In the church I grew up in, the offering was received at the end of worship services. The congregation would walk around to bring their offering. Some members walked forward, placed their offering in the plate, and walked out. The minister would encourage members to remain until the end of the service. His reason was simple: “There’s a blessing in the benediction.”  As a young pastor, I issued the same exhortation and rationale. Then I became curious. What is the blessing in the benediction? I discovered the benediction is a blessing. That is what the word means. It is the pastor’s privilege and duty to announce the...