It’s hard to believe September is here. The students have returned, traveling has slowed down, and people seem to buckle down and become more productive. I feel this momentum, and am excited about where @V21Church is in this season. For the first time, when people ask, “How is the church going?” I respond, “Better than ever.” While many factors contribute to this, the main one being the work of God, in the area of music and worship it seems as if we have unity among everyone involved, and that our hard work of practice and preparation is resulting in a time of worship where distractions are minimal and the Holy Spirit is being felt and heard more than ever.
This past Sunday I was privileged to preach on the topic of worship, more specifically an issue that plagues Vintage21 and I would imagine most churches across the United States. A previous post on worship.vintage21.com called “The Exchange” contains thoughts that led to the sermon. In short, for years I’ve been plagued by the awkwardness of the beginning of the service and the discrepancy between the first and last song. We’re responding to the same God, the same Holy Spirit is present; why are people so dead at the beginning? In reading Romans 1:21-25, Paul’s writing on those who know God but “neither glorify Him as God or give thanks to Him” led to prayer and study that revealed a greater heart issue going on at @V21Church. It’s more than just warming up our voices or getting used to the music – we’re actually taking place in an exchange of self-worship for worship of God.
Upcoming Posts on worship.vintage21.com
- Wednesday, September 9: @ThadCockrell’s Show At The Pourhouse (Friday, Sept. 11)
- Thursday, September 10: New Band Vision & Audition Information
- Friday, September 11: “Set The Stage” – the effect bands and techs have.
Matt Stevens is the Worship Pastor for Vintage21 Church in Raleigh, North Carolina. Contact him via Twitter: @MattStevensNC
Matt, I look forward to hearing your sermon. One thing I’ve noticed in regards to this issue at Missio Dei is that when we start the gathering with some sort of declaration, confession, etc. from Scripture, our opening songs seem to garner a LOT more response. When we don’t start that way, it is noticeably different. Something about revelation and response, you know? Almost every week now, we are intentionally beginning with a reading or confession together. Thanks for the post!
Bryan,
That’s a good observation. I imagine that the Call To Worship in most churches is meant for just that, and it’s had a good effect when we’ve implemented it in the past. However, apart from calling us to something specific, you’d almost wonder why a Call To Worship is needed; if we’re actually worshiping God with our hearts and devoted with our lives, we’re able to simply lift our voice and praise God from a heart that’s already worshiping him.
Apart from that becoming a reality, I’m glad you brought this up – we need to bring back a Call To Worship.
thanks!