Style

"Fundamentally, the rituals of our worship teach us. In fact, all rituals have a primary teaching function. Whether our personal rituals involve brushing our teeth before bedtime or after every meal, whether we raise our hand during worship or kneel on little benches under a pew, every little ritual teaches and reinforces."1 Liturgy (or order of service) literally means 'the service of the people.' At times certain styles of service (notice I didn't say style of worship) can seem repetitive or boring. I have been frustrated at various times in my life with different aspects of a service; yet it is important to remember what worship is. Worship is your joining with the global church in adoration of God. That can happen anywhere. If you find yourself frustrated by a style issue, think about those who may connect deeply with God as a result of the thing you don't connect with. It is out of love for those people and love for our Savior that we must worship in spite of ourselves. Worship isn't about you or me, it's about God. Do you come to worship to be blessed, or to be a blessing?

"The glory of God is {people} fully alive"
-St Irenaeus

1. "Facing the Music: Where is Worship taking students?" by Brad Griffin and Kara Powell. The Journal of Student Ministries; January/February 2007. p42 - 46.