July 9, Style of worship
Worship is a topic that will be debated until the return of Christ. We have all ages in our church. Those above 60 are usually saying the music is too loud and like a rock concert. The middle aged crowd are perfectly fine with the music but not they were use to growing up in church. The younger crowd is screaming for us to pump up the volume, smoke and lights. Who is right and who is wrong?
I only read a few blogs every day. Just don't have the time to read blog after blog. But one I read every day is my former pastor and mentor Kevin Childs. He addressed the worship question with as much grace and truth as I've seen or read in a long time. I e-mailed Kevin yesterday and told him I was going to share his blog with hi permission. So, here you go:
Dear __________,
Thank you so much for coming to worship with us. Plenty of people who have questions or criticisms toward our church never take a look for themselves, but you came. And I respect that. No - I don't mind at all some conversations about worship styles, methods, culture or whatever.
Our music is just one part of a larger vision and strategy. We began with a question: If we approach our ministry like a missionary would in an ungodly foreign culture, how would we try to engage the locals? If we were in Brazil, we would learn things about the Brazilian culture, and we would make the church reflect what made sense to Brazilians - all while being faithful to what is scriptural. I believe that is what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 9 when he said to become all things to all people to reach as many as possible. It is about changing the methods without changing the message of the gospel.
More than a couple of pastors or faithful members of other churches have said of churches like ours: "You're just entertaining people." But the same charge could be leveled against ANY church that makes any attempt to offer God their best worship environment. My question to our hardest critics would be: Does your church try to put skillful musicians in place? Or - in an effort to avoid "entertaining" - do you make sure the music has no beat and no harmony.? Does your pastor ever say anything interesting or humorous?
I don't believe that worship style (including the music) is a matter of right or wrong (as long as scripture isn't violated). It is a matter of preference and not principal. Those who love a 1950's style of church experience usually defend that experience. Our music is part of our outreach strategy. We are trying to capture the imagination and attention of a generation who either avoid church or get bored to death if someone makes them go. Psalm 33:3 says, "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings with loud shouts."
Sounds like The Rock to me.
I couldn't have put it any better myself Kevin. Thank you for allowing us into your conversation about worship.
Have any comments or thoughts? I'd love to know.
Couple of random thoughts:
* recently I've had several people if I have spell check? Please understand I write my blog (share my thoughts) and move on. I have no desire for my blog to be known internationally. I apologize if your one of those that bad grammar and misspelled words bother you.
* Just finished teaching Sunday's message in the auditorium during our walk through. I truly believe Sunday is going to be an awesome day. Make sure your here a few minutes early because worship will be VERY different.
* THus far I've done pretty good with working out and eating nothing but fruit and vegetables. Push mowing my front and back yard this evening. That'll be over two hours of steady walking. enough cardio in one day for me. Under 300 again.
* Someone just came by and gave us $1,000 for land in Africa. Brings total up to $2,500. Land is $7,000.
* Pastor Renatus has 100 of the chairs as of today. The other 100 are ordered. Our African brothers and sisters won't be sitting on the ground this Sunday. Thanks everyone.
* God gave me this thought in preparing this week, "the most important message I'll eve teach is my daily life." WOW!
I only read a few blogs every day. Just don't have the time to read blog after blog. But one I read every day is my former pastor and mentor Kevin Childs. He addressed the worship question with as much grace and truth as I've seen or read in a long time. I e-mailed Kevin yesterday and told him I was going to share his blog with hi permission. So, here you go:
Dear __________,
Thank you so much for coming to worship with us. Plenty of people who have questions or criticisms toward our church never take a look for themselves, but you came. And I respect that. No - I don't mind at all some conversations about worship styles, methods, culture or whatever.
Our music is just one part of a larger vision and strategy. We began with a question: If we approach our ministry like a missionary would in an ungodly foreign culture, how would we try to engage the locals? If we were in Brazil, we would learn things about the Brazilian culture, and we would make the church reflect what made sense to Brazilians - all while being faithful to what is scriptural. I believe that is what Paul meant in 1 Corinthians 9 when he said to become all things to all people to reach as many as possible. It is about changing the methods without changing the message of the gospel.
More than a couple of pastors or faithful members of other churches have said of churches like ours: "You're just entertaining people." But the same charge could be leveled against ANY church that makes any attempt to offer God their best worship environment. My question to our hardest critics would be: Does your church try to put skillful musicians in place? Or - in an effort to avoid "entertaining" - do you make sure the music has no beat and no harmony.? Does your pastor ever say anything interesting or humorous?
I don't believe that worship style (including the music) is a matter of right or wrong (as long as scripture isn't violated). It is a matter of preference and not principal. Those who love a 1950's style of church experience usually defend that experience. Our music is part of our outreach strategy. We are trying to capture the imagination and attention of a generation who either avoid church or get bored to death if someone makes them go. Psalm 33:3 says, "Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings with loud shouts."
Sounds like The Rock to me.
I couldn't have put it any better myself Kevin. Thank you for allowing us into your conversation about worship.
Have any comments or thoughts? I'd love to know.
Couple of random thoughts:
* recently I've had several people if I have spell check? Please understand I write my blog (share my thoughts) and move on. I have no desire for my blog to be known internationally. I apologize if your one of those that bad grammar and misspelled words bother you.
* Just finished teaching Sunday's message in the auditorium during our walk through. I truly believe Sunday is going to be an awesome day. Make sure your here a few minutes early because worship will be VERY different.
* THus far I've done pretty good with working out and eating nothing but fruit and vegetables. Push mowing my front and back yard this evening. That'll be over two hours of steady walking. enough cardio in one day for me. Under 300 again.
* Someone just came by and gave us $1,000 for land in Africa. Brings total up to $2,500. Land is $7,000.
* Pastor Renatus has 100 of the chairs as of today. The other 100 are ordered. Our African brothers and sisters won't be sitting on the ground this Sunday. Thanks everyone.
* God gave me this thought in preparing this week, "the most important message I'll eve teach is my daily life." WOW!
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