The Manner in Which we Gather Matters

I have been leading worship at different capacities and churches for a number of years.  I am still young on the scene but old enough and learned enough to know that when I prepare for, rehearse with people, and lead worship that I am entering into a pastoral duty and privilege.  This is a privilege my heart does not take lightly and one that I have spent time earning the respect of those around me to hold.  Each community I have been with has given me a unique glimpse of how God’s people are seeking to participate in congregational worship.

When we gather together for worship, we are not just gathering to sing songs and listen to the preacher.   We have the opportunity to collectively embrace each other’s joys and pains and lift them together to God through prayer, Scripture, meditation, song, visual art, spoken word, silence, and gathering at the table.  The manner in which we gather matters.  Some may argue that the order and praxis of what we do in worship is nominal as long as we “feel” the presence of God.  Worship Leader/minister/pastor/director, hear these words:  The care and practice your pastor puts into sermon preparation should be reflected by the same care and preparation of how we lead the congregation into the presence of our holy God. 

The average person’s theology is reflected by their church “musicology” or “hymnology”.  Are you balancing the amount of songs that reflect “I want God to know this” with a healthy dose of songs that reflect “this is what God has done and who he is”?  We can all agree that God is good but are we also using language that teaches why God is good?  Are we adding elements to our worship for the sake of being ‘relevant’?  Or are we adding elements that have been prayed through to inspire, and help people connect with God where they are at.  Is every Sunday a worship celebration that leaves no space to wrestle with the hurt and questions of the world?  How do we hear God when there is no volume left to hear my neighbor sing or support them in the recognition that this week they are unable to use their voice?  Is every Sunday reminiscent of years gone past with no room for a jumping heart to soak in the new work that God is doing daily?  We lead communities that are filled with diverse struggles and joys that need to be heard.  Our churches will not be the same as the people who fill them are not the same.  If we as leaders move from one congregation to another, the message we share will not always fill the same formula.  Are we allowing our leadership to reflect the communities God has brought us to in a way that helps them walk with God in their own language?  Are we avoiding  stretching ourselves and our congregants to use variety in our musical style and use of ‘liturgical’ or ‘non-liturgical’ elements for fear of not being contemporary or traditional enough? 

Train yourself well, be mindful to listen to those who have led before you, and don’t disregard the hearts of your people.  Their hearts are tender, and open to God’s provision.  God’s agenda is the only agenda that should be impressed upon them.  Your preparation and prayerful planning matters.