Examining Worship: Part Four

As a worship pastor, I’ve asked God to reveal any areas where we do not honor him. He has faithfully taken us through a process of examination and humility, changing the direction of the liturgy and music in our service, as well as freeing me from pride and calling me to worship God alone.

We’re at a point now where it’s impossible to ignore the pride of the congregation. Everything from up front has been examined and is being examined – the content of sermon and songs, the style, the leadership, my own pride. While we don’t have it all figured out, there has been healthy growth in all of these areas.

Before addressing this issue, it’s important to note that life on earth, and our involvement in the church as followers of Christ, is a process of sanctification. As humans, we don’t want a process, but a destination. Our destination as followers of Christ isn’t until we are face to face with the Father, which means our whole existence on earth is a journey- there is no arrival here. On top of that, in this process of sanctification we are constantly pruned, refined, all to overwhelm and burn away the pride and resulting self-worship.

Even realizing that sanctification is a process, I’m frustrated. No matter what changes are made, what growth occurs, what needs are met, the congregation at @V21Church does not respond in appropriate worship. This is not about singing loud, clapping, or lifting hands. The hearts of the people are hard. Mind you, this is not across the board- there are faithful worshipers of Jesus whose love for him is undeniable. However, there is a church-wide issue. The gospel is preached in love, people are invited to Jesus, called to repent, and extended grace.  Their response? Blank stares, hands by their sides, no one taking a chance and stepping out with their eyes on Jesus. This statement may come across as arrogant. “How do you know what is in the head and hearts of the people?” you may ask. That is a valid question, and has been mulled over for years. As mentioned in previous posts, the belief first comes from observation. You can tell when someone is holding back or not engaged, and it’s clear that our congregation is in that place.

It’s also felt and heard. From Part Three of this series of posts -”I’m only trying to minimize distractions, listen to the Holy Spirit, and yield to His voice.” God speaks, and in listening more intently He has led my heart. There are times when I’m compelled to repeat words or phrases as they jump up and down within my soul. Other times there is an overwhelming sense of understanding and peace, and I’m led to raise my hands as tears well up. Though the surprising way God the Spirit spoke to my heart is within the service on several occasions, he’s said “They are holding back. Their hearts are hard.” Keep in mind that the exact sentence didn’t pop up on a screen in my mind, but it was felt in my heart.

In addition, it’s become clear through the actions of our congregation. Roughly half of our Owners have not tithed or given what they prayed about and promised God they would give. An entire series of posts could be written on the act of giving as worship, but here I’ll mention only as another indicator of hard and prideful hearts. More cues include involvement in community groups and ministry, the gossip and grumbling that frequently occurs, and the lack of repentance and response when sin is addressed. While this site deals mainly with corporate worship on Sundays, it’s impossible to do so without addressing the worship of God’s people during the rest of their lives. If we worship ourselves over God Monday-Friday, how could Sunday be any different?

My frustration comes from a desire for God to be glorified, and that my brothers and sisters would be freed from pride. But I’m also encouraged. God cares much more about his glory and our freedom, so what will he do? My role is a small one, as a servant of Jesus called to lead others in worship. When people do not respond, it’s a challenge. What improvements can be made in the leadership? God, what’s the plan, what’s next?
Here’s my plan of action:

1. Pray, Confess, Repent.
2. Study Scripture, read books, seek counsel, and teach a proper response of worship.
3. Worship God and invite others to do the same.

That’s where we are. I eagerly anticipate the future, when a post on this site recounts the repentance of @V21Church, and tells story after story of people coming to Jesus and worshiping Him with abandon.