In a spiritual world of quick fixes and vague emotion, is it crazy to believe there is still a place for insights based on simple, basic, theological understanding. I believe it is worth exploring.
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Monday, September 26, 2011
A Touch of Humor - The Rules
What rules should there be for worship? Do they at some point become silly?
I would agree with that. But I am even more in favor of being careful of looking down on those who do things different then I do. I have gotten in trouble before for being too lively and heard others put down for not being lively enough. Could it be we need to allow different people their own approach?
Maybe the same rules should apply for rock concerts and football games. I have always said that there is nothing in church that can compete with the Sunday worship at Arrowhead Stadium.
In my opinion people at concerts and games should not be more excited than people in church. But I do understand how the traditions of man have dictated the behaviors of men in church.
In the end I think that it is all about helping people see that church is a place of joy and celebration. Jesus is risen from the dead. Our services should reflect that rather than a funeral service for one who has died.
Sorry for the rant Mike. Hope your week is off to a great start.
I have a definite sympathy with what you are saying. But there seem to be a number of people who have charismaphobia (fear of being thought charismatic)who need to be brought along slowly. What I would like to see is worship that attempted to incorporate the best of the various approaches to worship. (Which may of course lead to the discussion of what parts are the best.)
Thanks Mike. I do go to such a church that has a blend of traditional and more contemporary styles of worship - I enjoy the services that embrace a higher energy style of singing.
Yet the way I see it, and I may be way off, is that leaders go with the style that they themselves are the most comfortable with. Often I think that it is more about their personalities (and mine as well) than anything else. And I do not see anyway that anyone can bring them around slowly or quickly. Of course the Holy Spirit can do it if folks allow it. In the end it is mostly about personal preference and not much else.
I am afraid that I have to agree with that. The big problem is when I make my personality the standard that everyone else has go by. Though I think in the ideal situation the enthusiastic people would help encourage the one's who are down and the quiet thoughtful people would would help keep people from wandering into strangle extremes. But perhaps I am not realistic in even proposing this.
Thanks again Mike. Of course it is interesting how animated and loud those quiet and introspective folks get at sporting events. Perhaps personality is not as much of an issue as we think it is? Perhaps it is developing an atmosphere in church where NFL type enthusiasm is the norm? Doubt that we will ever know for sure.
I do not know know how personality and atmosphere fit together here. I am a quieter person in terms of personality but I have been told by charismatics they envy my freedom of worship. I suspect there is a little of both, people are attracted to an atmosphere that fits their personality but atmosphere can also bring out things in people that we would not expect. But I believe that what is involved is more a matter of church culture than there being one right way to worship. I have been involved in various different styles of worship and I am convinced the Holy Spirit was there in all of them.
I really like a high energy worship service. It reminds me that I was once dead and now I am alive. :)
ReplyDeleteI would agree with that. But I am even more in favor of being careful of looking down on those who do things different then I do. I have gotten in trouble before for being too lively and heard others put down for not being lively enough. Could it be we need to allow different people their own approach?
ReplyDeleteMaybe the same rules should apply for rock concerts and football games. I have always said that there is nothing in church that can compete with the Sunday worship at Arrowhead Stadium.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion people at concerts and games should not be more excited than people in church. But I do understand how the traditions of man have dictated the behaviors of men in church.
In the end I think that it is all about helping people see that church is a place of joy and celebration. Jesus is risen from the dead. Our services should reflect that rather than a funeral service for one who has died.
Sorry for the rant Mike. Hope your week is off to a great start.
I have a definite sympathy with what you are saying. But there seem to be a number of people who have charismaphobia (fear of being thought charismatic)who need to be brought along slowly. What I would like to see is worship that attempted to incorporate the best of the various approaches to worship. (Which may of course lead to the discussion of what parts are the best.)
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great week too, Bob.
Thanks Mike. I do go to such a church that has a blend of traditional and more contemporary styles of worship - I enjoy the services that embrace a higher energy style of singing.
ReplyDeleteYet the way I see it, and I may be way off, is that leaders go with the style that they themselves are the most comfortable with. Often I think that it is more about their personalities (and mine as well) than anything else. And I do not see anyway that anyone can bring them around slowly or quickly. Of course the Holy Spirit can do it if folks allow it. In the end it is mostly about personal preference and not much else.
I am afraid that I have to agree with that. The big problem is when I make my personality the standard that everyone else has go by. Though I think in the ideal situation the enthusiastic people would help encourage the one's who are down and the quiet thoughtful people would would help keep people from wandering into strangle extremes. But perhaps I am not realistic in even proposing this.
ReplyDeleteThanks again Mike. Of course it is interesting how animated and loud those quiet and introspective folks get at sporting events. Perhaps personality is not as much of an issue as we think it is? Perhaps it is developing an atmosphere in church where NFL type enthusiasm is the norm? Doubt that we will ever know for sure.
ReplyDeleteI do not know know how personality and atmosphere fit together here. I am a quieter person in terms of personality but I have been told by charismatics they envy my freedom of worship. I suspect there is a little of both, people are attracted to an atmosphere that fits their personality but atmosphere can also bring out things in people that we would not expect. But I believe that what is involved is more a matter of church culture than there being one right way to worship. I have been involved in various different styles of worship and I am convinced the Holy Spirit was there in all of them.
ReplyDelete