- How Firm A Foundation
- Great Is Thy Faithfulness
- Have Thine Own Way, Lord
- Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise
- Blessed Assurance
- ...
The Gaithers gave a new voice to this theology with a twist in music styles, but maintaining correct theology - for the most part.
Early Contemporary (a nearly meaningless word now) Christian artists gave us some significant music that also kept our theology grounded but gave us a beat and melody that we could relate to.
- Thy Word Is A Lamp Unto My Feet
- God Is In Control
- El Shaddai
- Above All
- Heart of Worship
- Breath of Heaven
- Lamb of God
- The Warrior Is A Child
- ...
The Praise and Worship movement of the 1980's reduced the music and message to minimalist forms but often kept us thinking in the right directions:
- We Are Standing On Holy Ground
- I Love You Lord
- This Is The Day
- Thou Art Worthy
- Spirit Song
- I Will Enter His Gates
- ...
But somewhere along the line, our contemporary artists began giving us material that was less grounded theologically and more related to our emotions. Unfortunately, much of this music is leaking into our public worship.
Part of my role as a pastor was to make certain that our worship times were properly grounded theologically while still maintaining relevance to the times in which we live. I rarely turned this responsibility over to others. Even special music needs to be evaluated; for instance, what is gained from an offertory that no one knows or recognizes?
A service of worship must have flow and connection. It should be focused to stimulate our thoughts and lead us to truths about God and His world. It should not be predictable since we serve a God of the mysterious and who is the source of all creativity! Worship at its best evokes awe and wonder! It brings our minds and hearts into focus on the One who has sought us, redeemed us, and given us purpose.
While leading my last full-time church, we frequently saw the altar used as a place for seeking God, prayer, Holy Communion, and prayers for healing. I always tried to kneel there for a few moments before worship began. Our response at the end of the service often saw people praying individually or in groups at the altar!
We attended Springfield Church of God for two years after my retirement. With some frequency, Pastor Jonathan would have special prayer over someone at the altar. On occasions, he would invite us to come and lay hands on this person (James 5:13-18). The front would fill with people as would the aisles as we symbolically laid on hands of faith! It was always a beautiful thing to be part of as we expressed our love and support.
While serving the Cornerstone Church in Akron alongside of Brenda Young, our altar would fill every Sunday during the prayer time. First would come a wave of those needing prayer; then came a wave of those wishing to pray with and for them! It was common to have 50 - 70 people crowding around the altar as Brenda prayed over them all! What an incredible sight!
I attended a worship service this spring where a very simple worship team [made up mostly of substitutes since the main leaders were on vacation] brought us beautifully into the presence of the Lord! I was inspired and stood with hands raised much of the time. It wasn't about anyone's talent. The team was LEADING US IN WORSHIP! I didn't want it to end.
But it did end. Someone came up and gave a bunch of announcements and then - to my shock - told us that we were taking a ten minute break for coffee and donuts! When everyone returned, a lay speaker gave an excellent Father's Day message. It's impact would have been magnified if it had immediately followed our wonderful worship time. I left the church wondering: 'What were they thinking?'
I find myself in a dearth of meaningful worship that goes beyond three songs, announcements, offering, and message. I need something that allows for some spontaneity and response. Prescribed readings and prayers can be helpful if chosen and led well. I believe it makes a difference when a service has been planned and prayed over by the pastor, leaders and people!
We've lost something that desperately needs to be regained...
When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless Your heart
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus
King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is Yours
Every single breath!
I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart, yeah
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus
I'm coming back to the heart of worship
And it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You, it's all about You, Jesus
[Words and music by Matt Redman]
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