I'm beginning to think that I might be a closet creative arts connoisseur. These last two weeks I've enjoyed great worship at our church. Much of the enjoyment has come from the worship leaders, the song selections and even my own choice to join in and worship. Additionally to these reasons we've added a couple different elements. Elements that are common in some worship experiences yet so many leaders are afraid or have other reasons for not taking the risk and utilizing them.
The two elements were the painting of a picture during one of the songs (the picture was of Christ) and the other was including a ballet style dance during a Christmas worship song. These expressions of God given gifts helped point me to the wonder of our savior, to the vast blessings of His gifts to his people. As a worship experience they contributed to my striving to know Christ better, even to preparing me for the teaching that followed.
As the local church strives to be relevant to our society let's reclaim expressions of worship that perhaps have become diluted by misuse. Let's bring honor to Christ through a variety of worship expressions. For some of us this will probably mean breaking away from some of our "fundamentals". It probably won't feel comfortable and you may even receive some "persecution". Move through it, honor God, reach the lost and disciple those around you! Know that His "fundamentals" are given to His children and I have to believe that He is proud when the gifts He's given are put to good use, to expressions of worship, to point people towards Him. Join me as I come out of the closet.
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4 comments:
Did you know that if you plug your nose, you don't taste your food as much? You still get the same nourishment, but it's just bland.
Creatively expressing love and adoration in worship, I think, enhances our participation in exhalting God. He doesn't need it, but it gets us more involved in DOING it!
I'm with you on this, Jim. Take the closet door off it's hinges and embrace your newfound affinity.
Well said Jeff. Thanks for your feedback!
great insights.
The goal isn't to be cool or even relevant. The goal is to worship Jesus. We need to wrestle with questions like this. How do we create authentic and real environments so people worship Jesus and not just sing? (or watch)
Great point - not just about being "cool and relevant" but worshiping Jesus. Can we do both? How much of this is a heart issue vs. a delivery issue? Great challenges to wrestle with...
Thanks for contributing!
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