Recently, my church hosted Gerrit Gustafson as he presented his seminar on worship called Worship School. Gerrit’s heart is to encourage others in their journey of becoming whole-hearted worshipers. Throughout the day, you could see the passion he has for this on his face as he led us through the seminar.
Here are some one-liners and other thoughts I jotted down during Gerrit’s session (these are all paraphrases of Gerrit’s talk unless otherwise noted):
- “What people worship ends up creating culture.” – Gerrit Gustafson
- Most churches lack a Biblical philosophy of worship.
- Frequently attempts to develop a unified approach get no further than a debate over personal preferences.
- It’s not that what people think is unimportant, it’s that it’s not all-important
- Many assume there are no biblical principles
- 3 Biblical essentials in worship: 1. It is essential that we worship in Spirit and truth. John 4:24 2. It is essential that we worship with the totality of our being. Mark 12:30 3. It is essential that we employ songs, hymns, and spiritual songs.
The time I spent in Gerrit’s session and in dialogue with him throughout the weekend really got my mind churning. A current struggle for me is dealing with the issue of worship, better stated as worship music on Sunday’s, as a tool for church growth. I recently got to spend some extra one on one time with Gerrit and we dove further into this topic. To explain, the background of where I’m coming from is the fact that for the last decade or so church growth experts have told us that we need to have relevant music on Sunday mornings to attract those who are disconnected with a more traditional church model.
Before we go any further in this discussion, I believe that the church needs to be relevant – in everything – it’s message, it’s music, it’s communication, it’s doctrine. Jesus was doctrinally sound AND relevant to others in their own context. Why can’t we be the same as Jesus?
The core of my struggle is this: in the pursuit to be relevant in our context, we have placed style over doctrine; human preference over Divine preference. ALL are guilty – including myself. I am not advocating that we burn the drums and sell the sound gear. However, I am challenging myself, my colleagues, and my congregation to truly set aside our personal preferences and seek God’s standards for worship. We can begin with the 3 Biblical essentials mentioned above.
Romans 1:20 declares that God, in His invisible qualities, has already revealed Himself so that we are without excuse of knowing Him. Basically, God doesn’t need a hip guitarist and the latest song to draw people to Himself. What God requires are genuine people who worship whole-heartedly. What our culture needs are genuine people are real about their walk with God and who can clearly and authentically communicate what God has done in their lives.
What are your thoughts? Are you at a point in your life where you can put Biblical standards of worship over your personal preferences? Please share below and let’s begin a dialogue that will encourage all who stop by.
For further study, I’d like to recommend these resources:
- The Adventure of Worship by Gerrit Gustafson: a phenomenal narrative that gives as much if not more theology on worship than I received in Seminary!
- Worship Schools with Gerrit Gustafson: A seminar experience hosted at your church
15. June 2009 at 5:08 PM
I too have struggled with this. As any believer, I have the music that I prefer in a worship setting. But lately, I’ve been forced from my comfort zone as my husband chose a church that blends both the music that I like with music that I had scoffed at before. I am amazed that the way they present the music has changed my opinion.
I am a lover of the hymn I think that they are beautiful. Hymns are an important part of the Churches history and I believe it is important to teach the next generation about them.
So what does my new church do that changed my mind? First they sing about half hymns and half contemporary so there’s something for everyone. The hymns and the contemporary music are both put up on the big screen, but the hymnal is still in the pew if you prefer to use it. The music minister takes time to teach the congregation the newer songs often using the choir the first time or two through.
But I guess the morale of my story is you have to be willing to leave your comfort zone. God is everywhere around us. We just have to be willing to meet him where he wants us to.
I still struggle with this as I fear that in trying to reach the lost the Church is choosing to become more like the world rather than becoming more like God. Where is that line and how should the church handle itsself. Just some thoughts.