As I [...]]]> I am not a worship expert, although at times I like to pretend I am one. Nevertheless, I am blessed with the task of heading the worship ministry at the Glendale Church of Christ. We have a talented team of young worship leaders and we take turns leading and planning worship each Sunday.

As I sit down to plan my worship services I take several things into consideration. I am not going to get into all of them here today, but I did want to share my general philosophy for putting a service together.

This might seem strange to some, but I like to look at a worship service as one might look at a good album. Primarily what I mean by that is that I try to build a service that flows thematically and sonically. I like to focus on a thought, or idea and build from there. Sometimes I like to start with an idea and develop it throughout the service telling a story with scripture and song.

I remember one service in particular. We started with the idea of coming before God and moved through falling at His feet admitting that we are unworthy to praising him for forgiving us in our unworthy state. I don’t always get that deep with my services but it is fun to try to tell a story sometimes.

Sonically, I try to make sure that we move between songs with similar tempo and feeling. At all costs, I want to avoid moving from an upbeat clapping song to a funeral dirge. Both have their place, but it is not one right after the other. It is hard to successfully lead that kind of transition, and I feel as though it is a little distracting for the congregation. The thing that I constantly try to have on my mind while planning and leading is that we are trying to create an environment where people lose sight of the distractions and focus on worshiping God. Smooth song transitions help with that.

There are a lot of other things I take into consideration for every service I plan but I should probably stop there. As I said at the beginning, I am not an expert. I am just a music fan who is blessed to have the opportunity to lead others in worship. And I take that job very seriously.

How Do We Worship?

How do we worship? Being of the Church of Christ tradition we have a particular way in which we worship that differentiates us from the Baptists, the Lutherans, and other faith traditions. And, if you want to get even more specific, being a part of the [...]]]> This coming Sunday’s bulletin article

How Do We Worship?

How do we worship? Being of the Church of Christ tradition we have a particular way in which we worship that differentiates us from the Baptists, the Lutherans, and other faith traditions. And, if you want to get even more specific, being a part of the Glendale Church of Christ tradition we have a particular way in which we worship that may differ from others even within our own Church of Christ tradition. How we worship varies from congregation to congregation, and even person to person.

Given the variances on how we worship, discussions can lead to heated debates and have even been known to cause splits, or schisms, in churches throughout history. If you are even marginally aware of Church of Christ history you probably know that around 1906 there was a schism in our tradition over worship separating those who use instruments in worship and those who worship a cappella.

If that seems a bit removed from you and your experience perhaps you would like an example that might hit a little closer to home. I have heard grumbling at various congregations about something as simple as singing too many new or old songs. Some prefer the older hymns and some prefer the newer praise type songs and it just goes to show that we all have our preferences and ways that we feel comfortable.

With that said, I think it is unfortunate that we cannot all agree on how we should worship. I think it would be an awesome sight to see all Christians throughout the world united in worship together. However, I do not think that is likely to happen because, after all, worship is a personal act. It is about the individual and God; and to be quite honest, the way I feel comfortable ascribing worth to my Lord may be different than the way that is comfortable for you.

For us all to come to some sort of common ground, and I think that is a worthy goal, we are going to have to change the lens through which we view worship rather than the methods by which we worship. In Romans 12:1 Paul says:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. (NIV)

Paul tells us that our worship is to be the offering of our bodies as living sacrifices. How are we to do that? I think in this passage Paul leaves it up to us. There are many ways in which we can offer our selves to the Lord and if that is really the case, then maybe we should be more accepting of how others worship. After all, worship could be feeding the homeless, singing a song, leading a prayer, or anything that utilizes your God given talents. The list is seemingly endless and if we are to look at all worship through this lens then there should be far fewer splits and schisms in the future and maybe the Church could be unified as a whole. Would that not be incredible?

Maybe I am a little too idealistic at my young age. And, maybe I am over simplifying the issue here. But then again, maybe we have made it too complicated over time. And, maybe, just maybe, we need to look upon each other with more compassion and celebrate the different ways we can worship our Lord regardless of style and preference. We are all different and unique, and yet we are called to be part of the same body. Let us not forget that.

Brian Himes
Youth Minister