Why we do what we do when we do it...Worship

26 What should be done then, my friends? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. Let all things be done for building up. 27 If anyone speaks in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn; and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no one to interpret, let them be silent in church and speak to themselves and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others weigh what is said. 30 If a revelation is made to someone else sitting nearby, let the first person be silent. 31 For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all be encouraged. 32 And the spirits of prophets are subject to the prophets, 33 for God is a God not of disorder but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:26-32

Today is Sunday.  This morning, for a little over an hour, our church worshiped together.  We came together...as Paul says.  We sang a hymn...well actually three hymns.  But really hymns are like potato chips...you can't just have one.  We had a scripture lesson from Exodus.  Then...well, I am not sure if the sermon was a revelation or an interpretation?  I pray the words I offered were done for building up the people there and those who watch online. At this point, the rest of Paul's advice might as well been, "Talk to an alien, spin in a circle, and stand on your head."  Because we did not do anything else Paul suggests in worship today...OR ever!

What is it that we expect when we enter into church for worship?  Does Paul's words fit with our expectations?  We can start with an honest statement: when it comes to worship, we like what we like. For some it is a guitar.  For others, you just turned up your nose.  For others the sermon should last forty minutes. For others, you just rolled your eyes.  We like what we like.  

There is nothing wrong with that.  Except.  Except, well, the focus of worship is not really about us, which is really hard to accept in a culture of consumerism.  Everywhere else we spend our free time and give our money is about us.  And if it is not, well then, we just go somewhere else.  Which has happened more times that we can count in the church today.  Rather than trying to work through our disagreements, usually over worship, a faction breaks off and forms a new church.  It is a lot easier than dealing with those people who like (fill in the blank here).

But if worship is not about us, if worship is about God, are we assuming that God prefers one style of music or preaching or praying?  I think we all fall into that trap.  Over the next few posts, I want to explore worship.  Why we do what we do when we do it...in worship.  I will look at my own reformed style, but also other styles too.  But before we dwell with that...I think it is best to start with you.  I know this is a contradiction from the above, but stay with me here.

If you were in my robe/stole, what kind of worship service would you design? What is most meaningful in worship for you?  Would you sing a lot or little?  Would you pray?  How many times?  How much scripture?  What about a sermon?  Communion?  

Soren Kierkegaard once observed that worship is a drama.  But rather than seeing the preacher or the choir as the actor/actresses, Kierkegaard said the CONGREGATION is the main actors/actresses.  The preacher and choir were like stage managers, prompters.  And God is the audience.  I also believe there are times when God moves in our midst and becomes the actor/actress in our midst.  Those are some of the most amazing moments.  

So, now is your chance to play armchair preacher.  How would you design a service?  And once you do, ask yourself why?  May there be a trace of God's grace guiding you as you do this...I know for me as I plan worship God's grace is what I lean into every single moment in planning...especially on Sunday mornings!

Blessings ~