A couple of years ago, I was asked the question “Is worship participatory or immersive?”. I wasn’t sure if it was a question asked out of observation or frustration; or whether it was particular to our current culture and our interaction with music, or whether it’s always been there. Whatever the case, I sense it may be a question that lurks in the back of some people’s mind, or at least, an observation of their church family. I’m thinking, that it’s probably both.
Let me unpack what I “think” the question is asking. Does worship primarily involve people singing, clapping, lifting hands and more or do we simply immerse ourselves in the experience, aware of God’s presence, allowing the ambience of the service to move us into a deeper awe and reverence for God?
I’m sure there’s more to it than that, but here’s some thoughts…
Firstly, is worship participatory? I think that clear answer to that is a resounding “Yes”. We are called to declare His praises (1 Peter 2:9) – in fact praise is to be our native tongue! We are sing not only to God, but in the presence of others (Ephesians 5:9). There is nothing more liberating and transforming than to declare, out loud our praise to God in spirit and truth. We’ve practiced this for millennia. King David’s many psalms reflected the glory of God, and spoke deeply of the human condition (usually his own) and asked to have them put to music for people to sing. This hasn’t changed.
Secondly, is worship immersive? I believe that it can be and should be. There are many times that I’ve been overawed with God’s presence and His grace and have stopped “participating” out loud and have just been still and known that He is God (Psalm 46:10) and that I’m not!
So, if both are relevant and necessary in our services, what can we do to ensure people have the right space to both declare boldly and deliberate quietly on God’s transcendence and His immanence?
- Encourage people in the call to worship to sing out His praises. This may be the one time you want to impress this on their hearts.
- Don’t be concerned if people are not singing on occasions. Let them dwell in God’s presence.
- Ensure that somewhere in the time of worship, people have that space to simply be still, to reflect on the God they worship, and to pray (which is worship too!!) How?
- Have some space with silence – awkward for some, but after time, people will get used to it.
- Have your keyboard player play a pad sound of that last song (or next). Limit the movement of chords so that it becomes a helpful background and not something that stands out.
- Give this time – not just 10-20 seconds, but more.
- You may wish to help them by giving them truth to reflect on…
- a phrase or verse from God’s word
- a theme from the song you just sang (eg. “reflect on how much God loves you”)
- a theme or line that points to the next song
- Or simply let the moment linger … whatever the Holy Spirit shows you.
As most people’s weeks are so full of activity and sound, the weekly Celebration may be the only time where people experience peace, rest and space. So ensure that we allow space for them and for Him! You never know what God’s Spirit may speak into people’s lives.
And with all of that, be sure that people are encouraged to loudly and boldly declare the majesty, goodness, love and grace of God.
Share your thoughts below.
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