Worship in America has seemingly merged with our fast-food culture. Just like you might pick the style of fast-food you like best when you eat out, American church-goes often tend to make their Sunday worship choice based on the style of the worship involved - and there are many styles:
You have McDonald's style worship - McWorship - where the worship is contemporary, modern and lively.
You have Wendy's style worship - Old Fashioned Worship - where the worship is more reserved and uses only the age old hymns of the faith.
You have Kentucky Fried Chicken style of worship - Finger-Lickin' Good Worship - where there is a lot of focus on the quality of the instrumentalists and singers.
Worship has become a lot like Burger King - Have It Your Way. Remember that jingle - "Hold the pickles, hold the lettuce, special orders don't upset us, all we ask is that you let us have it your way..."
The truth is that there is nothing wrong with any of the above aspects of worship. There is nothing wrong with modern, contemporary worship. There is nothing wrong with worship that centers around the old hymns of the faith. There is absolutely nothing wrong with striving for quality in the music and vocals in worship. But none of these in and of themselves is the heart of worship.
Jesus told the woman at the well in John 4 that true worship is when we worship God in spirit and in truth. So what is worship? Worship is a spirit-led response to truth about God. I've used this example before. I can't stand country music (after all, I am pretty sure that all radio stations in hell play only country music! Just kidding!). But if I were at a church this Sunday that only used the twangiest country music known to man - but the words of the songs focused my heart and mind on truth about God - I should be able to worship!
So this Sunday - whatever fast food-style of worship you may find yourself experiencing - keep your focus on what really counts...the truth about God being presented. When you have a spirit-led response to truth about God, no matter what style it may be, you will experience real worship.
Be sure to also read my other blog entitled, "Hope For Hurting Pastors" at www.hurtingpastor.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com
4 comments:
Do you think that many churches shift to a "contemporary" style as they educate the people that "it is not about the music" yet, we refuse to play any of the old stuff. If it is "not about the music" why can't there be variety? I often question if a NEW visitor (unchurched) would just LEAVE if there were hymns, or if the music was rocked out. I just am not convinced that either one would make too much a difference. I agree with you, we ought to be able to worship to any style of music if the words are glorifying and pointing toward Christ.
Good thoughts, anonymous. I do think there is something to be said about worship music that fits the style and culture of the day - but at the end of the day, the heart of worship isn't really about style, it's about truth about God! Thanks for reading and commenting. Blessings!
I sure miss your visual messages!
~R. Groff
Thanks, Ruth! I appreciate it very much. Blessings to you and Glen!
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