What do you think about worship?

Today a couple of us were discussing worship. We were discussing how many people will get all dressed up, come to a worship service, and then for some reason be reluctant to get involved. This is especially true of men, but it also applies to plenty of women. I have lots of thoughts on the subject - and obviously I'm a little bit involved in worship 24 hours a day/7 days a week! And yes, I know that worship isn't just going to a "church facility", reading lessons, singing songs and stuff. But, that is a big part of it, too! So, let's just focus our attention on this one specific form of corporate worship - the worship service (as we call it).

What's your take on it? Why is this the case? Why are so many people so seemingly disengaged?

I'd love your thoughts - and I'd love to dialogue about this - so post your comments and check back on occasion!

More will be coming - more specific teaching - but let's start here. So, what do you think?

Posted on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 by Jonathan Goeke

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12 comments (Add your own)

1. Paul Miller wrote:: One thought I have is that we do not take personal responsibility to connect to Christ when we come, but instead, arrive expecting to be connected by a leader. A leader can attempt to steer us to Him, but unless our hearts are open and we come seeking Him, we will continue to be disengaged.
October 21, 2008 @ 1:44 PM
2. Kellie wrote:: I don't feel disengaged just spread thin. I often pray about where I direct my time and how much do I give to each.
Where I was in my life at the time I started coming to Connections, honestly help me to connect. I think I get it.... it just took longer for me.
Kellie
October 21, 2008 @ 2:34 PM
3. Chris wrote:: I think (and this is speculation) that there are three primary reasons.

First, I think many of the people who don't get involved just don't see the need to do so, and within that group, I think there are two smaller groups. In one group, I think there's this mentality that there are everyday Christians, and then there are those who are called to be the SERIOUS Christians, and that the two are not the same. Church workers, elders, and a few other people have some kind of unique calling on their life that the majority of church-goers do not. This is of course not true. In the other group, I think some people just don't care that much. They feel like they're meeting the minimum requirements and they just aren't interested in doing any more.

Second, I think there are other people who maybe feel the need to get involved, but just don't know how to work it into their schedule. We're a busy culture, lots of people are living under at least some amount of stress, and it feels too hard to make the changes necessary to really find time to get involved in other things.

Come to think of it, there's another group of people who are involved in other kinds of ministry, and we just don't know about it.
October 21, 2008 @ 5:36 PM
4. Amber wrote:: Maybe they are shy like me or just doing what they've done in church all their life..this also applies to me.
October 21, 2008 @ 9:14 PM
5. Gayle Chandler wrote:: I'm so glad you wrote about this. My thoughts on worship is rejoicing with the real and alive "Body of Christ" to be filled up with His Fruits (love, joy, peace, etc.) to take it out to the world. You know washing feet and feeding sheep stuff. It is intimate and corporate at the same time.
October 22, 2008 @ 9:22 AM
6. PJ wrote:: Great comments - and I know there are more out there! I hope we can continue to dialogue about this.

Paul - I think this has been the model for so long. I heard this in another comment, too. It's like "real worship" is for the professionals. At least that's what some might think.

Some are shy - and I get that. I was super-conscious about being seen or heard when I was a bit younger. That's why I shut my eyes. I don't see errors on the screen and I forget that there are 100 other people there. It's just me and God!

Honestly - I think we care WAY too much about what other people think. And that is what holds many of us back in worship. I think that is true for more people than we might think.

But yes, there are those that just don't care at all. If people who call themselves followers of Christ really don't care, I have great concern for them. It's one thing for a first-time worshipper or a non-Christian just checking things out - but for those who know and have experienced the love and grace of God and just don't care - there's a bigger issue there.

And one final clarification (from what I just said) - that doesn't mean that a person who isn't singing doesn't care! There are many who might not be singing and might be deeply connected to Jesus at that very moment - in a time of prayer, meditation, etc.

Thanks for your thoughts -and I hope more will come - let's keep this dialoge going...
October 22, 2008 @ 10:54 AM
7. wrote:: I agree with Amber, I know that it applies to my whole family. It is simply the way we grew up. Lutherans sat in the pews, sang the songs, spoke the words, went home. St. Timothy is the first Lutheran church I have attended that I almost feel free to raise my hands, clap my hands, or do anything other than sit and listen.

I do not think that I am NOT worshipping God by following by 'cultural' upbringing...but I am worshipping him in the way I feel most comfortable. I hope to continue to feel more and more comfortable with more outward displays of worship, til then I will continue sitting and singing and worshipping our God.
October 23, 2008 @ 12:46 PM
8. PJ wrote:: Thanks for the comment anonymous. I appreciate your thoughts. It's interesting - I'm not at all advocating that everyone needs to raise their hands and clap. I'm personally a hand raiser, because of how I feel led at times - but I'm not a clapper. These sorts of things can't be manipulated, they have to be led by the Spirit. I totally agree!!

I should be more specific. You mentioned, in your comment, that you sing, you speak and you worship. Oh, if everyone would do that. Come and have a worshipful attitude and participate! What I'm really referring to is the people who sit or stand with arms crossed and don't utter a word. That's what I'm addressing more than anything. I'd love it if everyone would come and worship through song, spoken words, times of reflection, etc.

Thanks again for the comments!
October 23, 2008 @ 2:45 PM
9. Mary Canada wrote:: My feelings about this topic are a mixture of everyones. I love to worship, sing, and praise the Lord for all he has done in my life. My biggest issue is discomfort, not in doing it but the physical pain it causes. I am frequently cold, so I cross my arms and that is also how I typically stand any time because of circulation. Clapping my hands hurts over extended periods of time, so I usually start and have to stop throughout the song. The same goes for standing which we do a lot of up and down. On a good day I can participate longer. There are times I raise my arms, but because my husband also raises his arms it becomes dangerous. Frequently he brings his arms down and hits me with his elbow, and rather than complain to him or ask him to be careful(I have a concern that he would be offended and stop) I just don't. St. Timothy has been my home for 30 years and I will never leave. It has grown beyond belief and I thank God for all of the souls that have been saved. Our ministers are motivating and should NEVER feel that because people don't praise actively that they are not interested. It would be impossible to leave our worship and NOT feel moved by the Spirit. One last thought, remember as Lutherans we are more reserved and to CHANGE, for many will take longer than 2 1/2 years. Just continue what you are doing and also remember that you now have 2 traditional services which speaks to many of our members comfort level.
October 26, 2008 @ 8:08 PM
10. PJ wrote:: Thanks Mary. Thanks for sharing a bit of your story - and your thoughts.

Obviously, what God (and I) are most interested in is the heart. It isn't about the specific actions. I know that. And I know we are all different. And finally, ultimately, since He is the only one that can see into the heart - it's in His hands!

Our desire is simply that every member of this congregation will truly know the love and grace of Jesus Christ - and will live and respond in a way that honors and glorifies God!
October 27, 2008 @ 8:30 AM
11. Verlyn wrote:: I love it when a service starts with a soul-searching tune without singing and everyone is just asked to close their eyes and connect with God. Get your heart and mind in the right attitude to hear God speak to you and for you to get rid of all the STUFF of life and just concentrate on connecting with God at this time. So many times we are in such a hectic mode on Sunday morning - getting ready on time, running from Sunday school to Church or like me some times church to church, talking to people, planning weekly events, and just visiting. Then we walk into church and you barely sit down and we start singing a song or saying a liturgy, we just don't always have the time to just slow down and get our mind focused on God. I remember you all doing this at one of the first services when I visited and it made such a difference. If we could all just slow down and focus on praising and thanking our wonderful God, "Get in the right mind-set," we would all be amazed at how much more meaningful the church service can become. You can have the best sermon in the world, but if our mind is off somewhere else - work, the baseball or football game, the high grass at home, the grocery shopping or meal that needs to be prepared, the relatives you have to go visit, or the upcoming doctor's visit. You just aren't going to get anything out of the service. Each and every person has to focus on God and why we are here on Sunday morning. Aren't we blessed that we are able to get together with other Christians and all have a reason to love, praise and thank our God for the grace and love that he has freely given to us. There is no greater gift on earth.

I want to say that St. Timothy does an awesome job of showing the Love of God. PJ and Pastor Steve have shown me more Christian love than my own church has. Your love for the Lord shines through and makes the service much more meaningful to all of us.

I thank God for all His loving servants.
October 29, 2008 @ 11:08 AM
12. PJ wrote:: I couldn't agree with you more. If I had to guess, I'd guess that we've done this in Connections about 20% of the time, and that probaby isn't enough. In fact, we just did that this Sunday again, mostly because I needed it! My week was stressful, draining, and I just needed to sit quietly and fix my mind on God. It was wonderful! Those quiet times where we individually connect with Jesus, even though we are surrounded by a community of believers, are some of my favorite times!

And Verlyn - you'll probably never read this, but you are one special woman of God! It's been a joy getting to know you, and even learning from you. I thank God for the solid faith He has given you!
November 4, 2008 @ 3:54 PM

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