I’ve been thinking about my last post. It occurred to me that my statements say something about my theology of worship. I’m sure there are those who would read what I wrote and accuse me of having a very man-centered view of worship. But in my defense, I do believe the primary objective of the worship service is to bring glory to God. I do not advocate a worship experience that is entirely emotional and sensory. Although emotions and senses are things given to us by God and therefore should not be left out altogether.
I think about the worship service as an event in which the pastor guides/leads the congregation to a “place” where they can commune with, experience, and bring glory to God. The more people who are involved, the more glory being ascribed to the Father – of course He doesn’t need it, but He has commanded us to do so.
My criticism of this introduction is mainly concerned with excluding some people who can and should otherwise be included. Coming into and experiencing God’s presence is a powerful thing. And in good Reformed fashion, we lack the ability to resist God’s grace when it is revealed to us – as Calvin said, God’s grace is irresistible.
Filed under: Christianity, Church, Evangelism, Leadership, Ministry, Preaching, Theology, Worship
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