Leading devotions at sacred sites: a pastor's guide

As the spiritual leader of your group, your devotions at each site are what transform a tour into a pilgrimage. Here's a framework that works at every location.

Keep it short. 3–5 minutes maximum. Your group is tired, hot, and overstimulated. A focused 3-minute devotion at the right moment is worth more than a 20-minute sermon.

Structure: (1) Read the relevant Scripture passage. (2) Share one observation connecting the text to the place. (3) Ask one reflection question. (4) Pause for 30 seconds of silence. (5) Close with a brief prayer.

Site-specific suggestions: At the Sea of Galilee — Mark 1:16–20 ("Follow me"). At Gethsemane — Matthew 26:36–39 ("Not my will"). At the empty tomb — John 20:1–18 ("He is not here"). At the Jordan River — Romans 6:3–4 (baptism into his death and resurrection). At Caesarea Philippi — Matthew 16:13–18 ("Who do you say I am?").

Prepare these before you leave home. Print them on index cards. Your guide will give you a few minutes at each site — use them well.