Experiential worship
How experiential is the worship in your church service? Is it geared more towards a "teach people how to live outside the church walls"; or "let's take some time to practice spiritual things now"?
Is one better than another? Should one be practiced exclusively, or a combination? Whadya think?
posted by dan at 6:54 PM
4 Comments:
Trying to reach the unchurched, experiential worship has to feel safe and meaningful. For instance, we've cut our music down to fewer selections. I could see the unchurched men turning off after more than two songs in a row. Communion is my number one response tool. Another response that I picked up from Willow Creek is to have about 12" long 1 1/2" wide ribbons. Give one to each person in the congregation, even kids. Have them write a concern onto the ribbon and then hang it on the cross before the sermon. After the sermon, have them go and get someone elses ribbon and take it home as a prayer reminder.
To answer the question, "How is it geared" is a good question. I would say our worship is geared "to take some time to practice spiritual things now," though the ribbon deal could fit in the other category.
What do you think Dan?
I agree with you, Brian. We also do fewer songs. And I think I attended a Willow seminar when they did hte ribbon thing. In fact, I might use that this Sunday - thanks for the reminder!
Lately I've actually been having everyone say the Lord's Prayer together - only using different translations each week. We read it to ourselves first, then say it together.
One of the best experiences I had was anointing with oil. Though I'm sure I didn't do it how it's supposed to be done... but people mentioned that for a long time. I think they want to "feel" like something has happened as a result of being in a worship service.
We have probably geared more of our services to "learn and go," but I would like to do more "let's take some time and do something now." My problem is... I have trouble coming up with things to do.
Thanks for the input.
Hey, I'm trying to teach some old dogs new tricks here in Toledo. The younger people thta are being drawn in are looking for an experiential service but the old guard is struggling with putting down the hymnals and usig their hands for anything other than holding onto the back of the chairs. some are actually making progress but some are very resistant and closed to "experiencing" intimacy in any way. I know this is only one part of the worship experience and there is much more. I feel that, even though I am in a church that is made up of predominately older churched people, the spiritual depth is very shallow, that they are actually spiritual babes and not mature in their faith, with the exception of a few. I'm not sure which way to go here. I'm trying to reach out to the un-churched and yet there is such a great need for the people in the church to grow to the point that they are "living their faith outside the walls" and to be able to "let's take time to practice spiritual things now" I guess I'm trying to do both at the same time here. any thougths or ideas on how to go from here? As far as music goes. We do two to open with take care of announcements, prayer requests and then do a set of three this seems to be working pretty well for us now.
any thoughts?
Rob,
I'm in a church that's probably somewhat similar to yours. First thing... just make everybody mad - that cleans out quite a few right away! (I am just kidding)
Seriously, one thing I have to remind myself of is that I have been called into a journey "with" the people in my particular church. It is my privilege to get to walk with them and guide them; but the journey is "together." So I think you have to go with what you've got. And there's nothing wrong with that. Don't try to make them into a group you've read about in a book (I've tried). I have been toying with the idea of making our theme song taht song from Rudolph... "Why am I such a misfit? I am not just a nitwit." My church is very backwards in almost every way... but I believe EVERYONE wants to have an experience with God in some way... Even long-time church people.
I guess what I'm trying to say is... don't let the people scare you. I'm sure I'm not telling you anything you don't already know. Go with the Spirit's leading, and you just never know who might connect. My limited experience tells me this has nothing to do with age. You know, don't judge a book by its cover.
To borrow a phrase from somebody... don't try to make them drink; just try to get them thirsty. If need be, take baby steps. But take steps nonetheless. I think most churched people are nervous about the experiential stuff because deep down it makes them question their faith. I certainly don't want to make them think they don't have any faith. Becuase if they believe that, they'll never be able to reach out to anyone else. But I also want to draw them into a deeper walk, because that is what will compel them to WANT to share God's love with others.
So there it is... absolutely no practical advice. Don't you love it when people do that? I guess I'm just trying to encourage you to hang in there and keep the faith, brother. I know I need all the encouragement I can get. :)
Rock on.
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