True Worship
Worship is a term that gets bandied about a lot, especially in what’s been dubbed “The New Calvinism” (personally, in a lot of ways I prefer the old Calvinism, but that’s another matter). But what is worship?
Recently, my lovely wife and I were contemplating worship over a pizza and sample paddle at the Mellow Mushroom in downtown Greensboro, and I pointed out some of the dangers associated with worship. Some of these dangers are addressed in this (admittedly tongue-in-cheek) video:
Now, for better or worse, most contemporary evangelical churches have embraced this type of worship, which essentially grows out of the charismatic and revivalist traditions. There is a strong emphasis on techniques designed to create a certain emotional experience (which is frequently called “worship”).
Rather than simply criticize this style, I should point out that the emotions are important. God has created us as emotional beings, and, when functioning properly, our emotions and affections can lead us to better knowledge and worship of and obedience to the Holy Trinity. To ignore the emotions is folly.
But it’s also quite dangerous to so emphasize the emotions that people assume: emotional response = worship. What if the band were sick on Sunday, and all we had was a Bible from which to read? Many contemporary evangelicals would leave that service thinking they’d not worshiped because they weren’t made to feel a certain way.
But here’s the thing, if you can’t “worship” to the reading of Scripture, the administration of the sacraments, a “traditional” service, or a real traditional service, then you probably aren’t worshiping during those times of emotional fervor you experience while the band is playing. And if your emotional high doesn’t lead you to live your life any differently after worship is over, you probably aren’t worshiping either.
Now, I have preferences about worship style. And I think that some actually are better than others. You probably do also. But that’s not the point. The point is that we rely far too much on ourselves, our techniques, our preferences, and our experiences in worship.
What matters in and makes worship is an encounter with the Triune God through the work of Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit (who should never be confused with our emotions, he’s a Person). And this is not something we can manufacture ourselves. It only happens where and when God condescends to meet with his people in blessing (which is why our church emphasizes Word and Sacrament, the means God has promised to use and bless). We are totally dependent upon God for worship to happen. It’s not something we can work up, even with all our best technology, use of music, and rhetoric.
So, if you attend a church tomorrow, spend time asking God to meet you in the power of the Holy Spirit, so that you can take part in true worship. Anything else is just an emotional exercise in futility.
Posted by: Gene Schlesinger
Right on, as they used to say back in the 60′s. Absolutely we can have a hair raising experience at a great concert but not be worshiping God. People need mega doses of the gospel (like vitamins), as my dear brother John Fonville would say, in order to cure this false worship experience. Keep it up and God bless. Doug
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Brian Spinks of Yale Divinity School offers some helpful scholarly perspective in this lecture. http://ancientfaith.com/specials/svs_liturgical_symposium/from_liturgical_theology_to_liturgical_theologies
The whole thing’s worth listening to if you’ve an interest in worship studies or liturgiology, but the elements most germane to this post begin at about 35 minutes and 40 seconds into the lecture.
I think it’s interesting that you post this. I think it happens so often that we get into service and are overwhelmed by our thoughts about a song, but not a connection with God during the song that worship becomes hollow. This video definately makes me think twice about what my true intentions are during worship.
I visited a Pentecostal church my niece attended in Dunn, NC, a long time ago and was strangely warmed by the “presence” I felt during the singing of choruses at the beginning of the service. When I mentioned this to my older sister in my niece’s presence, my niece cynically let me know that the sound system cost more than $ 10K (1980 dollars). So much for sensate religion.
You sound a bit Wesleyan for our tastes around here, but I’ll approve the comment anyway (all said tongue in cheek).