Dynamic Worship

I read the article by Jonathan Perz (see below) and felt the need to say something. While much of what was said was true, one thing we need to remember is that we are not “First Century” Christians; we are twenty-first century Christians. Much of what we do from day to day is dramatically different than what was done 2,000 years ago. Our collective worship, though involving all the elements God has prescribed, is very different than what our first century brothers did. We sing very few chants today, yet much of their singing was in this form. Our four part harmony would be quite foreign to them. Does this make it wrong? Consider communion, did they have little plastic cups carried about in shiny metal trays? Most likely no. A good part of their Bible lesson/sermon was a simple reading of the various letters sent by the apostles. Though there is nothing wrong with the way we do our preaching, we are adding thoughts and opinions that are not found in the words of the apostles. We have padded pews, speakers and microphones, along with powerpoint and projectors. What would those first century folks think of us?

Frankly, I want dynamic worship. While it’s not about me, it comes from me, from my heart and yours. Part of our worship to Him is also for us. Remember, “Speak to one anotherto the Lord.” with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart (Ephesians 5:19) Note the underlined portions. We are singing praises to the Lord, but we are also singing to each other. Worship is to God, but it is also for our edification and strengthening. We can make it dull and lifeless or we can make it dynamic. If we make the story of Jesus the (forgive me for this) “Old Old Story,” people are going to look at it that way. I want the story of Jesus and my worship to Him to be new and fresh and suitable for the people I live among. I want to be able to reach people who live in the twenty-first century. In order to do this I have to speak the language of the twenty-first century. Jesus should not grow old to us, but should always be dynamic. He is always up to date and we should treat Him and the gospel like that.

Following is the article mentioned above

A sign advertising a local church’s worship service read “Two DYNAMIC Worship Services.” While it is not uncommon nowadays tosee such words used to describe a worship service, should such even be a consideration for our worship to God?Does God want “dynamic worship” or does He seek spiritual and true worship? The Lord directly answers this question when He says,“But the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 4:23-24).

“Dynamic worship” is obviously being advertised in contrast or comparison to some other kind of worship. Typically, those who desire “dynamic worship” are tired of what they consider boring, dull or “old fashioned” worship. They want energetic, contemporary worship that they can relate to. They want exhilarating worship that is in keeping with the times. They want emotion filled worship that appeals to them. They want uplifting worship that makes them feel good. So, local churches are making changes to provide such worship for their worshipers. The problem with this is two-fold.

First, such worship is worshiper-oriented, not God-oriented. Is not our worship for God and to God? Why then are we innovating our worship to God to meet the desires of the worshiper? Should not the worshiper’s concern be for the desires of God (cf. 1 Thess. 4:1)? Are not God’s ways of worship satisfying enough for us? Are not the approved methods of worship demonstrated by the first century Christians good enough for us? Are we not to imitate them (cf. 1 Cor. 11:1)?

Second, such worship might engage a man’s spirit, but it fails in regard to truth. Is not God’s word truth (John 17:17)? Should not God’s word be our authority in all spiritual matters, to include worship (cf. Col. 3:16-17)? Should not our worship then resemble and conform to first century worship? It can be confirmed that apostolic worship was approved worship, spiritual worship and truthful worship (cf. Acts 2:42; 20:7; 1 Cor. 1:21; 11:23-27; 16:1-2; Eph. 5:19). Can we prove that “dynamic” worship rises to that mark established by the Lord (1 Thess. 5:21)?

You see, we can have spiritual and truthful worship that is “dynamic.” However, not all “dynamic worship” is in spirit and truth (cf. Rom. 8:8). The dynamics of worship are not based on externals that appeal to the flesh. The dynamics of worship are based on internals that appeal to the spirit and truth. Thus, when worshipers emphasize spirit and truth in their hearts, the dynamics will be where God expects them to be. Most who desire “dynamic worship” would argue that their worship

is in spirit and in truth. If such is true, then why not simply advertise your worship as such? Can there be any higher type of worship than true worship?

By: Jonathan Perz, Church of Christ, Moody, Alabama