on the walk

Here are some great thoughts on worship from a good friend of mine who is wise beyond his years.  (And that is saying something because he is getting up there. )

The Art of Worshipping God

Here is the opening,

My highest goal in worship planning is that our worship at Grandview proclaim God’s greatness … while reflecting our gifts from God. This goal can be difficult road to travel, causing disappointment on many sides. Some folks prefer worship to reflect the gifts and tastes of previous generations, without taking our own gifts into account. Other folks prefer the “new” church, which winds up being a somewhat generic, church-in-a-box, nothing-but-beat, just-do-what-the-cool-church-does model that ignores as much of the past as possible.

Lost in the discussion, from my standpoint anyway, is that worship is an offering of ourselves. Ourselves. Not just yourself. Not just myself. Not just the selves of those who have come before, though we walk on their shoulders (not stand, not sit).

My goal is to avoid cookie-cutter worship, be it ancient or post-modern. Those categories aren’t theologically wrong, especially if we’re doing our best. I want to avoid cookie-cutter worship because it is like ordering gift cake from a catalog. It may be a very good cake, but if you have the talent to bake one for your friends or family then homemade is a greater gift.

Good stuff huh!

I find myself confronted by this text on many levels.  The first is personal.  Am I still coming to worship to offer a gift to God with others.  Because I am offering a gift it should reflect who I am in light of God.  Because I am offering it with others, it should reflect my communal act with them, in relationship with those around me. Because we are offering it to God ,our worship should reflect the fullest expression of who we believe God to be.

I am especially inspired by his reminder that we must not just copy a worship idea or style just because it works somewhere else.  Worship should be our gift to God.  God doesn’t care about worship fads.  It truly is the thought that counts. So read his post, and let me know what you think.  How will this change how you worship?  How might it change how we worship?

on the walk

-Ethan

Ps. The One Month to Live Series will continue next week.

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