David Padfield, evangelist of the Church of Christ in Zion, Illinois, has a Web site, www.padfield.com, that addresses the issue of "Sleeping Saints."

He said preachers have always had to put up with people who fall sleep during services. He also referred to Acts 20: 7-9, where a young man, Eutychus. was listening to Paul preach and fell asleep from his third-story spot and died.

It's not a boring minister who puts churchgoers to sleep, he believes, but rather a variety of factors that may cause worshippers to sleep no matter what.

Pastor Padfield believes late night entertainment, medications, a lack of interest, or even working a night shift can all make saints fall asleep — regardless of how interesting a sermon might be.

"If a person sleeps during periods of 'worship,' those who sit near them need to find out why," he states on his Web site. "Those who sleep during services are a hindrance and detriment to the growth of any congregation. Visitors and our own children can see their lack of commitment to the Lord."

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