Reflections on Reflection

A Time of Reflection has been a part of the @V21Church service for the 5+ years we’ve been around. This consisted of 5 minutes after the sermon where people were encouraged to reflect and respond. Questions were posted on the screens, written by @PastorTyler Jones and echoing themes from the sermon. Communion was celebrated during this time, and tithes and offerings were given. The intent was that people would reflect on the sermon and allow God to speak into their hearts, and respond appropriately.

Reflection Time seemed to achieve this for many years. For many, it was a time of prayer, reflection on what Christ has done on our behalf, and a time of listening to the Holy Spirit. Gradually it became a time that steered a lot of people into a time of self-focus instead of a reflection on Christ. For others, it was a break in the service to use the restroom or talk to friends. It was disheartening to see people catching up with one another in the aisles, or to be approached with a question about something totally unrelated to Christ, which we should have been focused on.

In this light, we recently made the decision to remove this time from the Sunday service. I used to think perhaps we were just a bunch of reflective people at V21, or that we were worshiping God fully, and that it was just not noticeable. However, the more I examined myself, and watched the congregation, it was clear there was more. Over time it became clear that in the Time of Reflection the congregation becomes introspective and reflective, turning their minds and hearts on themselves. This made our time of response difficult. I have felt this for a long time- the first song after Reflection Time often has everyone trying to turn their attention back to God. Upon hearing the word of God in the sermon, we should respond. Response in worship is when we pour out- it’s an outward action, not a self-introspection.

We are seeking to respond appropriately, and that mainly comes in three ways- singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs as the Body of Christ (Col. 3:16), commemorating the death and resurrection through communion, and obediently sacrificing through our tithes and offerings. When we are alone later in the day, or during the week, is the time for us to sit with God in introspection. When we gather as the body, it is a time of honoring God by responding.

This decision was not easy, and we’ve talked about it for several months. Change is not easy, but I am excited for the changes God is bringing about in @V21Church, because He is constantly and persistently changing us to reflect Him more.