Arguing over Worship

I have been told that many years ago my family, who lived in Terre Haute, Indiana, had somewhat of a “tradition” of getting together on a regular basis for meals, fellowship and “discussions.” These discussions covered various topics but often gravitated to differing worship practices. Furthermore, these discussions often became quite heated. Part of the family belonged to Restoration Christian Churches, which use musical instruments, while the other family members belonged to the Non-Instrumental Church of Christ.

Voices were raised, debates argued and children cowered, or at least watched from a distance in wonder and awe. For these children knew the outcome of these debates. The same outcome always “came.” At the end of all discussions and debates, the opposing family members would agree to disagree, hug, kiss and part ways as though no disagreement had taken place!

Cornelius Plantinga says, “Worship is worth arguing about, not least because it is an important aspect of our relationship with God, and because it lies at the crossing between the church and the world, or ‘Christ and culture.’” This “crossing” or intersection is where many worship arguments find their source; from form and structure to content and, most significantly, style. Not that style is actually the most important aspect of worship. In fact, style is the one negotiable element of worship, according to Robert Webber. However, style finds itself squarely planted in the middle of that crossroad. The church is still the church; Christ is still preeminent. Neither she nor He has changed. However, the world and culture has changed and continues to change dramatically!

Many arguments have been made in support of the idea that much of the evangelical church has sacrificed content and structure in order to allow style to take first place in worship priorities. Unfortunately, much of the existing evidence shows this to be true. My question to this is, “Does is it have to be this way?” Is it possible that the church has been duped into believing, that since the “mega-churches” have successfully grown and have exciting worship and arts ministries, all churches can do the same, as well? In our entertainment driven society, have we missed the point that bigger and flashier does not necessarily equal theologically sound worship?

Cornelius Plantinga makes an important observation: “When television-saturated worshipers attend their local churches or wonder how to draw secular seekers there, it’s therefore not the songs of Zion they want but the songs of Babylon and Hollywood – or something like them.” The truth is that many worship leaders/bands have shot themselves in the proverbial foot by offering to their congregations the equivalent of showy, shallow campfire choruses when all the while; the congregation; believers and seekers, alike are looking for a deep, meaningful encounter with God!

Am I saying that we are wrong to engage culture throught worship in a relevant manner? Of course not! However, I know that there is a fine line between engaging culture and selling our souls! This path can become a slippery slope to a watery, mushy, impotent gospel that makes demands of no one and becomes cross-less. A gospel without a cross becomes a faith without sacrifice.

Okay, I've ranted long enough, but I believe this issue is at the center of virtually every discussion concerning worship practices and styles. I'll be coming back to this topic. That's all for today!