Among the many reasons for humanity's peace will be the "face to face" (1 Cor 13) encounter with Jesus. It will profoundly change our values and perceptions whereby peace will be attainable because we will have inner peace in God's presence. In worship, we experience a foretaste of this "face to face" encounter. We also experience a foretaste of the inner transformation necessary for peace because, as is said, "We become like what we worship."
Our congregants have a broad theological range as a result of their histories and moments with eternal preeminent God. Our theological perspectives of God change and adjust throughout our spiritual journey. Knowing this urges worship leaders to allow people to worship the God they know and let the power of their encounters with God shape their theology. To facilitate these personal transformations we must present a balanced Biblical revelation of Christ.
Worship leaders sometimes overlook the power of Biblical worship to evangelize and teach theology and doctrine. Let me put this practically: If all my songs have "I's" and "me's", chances are some aspects of Christ's Biblical character are concealed... like His judgment and sovereignty. Similarly, my worship set obscures Christ's character when I don't include love songs. Balance and moderation are necessary for worship that evangelizes, teaches and draws all to Christ.
Rev 22:2 talks about the leaves of the tree of life bringing healing to the nations. In the midst of political and church conflict, school shootings, increasing nuclear weaponry, drought, genocide, economic failures; the news that iterates the brokenness of the world, worship might be God's salve. Entering God's presence through the Biblical revelation and exaltation of Jesus is God's way to heal the nations and might be the only peaceful reprieve for the members of our congregations. Let's heal intolerance, hatred, conflict and violence; let's worship Him!
Experiencing Worship, The Study
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
Experiencing Worship, The Study