A Journey

The church of my youth was Southern Baptist (Oklahoma style). Although some of the chracteristics of that ernest denomination still influence my spiritual attitudes, by the time I had finished my education in music, I no longer "fit" the evangelical worship model. I found the Presbyterians, while rather cool toward evangelism as I had known it, had a more somber, focused, and respectful worship. Their worship service seemed to focus more on a loving and forgiving God and spent their energies on excellence in worship using the best music, presented in carefully prepared ways. Art in language and rituals of our ancesters formed a worship service that rejected the shallowness of popular culture and provided sanctuary from the chaotic world of commence and competition. I had found a church home.

Alas, some Presbyterian churches have decided that their "best" was not doing the trick for membership. They are embracing the "success" of Williow Creek and Saddleback. Worship has been snatched from the arms of tradition and handed over to the marketers. My frustration with this turn of events has given rise to this blog. Are there others who feel likewise? Who am I kidding?! Of course there are...!

Influences

I recieved an email from a professional musician and lover of worship. It reads as follows:

--My ideas of worship were/are heavily influenced by Marva Dawn’s writing, particularly “Reaching Out Without Dumbing Down”, PAM [Presbyterian Association of Musicians] leaders from the now-defunct Albuquerque conference, and Harold Daniels (prime mover for the Presbyterian Book of Common Worship.) Other musicians and theologians have also caused me to think, sometimes in radical ways, about worship: Tom Troeger, David Davidson, Hal and Martha Hobson, Fred Craddock, Karmen Van Dyke, Fr. Mike Harter, etc. There was also a speaker (whose name I can’t remember) at an Indian Nations Presbytery conference who startled me by saying that perhaps it’s time for the Presbyterian denomination to “die out”, since we refuse to evangelize in ways that are distinct from worship on the Lord’s Day. I suppose I’m a proponent of “blended” worship, but that really doesn’t say much about what I believe to be a definition and practice of “reformed” worship.--

There are some great resources mentioned here, particularly Marva Dawn, who has written extensively about worship and the believer. The folks listed are all excelent thinkers who have contributed much to the conversation of theological worship.

Welcome

...to a discussion of the controversial and emotional subject of worship. I have strong opinions about worship as do many others. Judging by the number of lines drawn in the political, religious, and scientific sand lately it appears that civil and cordial discussions on most subjects are rare. I propose that the opinions on this blog will be expressed in the loving, kind, and thoughtful manner that Jesus himself used when teaching. Of course, since I have considerable control over who and what gets posted, I guess I'm also drawing a sandy line. So, I'm addicted to hypocrisy! Beware!

The blog's title was chosen because the double meaning of "entertaining" suggests that not only was worship in general to be the central subject but that a particular genre of worship would be examined closely.

People who care about worship are passionate about worship. And when people are passionate they argue and fight and aggressively assert their positions. I expect this blog to get lively. But I also am going to bet that the ideas and concepts and insights that are presented will be a catalyst for some, revelation to others, and inspiration to even more.

I'll be inviting friends with whom I've already had discussions, laypersons who have expressed carefully considered opinions, and professionals in church music to contribute their positions and respond to the contributions of others.

My overall goal for the blog is not necessarily to vent frustration over the trends seen in many worship services in today's Christian churches but to "compare and contrast" what is going on, encourage a development of language to discuss worship, and disseminate research results. I would also hope that contributors to the blog will share the riches of their observations and discoveries with our community. I want links to websites and articles, books and sermons, conferences and organizations.

It strikes me as somewhat egotistical to think that others might have the slightest interest in what I have to say. But my friends have insisted that they shouldn't be the only ones to suffer. So let the discussions begin....

Are worship and evangelism mutually exclusive? What is worship? What is evangelism? Can they work together?

What is driving the revolution in worship? Desparation in the face of declining church attendance? Response to the "Great Commission"? Consummerism (Have It Your Way)?

Is theology dead? Is it important? If the hymns are gone where will one find theology in worship? Have you observed, as I have, the commercialization of worship music?

What role does the choir play in traditional worship? Is anything lost when they are no longer used in worship? Same with the organ accompaniment?

What was the focus or central theme of traditional worship? Of contemporary worship as you define it?

These questions are definitely not exhaustive. I'm banking that there will be many more. So, let the discussions begin!