just a quick thought.
so everyone knows, i've thought a lot about what i want to say here. i struggle with the fact that in some ways it's not quite a dialogue, because i write something, it's set out in a sequence of letters, and if someone misreads it or misunderstands it or takes it the wrong way, it's taken that way until he/she responds and until i can respond to that response. so i just have to set forth what i'm thinking, making my utmost attempt to be honest yet considerate, and hoping very much that we are here with a charitable spirit, all in the same boat, caring a whole lot about what happens, concerned, and wanting to share our thoughts.
that being said, i just have one thought right now. i've been hearing some buzz words lately---"spontaneity" and also "authenticity." if i hear correctly, i hear that there are many who find these two concepts lacking in the current worship setting at FBC. this is valid in that it is an opinion, which is something to which we are all entitled. however, i personally feel (and obviously my view is biased, but this is practically under the definition of "opinion") that the responsibility of carrying out and maintaining these 2 concepts in the worship setting has been placed too specifically and too heavily on a.) anyone involved with planning the services, and b.) anyone involved "up front" (i don't like that phrase but it serves a straightforward purpose) on Sunday mornings in worship.
perhaps it goes without saying and i am beating a dead horse, but it is JUST as important for those in the congregation who are not involved in service planning and execution to approach any worship time/service (keep in mind that i know "worship" doesn't just mean the music, or the sermon, but is a way of life---again, in this context it serves a purpose) with these 2 concepts in mind---not just looking for OTHERS to fulfill a certain notion of spontaneity and authenticity, but genuinely displaying these concepts themselves.
now let me clarify---this is not to say that we should be fake about our response to the worship time. this is not to say that we need to be rolling in the aisles or even still or silent or shouting or clapping or anything else specific. this is not to say that we should "go through motions" out of some fake duty. i am not calling for a specific response. but i AM challenging each member of this church and particularly anyone involved in the current process, absolutely including myself, with this question:
do i approach "worship" at FBC with not just the expectancy, but the HOPE, that i will be ministered to, both by the brothers and sisters in Christ that serve to make "worship" happen, and more importantly, through them or despite them by the living God? no matter WHAT the songs are, no matter HOW tired i am, no matter HOW fed up i am by any issues, no matter WHO is "up front," no matter what STYLE i classify that morning's worship to fall under?
this is a lofty question to ask oneself. it almost seems insurmountable. and i will tell you, it feels snobby to verbalize it. but i assure you that i struggle with this all the time, and i don't ask because i feel i've got it perfectly. i will say that it's a question that's been burning in my heart ever since i learned of all the potential changes. i am not averse to change and i don't take the stand that we don't need change. i am open to it. i am also not going to set up camp in any category, style, or movement---traditional, blended, contemporary, alternative, none of it. we are all in the same camp.
and i will also say that we do not "need" any certain type of service. youth do not "need" a certain style of anything. this is not about what we like or even what we want, and maybe not even what we think is best. what we NEED is to come with open hearts to worship, to church, to any service, to the gathering of God's people in GOD'S house. in my mind, this is where the change begins. it is easier to change a format than it is to change my heart. so the investigation MUST begin in my heart, not with details or preferences. again, i am not saying a change couldn't do any good. i'm just saying that i think the change begins in the hearts of the people, not in the content of our services.
more later.
kristen
that being said, i just have one thought right now. i've been hearing some buzz words lately---"spontaneity" and also "authenticity." if i hear correctly, i hear that there are many who find these two concepts lacking in the current worship setting at FBC. this is valid in that it is an opinion, which is something to which we are all entitled. however, i personally feel (and obviously my view is biased, but this is practically under the definition of "opinion") that the responsibility of carrying out and maintaining these 2 concepts in the worship setting has been placed too specifically and too heavily on a.) anyone involved with planning the services, and b.) anyone involved "up front" (i don't like that phrase but it serves a straightforward purpose) on Sunday mornings in worship.
perhaps it goes without saying and i am beating a dead horse, but it is JUST as important for those in the congregation who are not involved in service planning and execution to approach any worship time/service (keep in mind that i know "worship" doesn't just mean the music, or the sermon, but is a way of life---again, in this context it serves a purpose) with these 2 concepts in mind---not just looking for OTHERS to fulfill a certain notion of spontaneity and authenticity, but genuinely displaying these concepts themselves.
now let me clarify---this is not to say that we should be fake about our response to the worship time. this is not to say that we need to be rolling in the aisles or even still or silent or shouting or clapping or anything else specific. this is not to say that we should "go through motions" out of some fake duty. i am not calling for a specific response. but i AM challenging each member of this church and particularly anyone involved in the current process, absolutely including myself, with this question:
do i approach "worship" at FBC with not just the expectancy, but the HOPE, that i will be ministered to, both by the brothers and sisters in Christ that serve to make "worship" happen, and more importantly, through them or despite them by the living God? no matter WHAT the songs are, no matter HOW tired i am, no matter HOW fed up i am by any issues, no matter WHO is "up front," no matter what STYLE i classify that morning's worship to fall under?
this is a lofty question to ask oneself. it almost seems insurmountable. and i will tell you, it feels snobby to verbalize it. but i assure you that i struggle with this all the time, and i don't ask because i feel i've got it perfectly. i will say that it's a question that's been burning in my heart ever since i learned of all the potential changes. i am not averse to change and i don't take the stand that we don't need change. i am open to it. i am also not going to set up camp in any category, style, or movement---traditional, blended, contemporary, alternative, none of it. we are all in the same camp.
and i will also say that we do not "need" any certain type of service. youth do not "need" a certain style of anything. this is not about what we like or even what we want, and maybe not even what we think is best. what we NEED is to come with open hearts to worship, to church, to any service, to the gathering of God's people in GOD'S house. in my mind, this is where the change begins. it is easier to change a format than it is to change my heart. so the investigation MUST begin in my heart, not with details or preferences. again, i am not saying a change couldn't do any good. i'm just saying that i think the change begins in the hearts of the people, not in the content of our services.
more later.
kristen
posted by she at 10:36 PM
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