The service starts at 11:30 am. Everybody fellowships for awhile, the pastor has some introductory comments, announcements are made, communion once a month. Then around noon the praise and worship begins and usually lasts half an hour. The next two hours is spent on the sermon and individual prayer and prophecy.(which sometimes lasts longer than the sermon).
I've been at services that lasted 6 to 8 hours and didn't mind because the Spirit of God was moving. Other times it's been grueling to sit through 2 or 3 hours. As some others have mentioned, it's about self-discipline.
Btw my pastor is black as is about half the congregation. It makes for an interesting mix of worship, sermon, and fellowship. I'm truly blessed.
Thanks for the explanation.