5:46 AM
I've never really "scripted" a set of music for a worship service in such a way to elicit a predetermined emotional response from the congregation. At least, not intentionally. We'll sometimes sing the last verse of a song a cappella because I believe it sometimes best delivers a sense of unity in worship, but I don't think I'd call that "manipulative." Matter of fact, I'm so against the concept of manipulating people's emotions that I probably sometimes do things that may interfere with the people's opportunity to emotionally engage in worship of God.
I definitely want people to engage in worship as we give them one avenue of expression -- music -- to do so, but worshipping "in spirit and in truth" doesn't necessarily mean singing a song that makes people weep (although it might include that).
I happened by Mandy Thompson's blog (not yet in the links, but I think I'm going to add it) and saw a post called "history working for us" where she asks these questions:
- Do we have a right use of our knowledge of historical forms of worship?
- Do we have accurate knowledge of historical forms of Christian worship?
- Do you think a right use of this knowledge could help?
- Are we in bondage to our own culture?
As I read the post and the responses, I wondered if we, possibly being in bondage to our own culture as the last question asks, would dare to change anything if we took a good, long look and discovered that we were doing some things wrong. Bear in mind that "differently" is not necessarily the same thing as "wrong."
I spoke to our youth group last night and among the comments I made was, "I believe I have (or know) the Truth." I mean, really... If we didn't think that our church fellowship knew and practiced the truth, would we want to be a part of it (outside those who attend church because it's "the right thing to do," etc.)? Based on that -- the belief that we're a part of a truth-practicing culture or fellowship -- I wonder if we're afraid to ask the "Why?" question because we feel like it's not worth shaking up our way of doing things. (Of course, many people may regularly ask themselves "Why?" and end up finding out that they are, indeed, on the right path. In the least-arrogant way I can possibly say it, that's where I am right now.)
Do you feel like we in the modern Church are in bondage to our culture? Specifically, our "church culture"?
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4 comments:
One of the positive aspects, that I see, with "modern" Christians moving into the church is that the "we've never done it that way before" mentality seems to be taking a back seat. As you say, different doesn't necessarily mean wrong.
I have no idea what it's like to be a worship minister, but what I have seen and heard from worship ministers is that they sometimes (often?) struggle with preparing for congregational worship. While they know they can't please everyone and certainly can't prepare someone's heart, they still must bear the burden of creating an environment that promotes worship.
It seems to me that by using some "modern" Christian methods (musical instruments, choruses, etc) is partly the reason we have been/are moving away from the "we've never done it that way before" mentality. And through some of these new, "modern" ideas, we often see more passion and love for Jesus Christ during our corporate worship. I would say that's a good thing.
Side note...isn't it interesting that some of these "new, modern" forms of worship were practiced regularly by David? Hm, maybe we're actually getting back to the heart of God.
Heard a wise man once say, "God has worked through His Church for 2000 years. If Christian history is a yardstick, we a currently doing the last 2 inches of it very well."
There are powerful liturgical elements that can brought over. For example, this week before Communion we prayed the Thanksgiving from the Didache. It was a great focusing moment.
This is not during worship per se but I've learned from it - I started using the Lectionary for daily readings so that I'm reading according to the church calendar and with other believers. The calendar is very ancient and has been used for years. I like that.
:)
putting you in my blogroll.
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