I just sent this to our church in our newsletter:
In a recent sermon I shared a powerful quote about authentic worship from noted theologian Donald A. Carson. I hope as you read it here you take a time to think through its ramifications.
"What is at stake is authenticity...Sooner or later Christians tire of public meetings that are profoundly inauthentic, regardless of how well (or poorly) arranged, directed, per- formed. We long to meet, corporately, with the living and majestic God and to offer him the praise that is his due."
Personally, I am hoping that we can take on a new paradigm of worship at our church - to think and wor- ship differently - focused on the end more than the means of getting there. It is the Spirit's desire (in us) to be corporately joined in authentic worship of our King. Brian Gates has done an excellent job of leading in worship, and is always striving for more excellence. I am thankful for him and his obvious efforts. It is important. But we both agree that it is about much more.
Authentic Worship is much more than the instrument, the style, vocals, or order of service. Our highest aim, as leaders, and as Christians, is to magnify our majestic God and to praise him in a manner that is worthy. Here are the practical aspects of worship that are foremost in the equation (not in perfect order of importance):
1) Worship that is completely focused on Christ and His Gospel Message - in all parts of the service.
2) Unity in the body is vital - we are His body!
3) The Holy Spirit's leading brings a common theme in each service - seeking Him is of utmost importance.
4) Continually seeking the Lord before, during, and after each service.
5) Calling each other into the presence of God (with announcements, songs, testimonies, prayers
and encouraging words as we enter worship).
6) Helping the Body to be free to worship Him with joy, passion, and in anticipation of our coming King!
7) Making our time together on Sundays a time of pure worship - remembering that Christ is our
main and only audience.
There are many other aspects of a worship service, but I wanted to share my heart (and I believe it to be Brian's and the Session's) regarding our Sundays together. Our God is awesome and worthy of all our praise. Consider Hebrews 12:28-29 -- "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a con-suming fire." Let us set our hearts on the things that matter most -- and the only person that truly matters. Not you, not me, not our desires, or our comfort, but genuine, authentic worship of our God!
