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WORSHIP
REFLECTIONS Who is worship for? Is worship for God? For church members? For those who are now part of your church? Certainly worship is about honoring and praising God. That is the meaning of the word. Keep the focus on God in view. Hospitality and welcome are essential to Christian worship, whatever the style. Many churches are implementing services characterized as “seeker-friendly” or “contemporary worship”. And you may be thinking, “Isn’t worship for the people who already belong to the church?” Yes, worship to God is offered by a particular community of people. Worship is never generic or a commodity to be consumed. It’s context is always a particular group of believers who gather regularly and offer “their” unique gifts and energies to God. You may also be thinking. “But what about those who are not yet part of the church?” Exactly! The Scriptures from the beginning are clear that God’s people exist to be a light to the nations (Genesis 12:1-3; Isaiah 42:6-7; Luke 2:29-32). For the moment, think of it this way: If the congregation’s essential work is to do everything in such a way that people are welcomed, changed by God’s story and presence, and sent out to love and serve in daily life, then worship is for all people. Worship is for everyone who longs for God – believers and seekers. In this, God is honored and served. Christian worship is our public work as Christians. The door needs to be open – wide open – so that all people will know they are welcome to explore and search and discover the good news in Jesus Christ. Reach out in Jesus’ name With hands of love and care To those who are in need And caught in life’s despair – Sper Real love puts actions to good intentions.
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