Ordinary Time — Where Discipleship Happens
The longest season of the church year isn't filler — it's where the Christian life is actually lived. How to make the most of these unhurried weeks.
Two periods: after Epiphany to Ash Wednesday, and after Pentecost to Advent
Overview
Ordinary Time encompasses the two stretches of the liturgical year that fall outside the major seasons: the weeks between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, and the longer stretch from Pentecost to the beginning of Advent. Together, these periods account for roughly 33-34 weeks — nearly two-thirds of the church year. The name 'Ordinary' doesn't mean 'unremarkable' but rather 'ordinal' (counted), as the weeks are numbered sequentially.
The liturgical color for Ordinary Time is green, symbolizing growth and life. While the major seasons focus on specific events in the life of Christ — His birth, death, resurrection, and the Spirit's coming — Ordinary Time focuses on the ongoing work of discipleship. The lectionary readings during these weeks move sequentially through the Gospels, the epistles, and the Old Testament, providing a comprehensive encounter with Scripture that the concentrated seasons cannot offer.
For church leaders, Ordinary Time is paradoxically both the most challenging and the most important season for sustained spiritual growth. Without the natural energy of Christmas or Easter, these weeks require more intentional planning — but they also offer the greatest freedom. This is the time for extended sermon series, deep dives into biblical books, topical teaching on marriage, parenting, finances, and justice, and the steady, unglamorous work of forming disciples.
Denomination Perspectives
How different traditions observe Ordinary Time
Catholic
In the Catholic calendar, Ordinary Time is punctuated by numerous saints' feast days, solemnities (like the Most Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, and Christ the King), and memorials that provide regular liturgical variety. The lectionary follows a three-year cycle through Matthew, Mark, and Luke, with John interspersed. Green vestments are standard, with occasional shifts to white, red, or other colors for specific observances.
Protestant
Liturgical Protestants follow the Revised Common Lectionary during Ordinary Time, which provides a structured reading plan shared across denominations. Less liturgical churches may use this season for extended topical sermon series, verse-by-verse Bible studies, or thematic teaching blocks. The freedom of Ordinary Time allows for more pastoral responsiveness to the congregation's needs.
Orthodox
The Orthodox calendar does not use the term 'Ordinary Time' but has an analogous period. The weeks after Pentecost are organized around the Gospel and Epistle readings assigned to each Sunday, with numerous feast days of saints and the Theotokos (Mary) interspersed throughout. The Dormition Fast in August provides a Lenten-like intensity midway through the post-Pentecost period.
Non-denominational
Non-denominational churches typically don't use the term 'Ordinary Time' but naturally operate in this mode for most of the year. The post-Easter and summer months are often used for topical sermon series, book-of-the-Bible studies, and practical life application teaching. Without the seasonal structure, it falls to pastors to create their own rhythm and prevent the weeks from feeling directionless.
Worship Ideas
Creative ways to lead your congregation through Ordinary Time
Use Ordinary Time for extended sermon series through a single book of the Bible — walk through Romans, Genesis, or the Gospel of Mark at a pace that allows deep engagement.
Introduce new hymns and worship songs during these weeks, expanding the congregation's musical vocabulary without the pressure of holiday expectations.
Incorporate different prayer practices each month: lectio divina, breath prayer, written prayers, prayer walks, contemplative silence.
Host quarterly testimony Sundays where church members share how God is working in their lives during these 'ordinary' weeks.
Use the green of Ordinary Time as inspiration for creation-care emphasis — outdoor worship, garden projects, environmental stewardship.
Sermon Topics
Preaching themes and key passages for Ordinary Time
Faithful in the Ordinary
Luke 16:10; Colossians 3:23-24
Most of the Christian life is lived in ordinary moments — work, meals, commutes, conversations. Explore what faithfulness looks like when there's no crisis, no holiday, and no audience.
Growing in Green Seasons
Psalm 1:1-3; 2 Peter 3:18
Green symbolizes growth, and growth happens slowly. Use the metaphor of the planted tree bearing fruit in season to teach about spiritual formation in the unhurried weeks of Ordinary Time.
The Long Obedience
Hebrews 12:1-3; Galatians 6:9
Eugene Peterson called discipleship 'a long obedience in the same direction.' Explore what sustained faithfulness looks like — and why it matters more than dramatic spiritual experiences.
Church Admin Tips
Practical operations checklist for Ordinary Time
Use Ordinary Time for strategic planning — without the demands of major seasons, this is the ideal period for staff retreats, budget planning, and ministry evaluation.
Launch new initiatives (small groups, volunteer training, outreach programs) during Ordinary Time when the calendar is less crowded.
Don't neglect communications during these weeks — consistent engagement through email newsletters, social media, and pastoral updates prevents the 'summer slump.'
Schedule building maintenance, technology upgrades, and facilities improvements during Ordinary Time when disruption to services is minimal.
Related Bible Verses
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Ordinary Time
The word 'ordinary' here comes from 'ordinal,' meaning 'counted' or 'numbered.' The weeks are simply numbered in sequence (1st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2nd Sunday, etc.). It does not mean the season is unimportant — rather, it describes the method of counting the weeks.