One of the things that I love about the BIble are the characters we know nothing about... the ones who are used in some of the most known stories (the Ethiopian eunuch), to the ones who are used b\c of happenstance ("they're noted in the Bible for that?!?!?") Eutychus is definitely the latter.

Eutychus is mentioned in the Bible for having fallen asleep during Paul's sermon, but then falling out of a window because of it!! Can you imagine having a place in one of the most respected books throughout time, for dying while sleeping in church?!?! I mean, you gotta' love how the Bible is complete but... WOW!

Let's read his story, as noted in the Bible:

Unfortunately, the "sleeping during service" portion is common. I'm sure that every preacher or speaker has experienced a sleeping listener during their time in front of a church. From the "head nodding" to the snoring... I'm sure this happens often. I find it funny as to how the Bible repeatedly tells us to "stay awake" (Luke 21:36, Matthew 24:42) and yet it's too often where churchgoers fall asleep... at church!

Programming: This one may be a bit far-fetched, but it's valid - We are programmed to fall asleep. As children, our parents encourage us to fall asleep rather than cause a disturbance. Habits are hard to break.

Environment: A poorly ventilated church, one that's too warm or stuffy, can be part of the problem. I'm sure that this was a major player Eutychus' problem - flickering candles, quite possibly a warm environment exhaled by a "standing room only" crowd, where there was no air conditioning, mixed in contrast with the cool air eminating from the open window...

Personal Factors: Lack of sufficient sleep during the week, or especially Saturday night, sets us up for the "head nod dance" come Sunday morning. Maybe something that can't be avoided, such as medication, thyroid problems or low blood sugar, are the cause. Let's face it, when our concentration is broken, drifting minds soon follow.

Indifference: Unfortunately, people are sometimes turned off, spiritually. Sleep allows them the escape from it all. Hopefully, this isn't our case when we doze off during service.

The Message Is Boring: Although I don't think that I fall asleep during service, i unfortunately find some speakers to have a boring style. One's whose message don't truly work, or the ones who present their talks as a class... I lose interest. But on their defense, not every sermon can be "Star War's Rogue One" all of the time! But for some styles, disorganized or disconnected material, rambling, mumbling, unnecessary (to the message) details, ... nah guhd! Key deterrents against disinterest are: genuine enthusiasm, fresh & specific illustrations, and an energetic voice. Sadly, a messenger can be as guilty as the listener.

It's a team effort... The building that houses our services must be comfortable & conducive to worship & learning, unlike a funeral parlor. The listener must be prepared for worship - physically, spiritually & emotionally. And lastly, the speaker must be alert & sensitive to their audience. Not a clown, or a head cheerleader, but someone who is aware of the ways to keep their audience interested.