4 Vital Words That Build a Worship Service
I have been thinking a lot about what it takes to build a worship service and even a worship ministry. What should we desire in the worship services and for the worship ministries in a local church? Let me suggest we should build our worship services upon four vital words.
Theology
We need to sing worship songs that are built upon a proper theology. Our view of God is obtained from Scripture. God’s sovereignty, holiness, justice, and love must always receive our highest understanding of who God is. Throughout history, songs have entered into the repertoire of the church that are not the best theological representation. Every now and then this even happens in our church. Lyrics must always be filtered through the Word of God and the theological truths of Scripture. Music theory and rhythm are not the test. Theology is the test.
Regardless of style or preference, worship songs must be biblically faithful and theologically sound. When they are not, they are not worship songs, but just songs.
Authenticity
Authenticity is often mentioned when relating to worship today. In reality, this is not a new word or conviction about worship. The Pastor as the Worship Leader of the church and the leaders who assist his direction in worship must be people of truth, conviction, and authenticity. They do not need to portray what they are not. Authenticity is never a strain; it is who we really are.
When people enter our churches and we request their involvement in songs of worship, the pastor and leaders are not performing, but worshiping. They are not coercing, but cooperating with God and what He wants to do with His people. They are not cheerleading, but are both leading and joining in experiencing the presence of God with the people of God.
There is nothing like being in the presence of the Lord with the people of God.
Quality
The quality of worship cannot be underestimated. I believe it is not a matter of band-driven worship versus orchestra-driven worship; it is a matter of the quality of worship that we witness and experience. If the quality is poor, the door is usually closed. If the quality is good, the door is usually opened. Regardless of the style, people expect and should expect our highest quality expressed in worship.
Practically, why would we want to not give God our very best? The quality of the worship experience is done to the glory of God, not the exaltation of a talent or human personality. You may have a style of worship music you prefer, but if that style is done poorly, your heart is quenched. Therefore, I submit that the quality of our worship is much more important than the style of our worship. People know we take worship seriously when our worship is offered in the highest quality.
Spirituality
I am not a mystic, but worship is a spiritual experience. When worship songs are truthful in theology, led by authentic pastors and leaders in the highest quality offered to God, the presence of God grants us a deeply spiritual experience with God. We experience the manifest presence of Jesus Christ.
When Isaiah looked up to God highly exalted and worshiped Him in spirit and truth, he was driven to look within himself, becoming humbled by his own sinfulness. God became attracted to the transparency and humility of Isaiah and He touched him, removing all of his sinfulness. It was only then, after Isaiah looked upward and then inward, that God directed him to look outward. Therefore, Isaiah submitted to God’s calling and said, “Here am I, send me.” (Isaiah 6:8)
This dynamic experience in the highest way is spirituality. When God meets with us, worship is experienced profoundly and personally. It ultimately leads us to impact others, especially those who need a relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is not as much about the style of songs we sing or the clothes the worship leader wears; it is all about the presence of Jesus among His people.
In all humility, I submit to you these four words should build a worship service: Theology, Authenticity, Quality, and Spirituality. A reduction of even one of these four may lead you into error or emptiness.
Now is the Time to Lead,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.
Fighting the Religious Straw Men of the Moral Majority and the Religious Right
As a local church pastor and leader, I stand amazed, but also burdened over the ongoing attacks that are aimed at what I call “religious straw men.” The term “fighting a straw man” is used when one states a belief in an exaggerated way and then destroys it. Usually someone is attacking the belief and practice of another person, but doing so by creating a different reality of what actually occurred.
These imaginable characters receiving the artillery fire are often referred to as “the religious right” and “moral majority.” The scorn for some of these patriots of the past, who were truly a part of a dynamic movement in America, demonstrates an immaturity and discredits those who make their pseudo-political attacks. Some of these same leaders that influenced America positively also led the largest Protestant denomination in the United States to stop drifting left theologically by returning to a deep belief in the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture. How soon we forget.
In this political season, accusations are often bizarre and at times outrageous. What is beyond sad is these attacks are being made by professing Christ-followers upon their brothers and sisters in Christ. Unfortunately, believers are also attacking those who do not believe in Christ. Perhaps Christians forget that people who are not Christ-followers often have a different belief system that leads them to act like they do not know Jesus Christ personally. Regrettably, the attacks are mostly over the political challenges of our day.
It is not my goal to pick a fight or point a finger at anyone. I love everyone. My goal is to share truth, nothing else. It grieves me when I sense that generations are being influenced negatively. I ask you to consider these misconceptions.
Misconception #1: The “religious right” and “the moral majority” are alive and thriving
I have recently heard the “religious right” and “moral majority” mentioned. I suppose these terms are referring to the men who formed the religious right and moral majority in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s.
Along with some even younger than me, I have been categorized as being part of the religious right and moral majority. This is ridiculous. These movements do not even exist today as they did in the 1970’s and early 1980’s. In the highest moment of these movements, I was a seminary student trying to figure out Greek, Hebrew, and Archeology. I was not engaged in American politics.
For the record: I applaud and am thankful for those who were an active part of the religious right and the moral majority, who loved God supremely and America secondarily. I honor those who have passed and those who are still with us today.
Hands down, I prefer their effectiveness and influence over the voices of those who attack their vigilance and love for the Lord supremely and America secondarily. I personally knew some of these men, and I can assure you, they never held America above the Kingdom of God. Anyone who believes they did is misinformed.
Misconception #2: The Gospel is being jeopardized and its testimony hurt
The political persuasions and actions of today are not jeopardizing the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel is the power of God to those who believe. It always has been powerful and still is today. Nothing can jeopardize the gospel. The gospel is God’s gospel and it is the eternal good news to all persons in the world.
The testimony of the gospel is serious business. One’s involvement in the political world today does not bring harm to the gospel. We are called by Jesus to be the salt and the light in this darkness. We should do so both wisely and courageously. God will use this kind of testimony.
This I do know: we live in a sinful world. The gospel is the only answer, not politics. Yet, we must still engage and operate in this sinful political climate and in this evil world. Our hope should never be in a politician or a party, but only in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Misconception #3: You must compromise if you vote in this presidential election
According to research, most Americans don’t like their choices. Yet, they are our choices. Therefore, one of only two candidates will be elected as our nation’s next leader. God is Sovereign. Trust Him. Pray. Vote. By the way, voting for a 3rd party candidate or writing in a name will only contribute to the one person whom you may not want for President.
Furthermore, there are numerous local elections occurring on November 8. Do not minimize the importance of the day. Don’t criticize those who choose to participate in the political process and who still believe that “We The People” determine our future as a nation.
In brevity, this entire election cannot be changed and is inescapable. It will set the course for the future and freedom of America. We the people need to show up en masse, acting upon biblical convictions to cast our vote for every election occurring on November 8.
Ignore the Voices of Those Who Continue Their Pseudo-Political Attacks
In this noisy world, ignore the voices of those who may continue their pseudo-political attacks. Punching their straw men may gain you a retweet or two, possibly more from the left or from your personal fan base. But it reveals an immaturity in the understanding of the real issues before us in America.
Resolve now you are responsible to God personally. Refuse to accuse others and judge them. Pray for others. Dialogue with people, do not create division. Practice humility, not moral arrogance.
Be grateful for the contributions others make. Perhaps they are not doing what you would do, but that is okay.
What really matters long-term is our fellowship together in Christ and our common desire for a future America that affords us the privilege to make a difference.
Now is the Time to Lead,
Ronnie W. Floyd
Senior Pastor, Cross Church
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Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the Senior Pastor of Cross Church, immediate past President of the Southern Baptist Convention, and founder of the Cross Church School of Ministry.
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Dr. Ronnie Floyd is the President & CEO of the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee.