastor Luke Cobrae in Redmond, Oregon gives this benediction: “Lord, thank you for the saints of God who are here today. I pray you would bless them, keep them, cause your face and countenance to shine upon them, and give them peace in Jesus name.”

Pastor Johnson Bowie in Norcross, Georgia said, “Sometimes I will pray the Numbers 6, Aaronic Blessing over them. Often times, we simply end service with a commission and say ‘You are sent!’”

Pastor Bill Ammons in Greenville, Pennsylvania has unique benediction when his daughter, Joy, is in the service. She recites Numbers 6:24-26 in Hebrew, and he reads it in English.

Pastor Joshua Thurman says “Jesus loves you, we love you, and your life counts” before dismissing the congregation.

Similarly, Pastor Paul Ruzinsky in Newaygo, Michigan regularly dismisses with, “Remember you are amazing and you are loved.”

Pastor A. R. Bernard in Brooklyn, New York leads his people in a declaration of the Lordship of Christ. “Jesus is Lord! We believe it. We proclaim it. And we are seeing it come to pass.”

Pastor Mark Garver in Madison, Alabama leads his people in this confession, “We are blessed to be a blessing,” and “Help me reach someone this week.”

Pastor Gary Hoffman in Wirtz, Virginia said that his closing/dismissal is “always from the heart.” 

Pastor Duane Hanson in Eagan, Minnesota doesn’t use a standard benediction, but usually closes his message with a “’shoot from the hip’ prayer that might include a request that the Word they’ve heard would “dwell in them richly” and encourages the people “not to allow any traditions or doctrines of men make the Word of God of none effect in their lives.”

Pastor J. Bryan Lowe in Warsaw, Indiana encourages his people with, “Let’s allow the word of God to get planted in our hearts, lived out in our homes, experienced by our community, and impact the world that cost the blood of Jesus.” 

Pastor Jane McDonough in Tampa, Florida says “There is a statement I end every closing prayer with on Sunday, ‘Lord thank you for the opportunity we’ve had today to be together in your presence and because we have, we won’t leave here like we came in Jesus’ Name.’”

Pastor Chris Caton in Middlebury, Connecticut remarked, “I do not have a standard benediction prayer that I pray at the end of the service but I do end up praying spontaneously and the prayer is usually pretty similar. I pray, for God’s blessings upon their health, their finances, their homes, wisdom for their life, and an atmosphere of love within their households, the absence of strife in their homes, safety and protection as they travel and go about their business during the week, and a close fellowship with God/the Holy Spirit during the week. Whatever strikes me at the moment along these lines is usually what is prayed.”

Pastor Bill Anzevino in Industry, Pennsylvania wrote, “I usually end my service by giving an invitation for people to accept Christ  who are in house and with us by live-stream. Then I pray a dismissal prayer like this. ‘Thank you, Father for our time together, and as we go our separate ways, may you surround us with your holy angels and the blood of Jesus, protecting us  bumper to bumper, side to side and everywhere in between from all loss, harm, damage or injury in any way. May you keep animals off the road and grant each of us holy boldness to proclaim Jesus to others and bring them into your kingdom by stretching forth your hand to heal and by signs and wonders being done by the  name of thy holy child Jesus. For every heart that is touched and life that is changed, we’ll be certain to give you all the praise, honor and glory you deserve for all things, in the precious and mighty name of Jesus our Lord, Amen!’”

Pastor Jeff Sutton in Deming and Las Cruces, New Mexico often admonishes his people with “Be blessed and make it a good week” or “You are blessed to be a blessing and make it a good week” as he concludes a service.

Pastor Tim Gilligan in Ocala, Florida shared, “I don’t have a standard benediction, but I always declare a blessing / prayer over them and then always tell them I love them and to go in peace, etc. I have a Christmas benediction I use during Christmas and occasionally I will craft a blessing / benediction that is related to the message.”

Pastor Mikel Lagaras in Warren, Ohio typically prays a blessing over the people to this effect: “May you have eyes to see, and ears to hear, and hearts to receive everything the Spirt of God is speaking to you. May you have courage to speak boldly what He directs you to say.” He always ends the service by exhorting the people to “Go change your world!”

Pastor Jay Hoskins in Tulsa, Oklahoma often closes services by saying “I call you blessed, and blessed people call you blessed. You are healed, made whole, and walk in divine and perfect health. You walk in the love of God, wisdom and great favor, prospering in whatever you do and wherever you go.” He will also frequently tell the people, “Revival is not coming, it is here now, and you carry it!”

Pastor Mike Schaefer and Pastor Jason Kimberly in Albuquerque, New Mexico speak an adaptation of 2 Corinthians 13:14 over the congregation: “May the abundant grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship, partnership communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.” And then, with the congregation repeating, “I am the church (look at and point to those around you and say) You are the Church, and we are going to go out and be the Church…”

Pastor Mark Moder in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania shared, “We normally end by  corporately speaking our church tithing declaration together. But in the past, I would often declare the blessings found in Deuteronomy 28:2, 12-13 over the people.”

Pastor Paul Cavenah in Kinder, Louisiana said, “I don’t say it every service but I periodically say, “Go forth, be fruitful and multiply.” When I was young, I had a pastor who would say that at the end of every service. Most of the time, I just say, “Have a great day, we love you and more importantly, God loves you.”

Pastor Darrell Morgan in Apopka, Florida gives the ending of the service to his wife,  Lisa. “She calls people up to be prayed for and ministered to. We have workers that work the altars.”

Pastor James Farmer in Bartlett, Tennessee dismisses his people by saying, “Thank you for being here today! We speak a blessing over you today. We pray that you are blessed coming in and blessed going out and blessed in everything that you set your hands to this week.”

Pastor Jesse Zepeda in Pflugerville, Texas speaks this blessing over the congregation. “Now Father, I decree. I declare. I prophecy blessings of health, wealth and above all soul prosperity on your people. I call them highly favored, greatly blessed with Jesus and man, in Jesus Name, Amen.”

Based on Ephesians 2:10, Pastor Matt Mylin in Lancaster, Pennsylvania dismisses the people with this blessing: “You are God’s masterpiece. You are created on purpose for an incredible purpose. Go out this week and passionately pursue God’s purpose on your life. You’ll be amazed at what He can do through you.”

Pastor Jim Clayton in Colchester, Illinois had a few people who might have been reluctant to come to their Tuesday evening Bible studies in the winter months due to darkness or threatening weather. He will sometimes teach on ministering spirits and close with a benediction such as, “I send God’s angels before you to prepare your way. May they keep you awake and alert so that you arrive at your destination safely to serve Him another day.”

Pastor Josh Huffman in Huntington, West Virginia reminds the people, “The church is not a building. Who is the church? We are! So be the church this week!” Then he prays God’s blessing, favor, protection, boldness and encouragement over everyone. The prayer includes this phrase, “God, we ask, not only for your blessing in our lives, but also for You to make us a blessing. Please use us in both big and small ways to make an impact for Your Kingdom.”

Pastor Jon Schwartz in Allentown region in Pennsylvania closes services with this prayer. “Father God I declare blessing over these people.  Blessing over their coming and going, over their families and finances and communities. We commit to you that we will be a light in this dark world. In Jesus name.”

Pastor Ray Almaguer in Covina, California often prays something to this effect over his people. “Heavenly Father, I pray a blessing upon your people. I thank you that we blessed coming in and blessed going out. I thank you for a week of favor, a week of increase, and divine protection. I thank you that our steps are ordered by you. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Additional Approaches to Closing Church Services

I wasn’t able to mention every pastor by name who responded, but here are some of the patterns I saw in many of the answers.

• Many pastors end their services with a focus on the altar call (invitation) and instructions for people to get involved in discipleship. Some will follow with an “open altar” where people can come and receive personal prayer.
• Several others do not have a formal benediction, per se, but will pray, exhort, or speak blessing — often spontaneously — over their people. This often includes the main points of the message or as the Holy Spirit leads. Others simply endeavor to be sensitive to the Spirit if there is anything else He might want to do or say before dismissing the service.
• Some pastors incorporate elements from Psalm 23 or 91 in their benedictions.
• Other pastors receive tithes and offerings at the very end of the service, and they often lead their people in making a confession, speaking words of faith and blessing over the people as they give.
• Many others are diligent to express gratitude for the people who have attended, letting them know how much they are loved, valued, and appreciated, along with encouragement to put into practice what they have just heard.

Concluding Thoughts

We often hear about the importance of first impressions when people come to church, but we should also consider the significance of the last words people hear before they leave a service. I really appreciate the diversity in how numerous pastors conclude their services. I don’t believe there is necessarily one size that fits everyone. Each pastor needs to ask, “What works for me and what is best for our congregation?” 

I see value in repetition. Pastor Rick Renner in Moscow, Russia told me that they don’t do a formal benediction, but they do have their congregation recite the Apostles’ Creed every Sunday. This is especially helpful for them as many of their members and attendees come from a Russian Orthodox background. Pastor Dave Rogers in Waterville, Maine also has their congregation recite the Apostles’ Creed weekly. While repetition has its benefits (many value consistency), so does the freshness of spontaneity. Maybe God’s wisdom and direction is that we have a healthy measure of both.