Consistency in Worship

Culture is cyclical. It's reactionary. We get bored or unimpressed with what a previous generation does so we set off in a different direction that really isn't so different from what people another generation removed believed, thought or did. Within the context of contemporary worship, I think that we'll see unexpected changes in principles, values and perhaps even style in the coming years.

One such principle is consistency. Throughout the 90s and maybe even into this century, being fresh, unique and unpredictable were important things for worship leaders, teaching pastors and the like. Consequently, consistency meant boring, stale and predictable. But I find inconsistency very unsettling. I find it inauthentic and pretentious.

I don't believe that every week should be a mirror image, but I do believe that each week should carry similarities. Otherwise, how do you create and cast a vision? How do you build a core of people that will carry that vision out? How do you grow a congregation when you start from scratch every week?

Here are some thoughts on the topic from the great author and Christian thinker, C. S. Lewis...

I think our business as laymen is to take what we are given and make the best of it. And I think we should find this a great deal easier if what we were given was always and everywhere the same.

To judge from their practice, very few Anglican clergymen take this view. It looks as if they believed people can be lured to go to church be incessant brightenings, lightenings, lengthenings, abridgements, simplifications, and complications of the service. And it is probably true that a new, keen vicar will usually be able to form within his parish a minority who are in favour of his innovations. The majority, I believe, never are. Those who remain - many give up churchgoing altogether - merely endure.

Is this simply because the majority are hide-bound? I think not. They have a good reason for their conservatism. Novelty, simply as such, can have only an entertainment value. And they don't go to church to be entertained. They go to use the service, or, if you prefer, to enact it. Every service is a structure of acts and words through which we receive a sacrament, or repent, or supplicate, or adore. And it enables us to do these things best - if you like, it "works" best - when, through long familiarity, we don't have to think about it. As long as you notice, and have to count, the steps, you are not yet dancing but only learning to dance. A good shoe is a shoe you don't notice... The perfect church service would be one we were almost unaware of; our attention would have been on God.

But every novelty prevents this. It fixes our attention on the service itself; and thinking about worship is a different thing from worshiping. The important question about the Grail was "for what does it serve?" "Tis mad idolatry that makes the service greater than the God."

A still worse thing may happen. Novelty may fix our attention not even on the service but on the celebrant. You know what I mean. Try as one may to exclude it, the question "What on earth is he up to now?" will intrude. It lays one's devotion waste. There is really some excuse for the man who said, "I wish they'd remember that the charge to Peter was Feed my sheep; not Try experiments on my rats, or even, Teach my performing dogs new tricks."

Thys my whole liturgiological position really boils down to an entreaty for permanence and uniformity. I can make do with almost any kind of service whatever, if only it will stay put. But if each form is snatched away just when I am beginning to feel at home in it, then I can never make any progress in the art of worship.

-- from Letters to Malcolm: Chiefly on Prayer

So, what do you think?

Building Trust on a Committee of Artists

Artists can be peculiar people. They are often creative, inspired and known for pushing the boundaries. Without them, congregations and communities would be quite bland. However, there's no doubt that with their valuable creativity there can also be sensitivity, controversy and dissent.

At my church, we've recently launched a Worship Planning Committee to translate each weekend's theme into a transformational worship experience for our attenders. It has been an exciting transition for us. Our team is relatively small, but representative of the different areas of ministries involved in worship as well as diverse in age and culture.

There has been a great difficulty in uniting people with such different perspectives, backgrounds and preferences though. In an effort to cast a vision, I have included in my emails, worship thoughts and in my words throughout each meeting some thoughts on unity, patience, compassion and peacemaking.

In an effort to further solidify the unity of the team and create a template for the conversation, I've created this covenant that all of my leaders, including those on the Worship Planning Committee will need to sign.

Here are the points that are listed on that covenant:

1. I will maintain and grow a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

2. I will continue to develop my technical abilities and skills to give God my best offering in worship.

3. I will use my position of authority to grow those under me both spiritually and technically.

4. I will publically support and respect other leaders and volunteers involved in ministry.

5. I will voice any concerns or disagreements with other leaders with the following biblical principles in mind…

a. Ephesians 4:14-16: Speak the truth in love to the individual. Do not use divisive language, condescending tone or allow my personal preference to interfere with communication.

b. Matthew 18:15-19: Go to the person, one-on-one. If that doesn’t work, involve one or two other leaders. And, so on…

c. Colossians 3:12-17: Be compassionate, tenderhearted and seek peace and unity above all else, for Christ’s sake. Our ministry is worthless if we are not exemplifying the love and mercy of Christ in our lives and relationships!

5. I will resolve to make worship at New Hope a transformational experience for people who come by lifting Christ above all things and eliminating distraction of any type from doing so.

6. I will treat all topics of sensitive natured discussion in meetings and private conversations confidential.

Cornerstone Song - "Holy is the Lord"

In Revelation 4 and 5, the Bible gives us a spectacular image of what
worship in heaven looks like. In chapter 4, there are a variety of odd
creatures, a group of 24 elders and millions of angels all surrounding
the Holy throne of God, worshiping Him non-stop! Day and night, they
sing this very song... “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!” (v.
8) They are worshiping God because He is the sovereign Creator- Lord
over all the earth!

Then in chapter 5, the Apostle John (who is being given this vision of
Heaven) witnesses the worship shift from the Creator to the Savior.
Jesus, represented as a lamb, emerges as the only One worthy to “open
the scroll” and exterminate sin forever! All of heaven then rejoices
because the battle is won! Jesus has paid the price for you and I to live
in peace forever with our Maker.

Jesus is the revelation of God in human flesh, born to give us salvation.
Sing to Him who alone is worthy of all glory, honor and praise!


*Written for the bulletin for January 29, 2011 at New Hope Adventist Church

Cornerstone Song - "Arms Open Wide"

Like many of you, I grew up in a church very different than New Hope.
The songs we sang were hundreds of years old! But, as I’m sure many
of you feel, those songs are special to me. Some of them eloquently
articulate the majesty and glory of God. One such song is “Take My
Life and Let it Be.”

This week, we’re singing a rewritten version of that song, “Arms Open
Wide” by Hillsong that puts the very same heart-cry, “take my life” on
the lips of a new generation of worshipers. The original song was
written in the late 1800s by Frances Havergal and was an expression of
her own spiritual journey.

When she gave her life to Christ, everything changed and she wrote the
song to give people a chance to experience that very same life
transformation. Giving our lives to God is a daily task and we are never
finished. As you dedicate and rededicate your life to Him, He will
direct you and show you what you can give up for His glory. As you
worship Him today, come with “Arms Open Wide!”


*Written for the bulletin for January 22, 2011 at New Hope Adventist Church

Anticipation and the Advent

Have you ever walked into a room and been overcome with anticipation? Your heart beats faster. Your widened-eyes dart from side to side. You can hardly stay still, because you know something is about to happen.

Similarly, do you remember waking up on Christmas morning when you were young? Maybe you expected to unwrap something great!

Now think about the sense of anticipation that the Magi from the east (Matthew 2) felt as they discovered where and when the Messiah would be born or the shepherds outside of Bethlehem (Luke 2) hearing the angels sing "glory to God in the highest!" They moved into action to find the Savior, Jesus!

I hope that this Advent season, you come to God with the same sense of anticipation and excitement. The birth of Jesus into human flesh is not only exciting as a story, but it paved the way for our eternal salvation and for Him to give us the gift of the Holy Spirit until He comes back again.

As you plan and prepare worship experiences, give your congregation or attendees the opportunity to be caught up in anticipation that the Spirit of Christ might be born afresh in their hearts and lives.

*This article was featured in the enewsletter, "Best Practices for Adventist Worship" in its December edition.

Creating an Environment for Worship

Introduction

Worship is personal, even in a corporate worship context. It is birthed out of a personal relationship with God. Worship expresses our awe, appreciation and affection for God. To invite a congregation into public, corporate worship they must be assured that it is safe. In order to provide a safe place that encourages worship, certain tools can be used to create an environment conducive to worship.

Stage Design and Decoration

1. Artistic use of color and texture that is relevant to the presentation of worship. Through the colors and textures used, a mood can be created to assist in presenting themes ranging from the crimson blood of Christ to the bright, vibrant second coming of Christ. When the décor is directly related to a theme being presented through worship, it reinforces the theme cognitively.

2. Minimal distractions on the stage. The only props, tools and furniture on the stage are relevant to the themes being presented and aesthetically pleasing. A dirty backdrop, exposed Gaffer clamps, or excessive cables are all examples of things that can easily distract, but are always fixable! Nothing should take away from what is being presented.

3. Arrange the stage to fit contemporary standards. To make the presentation of worship feel authentic it should look and feel familiar. The band should be set up in a way that is relatable to our audience. It shouldn’t feel forced, odd or contrived. Likewise, any other décor such as candles, chairs or backdrops should have contemporary appeal and be arranged appropriately.

On-Screen Visuals

1. Use of concrete visuals should be limited, unless a concrete message is being expressed and is desired. They can often detract from an unrelated message being expressed through lyrics, spoken word or alternative presentation that coincides.

2. Use of abstract and vague visuals allow the other content or presentation to speak for itself with a contemporary backdrop. Abstract visuals often have more artistic value and can better affect emotion when they accompany something concrete.

3. Everything must be excellent. We are a part of the “Google” generation; we know how to quickly weed out sources that are unreliable and lack credibility. If the visuals used on the screen are not done to a high standard, it could impact the credibility of a presentation that it accompanies.

Lighting

1. A darker environment provides an incubator for inside-out worship. By providing the security of anonymity and a somber ambiance, individuals allow themselves to be vulnerable before God in their worship. It should be used appropriately.

2. A brighter environment provides an awareness of community and the ability to engage. In times of engagement and interaction in worship, more light allows for conversation and free movement throughout the room to engage others. It should also be used appropriately.

3. To create color and mood on stage. As related to “Artistic use of color…” above, the stage lights can be used to enhance a theme or emotion through color.

4. To direct attention to what’s important. Spotlights, stage lights and movable lights can be used to “highlight” what’s important. Whether it’s by putting a spotlight on a solo poet at center stage in a darker worship environment or used as architectural lighting to enhance the atmosphere, lights help to direct our attention appropriately.

Seating Arrangement and Area Décor

1. Our seats are arranged to engage the congregation with the presenter and encourage community. By arranging the seats in a half-shell shape, contoured to the stage’s steps a presenter (whether speaker or musician) is able to visibly infiltrate the crowd. This isn’t necessarily literally done typically, but rather visually through the point of view at which congregants sit.

2. Prayer stations encourage prayer and spiritual interaction. Prayer is a big part of worship and by providing prayer tools and resources even within a worship service, it can allow congregants to engage in personal prayer as they may feel necessary.

Conclusion

These principles are flexible and based on Biblical spirituality and cultural paradigms. In putting this together, I have not only consulted with individuals knowledgeable on the topic, but have taken direct guidance from the Biblical Tabernacle (Exodus 25-27, etc…), Emerging Church and Emerging Worship by Dan Kimball, Church Production magazine articles and the website: www.alternativeworship.com.

"Magnificent" by U2

I've been listening to "No Line on the Horizon" quite a bit since I bought it a couple weeks ago, but not really LISTENING to it. Today at the beach I popped in the ear buds and was blown away by the 2nd track on the album, "Magnificent."

Check out the lyrics...

I was born
I was born to be with you
In this space and time
After that and ever after
I haven't had a clue

Only to break rhyme
This foolishness can leave a heart
Black and blue

Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love can heal such a scar

I was born
I was born to sing for you
I didn’t have a choice
But to lift you up
And sing whatever song you wanted me to
I give you back my voice
From the womb my first cry
It was a joyful noise
Oh, oh

Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love can heal such a scar

Justified till we die
You and I will magnify
Oh, the magnificent
Magnificent

Only love
Only love can leave such a mark
But only love
Only love unites our hearts

Justified till we die
You and I will magnify
Oh, the magnificent
Magnificent
Magnificent