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SECTION FOUR: The Worship Gathering |
| THE JOURNEY INTO GOD'S PRESENCE |
The worship time at Cornerstone is a journey that leads us into God's presence. It is a journey that leaves our distractions behind and focuses our hearts and minds on God. We have two methods of transportation: one is the height of praise and adoration, and the other is the depth of intimacy in worship.
It is a journey beginning in a far away place and ending in the Most Holy Place. We start with a call to worship, announcing the beginning of our journey. We praise His ability to draw us near, and sing of his attributes. We enter His gates with thanksgiving and enter his courts with praise. As we gradually begin to sense the Lord's presence, we become more reverent and personal in our songs. That inspires us to sing to Him, instead of just about Him. It is there we encounter God. It is there we listen to His Word. It is there, before His throne, we are renewed by the Holy Spirit’s filling. It is there, we give our tithes and offerings.
We have become so convinced of God's omnipresence that we can easily be out of touch with His eminent presence. At our Lord's baptism, God spoke and the Spirit came down like a dove. God is everywhere, but He was especially there. That is eminent presence, and it is what we desire during worship.
| THE SERVICE OF WORSHIP |
No worship team can manufacture a worship experience or a God-encounter. But, if God is present in our worship--and certainly that is our hope and assumption--the following actions will help people to open up to Him, and become more aware of His presence.
1) We pray before the trip. Worship is too important to attempt without prayer and planning. Worship leaders of Old Testament times had to properly prepare themselves for worship, which included purification (Nehemiah 12:30) and consecration (2 Chronicles 29:34; 30:15). We too, must be prepared mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
2) We create a safe environment. People need to be at ease to truly worship. Tension, anxiety, or nervousness inhibit personal involvement and distract us from God. People need to know they are accepted and will not be embarrassed or put on the spot. Practices that unify the congregation will liberate the group from both self-consciousness and self-centered worship.
3) We create a spiritual environment. Worship can help us deal with our sins and feelings of inadequacy. A proper environment of worship will promote a sense of wonder and help us to concentrate on God.
4) We strive for simplicity. When worship music is too complex, it can become difficult for the congregation to use. Variety is the goal. Sometimes a single instrument, like piano or guitar, is more effective in creating a refreshing moment of praise for the worshipers than the band in full force. An overall balance of complex and simple music and lyrics will keep the service from becoming a concert.
5) Our worship flows smoothly. As worship leaders, it’s possible to interrupt the flow of worship by coaxing the worshipers too much. As people are beginning to experience God, it’s important not to intrude into that quiet space with irrelevant talk. Once worship begins, we must allow it to move forward purposely and evenly, in God’s timing as the Holy Spirit works among us.
6) We define the worship event. Worshipers need to be reminded of why they have come to church. Our job is to help them remember, and to build a sense of community through establishing a collective understanding and a collective goal, drawing the congregation together.
7) We encourage people to participate. Lifting our hands, kneeling, and even standing at times can increase personal involvement and help bring about unity. The more a person participates, the more likely a part of them will open up to God.
8) We focus attention on God. Though this is obvious, it is not easy. It's only when people focus their concentration on God that part of their lives open up to Him. As a group, we want to worship God with abandon, and turn our thoughts toward Him. The whole congregation becomes the choir, with God as the audience. In the process, each person is an encouragement to the people around them, and the horizontal aspect of our worship service is empowered.
9) We model worship. Our worship leading can't be authentic unless the leaders are engaged in worship. We can’t expect to stand at the door and simply usher the people in. People need us to enter first and then invite them to join us.
10) Give people permission to worship. Oddly enough, worshipers need to be reassured that it's all right for them to sing, pray, read, and respond to God throughout the service. When people have permission to participate, then they're more likely to sing out as a cohesive choir.
Section One: Definition & Purpose
Section Two: Values, Priorities & Practices
Section Three: Accountability
Section Four:
The Worship Gathering