This is one of those times where I am writing about what is on MY mind....not my wife mind..not my mommy mind...or my work...or anything else...just ME. Just a warning!
So, with that said~ I recently attended a worship conference...if that is what you could call it. It was more a conversation..about the way we, "the church", do things...why...is it right...is it wrong...etc. There was a broad spectrum of speakers from various denominations and views. I can honestly say that I am still very much processing the majority of what I received during this time. I thought it would help if I wrote it out...you are the victim...or recipient of my outward workings.
On the "Panel" were devout purists, electric guitar rockin worship leaders, a pastor, a well known author, a writer and composer for some very popular video games and each one with his or her own view on "How To: do worship." Is power point good or evil....drums, or no drums...is technology at all pleasing to God? Is it pleasing to God to speak? Is it pleasing to God to only play acoustic? Is it pleasing to God to use hymnals or to not use hymnals?
I know ...as you read this blog you will not be able to peek into my mind as I wish you could, and hear the amazing verbal outpourings on this subject as I did. You did not partake in the communion....where people sang out whatever song was on their heart...from where they sat...with no instruments...no words...no "leader." You also were not there the second day of response time to hear an amazingly gifted guitar player play with not just his hands but his heart. A melody that made me cry without a single word being sung.
It's hard to describe what I experienced. The thing I gained....that I know now...and appreciate now...more than I ever have....Listening....questioning...agreeing..getting angry with...crying with..this group of people. It doesn't matter how we worship God. With clanging symbols...He loves it. With a tone deaf choir (I may not want to listen) but He does. In a Silent service...or one set at 102 decibels....If there is praise to be given ...it is His!
I will no longer look at a Presbyterian church..or a Baptist church..or even a catholic church and pity their Hymns...and their liturgies... But thank God that they are praising Him. I will no longer see the charismatic "church" as the pillar for 'free spirited' worship...But thanks God that they are praising Him.
May everything that has breath praise the Lord! With every instrument...or no instruments at all. I am still learning 'How To' be a true worshiper of the most high God.
That's as far as I've gotten with the processing-ranting-babbling...
Ta..Taa
9 comments:
I'm glad you enjoyed the conference. I wish I could have attended as well. Matt read your blog this morning and said "ditto". It's a lot to process.
Talk soon!
Allie
another ditto coming from me. It was an amazing conference- and there was so much that I don't ever want to forget. Thanks for writting about it because it reminded me of somethings that I am already starting to loose sight on as my week progresses. Thanks for being my BFF at the conference. I can't wait to plan the Vancouver get away sometime (before Christmas??? We could go to "Christmas shop"- for ourselves!!) I am leaving early tomorrow morning. AHHH!!! I am yet to pack. Pray for me! I am gonna need Dan!
Positive reinforcements: I like your thoughts just as "J.V." - not as a mommy or a wife... though you are all of those things and I love your blogs from those perspectives. However, on this one - it was purely YOU and it reminds me of the "good 'ole days" at WB when those types of conversations took place every day. I wasn't there with you at the conference, but everytime I go to my "rock concert" church worship service @ Hillsong on Sunday I have to remind myself that whether in prayer or silence, EFC style or Hillsong style - the heart of it all is praise & honor & glory to God and he loves it from every one of us. :)
Lots of love & thanks for sharing,
B
Sounds wonderful. So glad you got that time.
Hi Jenny,
I loved this post of yours! It made me cry, and I wasn't even at the worship conference, even though I wanted to attend. I appreciate the honesty, and being willing to open your heart up to be a little vulnerable! I know God appreciates that too! You are a sweet, wonderful and beautiful person, your girls are blessed to have such a wonderful female role model! :)
Love, Jacquie
Hi jenny,
I miss keeping in touch on our blogs on a daily basis!! I hope all is well in the Northwest and that you update your blog soon!!
I really appreciate this blog entry....like Becky, it totally reminded me of our days at WBC and the times we sang and played guitar...I miss that! What you said was a good reminder to me that even the churches that have very few resources and sing from old hymnals with an organ or an out of tune piano (and singers!)still make beautiful noise to God even though sometimes they make me want to cringe! Who am I to judge the heart of their worhship?! It's pretty humbling. Thanks for your thoughts girl!
Hello! I'm Becca's friend, and as you probably know, once you post a comment on her blog you've just put out a personal ad!
As one of the worship leaders at my church, I really enjoyed reading these thoughts. I couldn't agree with you more! I am so thankful that God delivered me from the legalistic chains I grew up under to now be able to enjoy freedom of worship. Music is truly a gift from God and He simply wants us to return it to Him in any way possible. The awesome thing that I've realized is that I don't think He even audibly hears the human noise that we make, He only hears our hearts. So as long as our hearts are worshipping in a pure sense, we can gather with anyone who wants to make the same kind of "noise" we do, and God will be glorified!
Thanks for the post! I'm glad I hopped over to the Vick's! : )
P.S. My husband and I are WB alums, too! (I'm pretty sure it was before you, though!)
Post a Comment