Sometimes church services to go over time.
Famously, when I was new to ministry, I ran a morning service which spiralled into a lunchtime service.
I still get nightmares about it.
If there are no time pressures after the service, a leader might be lead to continue singing or have a time of prayer, extending the service will beyond the usual conclusion time.
One thing I saw a while back, done brilliantly, was for the leader to give people permission to leave at the usual time.
Knowing the service would go long, they concluded the service in the usual manner, providing the space for those who need to leave to do so, and seamlessly giving those who wanted to stay the option.
It was a really good practice, because it showed awareness that the service was going to go long, but also validated the genuine need some might have to leave - no matter what that reason is.
At or around the designated time, every service should have an off-ramp, with a conclusion and a blessing, no matter what is going to happen after those words are spoken.
In order to honour those who attend with others things going on, it only seems fair.
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