Minimize and Maximize
The Gathering. The Experience. An Encounter.
and the list goes on…
Maybe you’ve heard of worship services referred to in some (or all) of these ways. Each one connotes a specific viewpoint with regard to the driving forces and overall goal of a particular congregation.
A gathering might refer to a group of God’s people collectively joining to worship and exalt Christ. This would suggest a focus on togetherness as the body unites. Likewise, an encounter might promote a more individualistic time of reflection and reconciliation. An experience could be a blend between the two… or something entirely different.
Are any of these ideas or goals incorrect? Absolutely not. However, I would argue that the various terms and descriptions that our modern worship culture has given to the weekly worship gathering have caused extreme confusion on what is meant to be public and what is meant to be private.
Christ tells us in Matthew 6:6 that there is an element of a personal, intimate relationship that is imperative to the Christian life. He instructs in this manner by speaking about the “secret place” where the believer interacts with God regarding matters on a personal level. Sins that are in need of repentance as well as battles and struggles the believer is facing are to be fleshed out and discerned during this time.
This is a definite spiritual discipline that requires us to intentionally seek to walk alongside the Father. Oswald Chambers says this in “My Utmost For His Highest” regarding private prayer:
“The great battle in private prayer is overcoming this problem of our idle and wandering thinking. We have to learn to discipline our minds and concentrate on willful, deliberate prayer.”
But notice what Chambers says — we must LEARN to discipline our minds. Of course, the obvious answer to how this is accomplished is through discipleship. If we choose to view our corporate gatherings as times for intentional instruction and admonishment, the framework in which our service operates plays a crucial role.
Therefore, I would argue that the most effective way to accomplish this task within the context of corporate worship is to promote a gathering instead of a personal encounter. In doing so, we minimize what is meant to be private and encourage the body of Christ to focus and be attentive to the specific acts of worship on display in the service. This is crucial for effective worship discipleship.
Engaging and Teaching the Congregation
Yet, this is just one step towards the end goal. After gaining our congregation’s attention, what are we to do with it? What should we be teaching them and how should we do it? Here are just a few thoughts:
Contemplative and Intentional Prayers
One of the most imperative aspects of the believer’s personal walk with Christ is an active prayer life. Corporate gatherings are one of the few — if not the only — times each week when prayer is modeled for the believer. Because of this, it is critical that our prayers be intentional and well thought out. If we model shallow thoughts and general apathy, many in our congregations will follow suit.
Songs of Depth and Meaning
The old saying “you are what you eat” is applicable far more in life than just to our physical diet. It is our responsibility as worship leaders to make sure that those we are leading each week have a well-rounded intake of theology as a result of what we sing. This is a nonnegotiable. Contrary to what some might say, it’s not just the pastor’s job to ensure this. We read the Word of God, we hear the Word of God, and we are to sing the Word of God. If we choose to utilize songs that lack depth and function, we are encouraging shallow Christianity.
Not Missing the Importance of Testimony
Our testimony is perhaps the greatest instrument outside of Scripture for the purpose of evangelism. We can know no story better than one that has involved us directly. Giving our people a chance to share these stories of truth is a powerful way to communicate not only the message of the Gospel but the continual work of sanctification for the believer.
Sure, we’ve all seen ways that testimonies are done poorly: rambling, incoherent thoughts, words that came out wrong. But just because they are messy at times doesn’t mean they can’t be done in a way that serves a valuable purpose.
For instance, many churches (including my own) have begun to produce short video clips to be displayed prior to a new believer’s baptism. These clips allow the congregation to know/be reminded of what God has done in an individual’s life in a controlled manner. Likewise, testimonies can be written out and/or carefully prepared for the purpose of sharing. Regardless of the implementation, missing out on these joys will be a detriment to our congregations.
