Postmodern Worshippers Are Over The Worship Wars
by Rev. Mark E. Tidsworth, Founder and Team Leader
One of the great joys of my work is the opportunity to worship with a great variety of faith communities from varying denominational traditions. Some are liturgically oriented while others chafe at the mention of that word (liturgical). Some rock out with a praise band with multiple singers leading music, while others have a fit when you mention the idea of a screen in the sanctuary. Most faith communities are far beyond arguing about worship style (historical battle from 1980 – 1995). They just want a meaningful and significant worship experience. Now, they perceive there are far more significant factors influencing the quality and experience of worship than cultural relevance concerns. Here is some of what we are learning in a world which has moved beyond the worship style wars.
Worship style doesn’t guarantee anything.
At one time (1980-1995), an urban myth circulated through churches, promising that certain worship styles would bring in the masses. Adding relevant music with snazzy technology would create this new pipeline of young adults along with their children into one’s congregation. Now one can find very contemporary worship gatherings in every variety of church under the sun. Simultaneously, it’s hard to find any clergy or church staff who believe worship style is THE KEY to numerical church growth. We are far beyond this particular urban myth.
Authenticity trumps style.
Postmodern people are not reactionary in the sense of preferring only one style of worship. Instead, postmodern people are excellent at identifying what they will not tolerate… inauthenticity. When they observe that this congregation’s heart and head are genuinely engaged in worship, then they believe there may be a God. When the worship leaders are real persons, sharing something genuine and not only performing a task, they think the gospel may actually lead to life transformation. Authenticity is a far higher factor when it comes to significant and meaningful worship than is style.
Boredom is a red flag.
It’s fascinating going to various churches for worship. There are some contemporary worship services led by middle-aged band members and singers who are delighted with a second chance at living out their rock and roll fantasies. Worship becomes about their opportunity to shine, with a slightly bored audience half-heartedly clapping and mumbling along. There are some traditionally oriented worship services wherein one starts feeling depressed from the call to worship onward, given the low energy and perfunctory liturgy. I’ve found that boredom is no respecter of worship styles. So here is a simple litmus test for detecting boredom. Whenever worship leaders are feeling bored with worship, the congregation’s boredom level is multiplied by 5 (they don’t have the distraction of providing leadership). Whenever worship leaders are experiencing invigorated worship, the congregation’s experience is multiplied by 2. Congregations experience more boredom and less invigoration than those leading. If you are a worship leader, do whatever it takes to eradicate boredom from your worship experience.
Vitalized worship regularly pushes worshippers to the edge of their comfort zones.
When was the last time you intentionally took a risk in worship? How often do worship leaders intentionally raise issues or engage practices which will “afflict the comfortable?” If worship is never edgy, it will lack spiritual power and invigoration (though “edgy” in itself doesn’t bring spiritual power). Postmodern people experience the world as challenging, expecting worship to challenge them (periodically) as well. This has so very little to do with style, and more with engagement.
Authenticity, genuineness, engagement, risk-taking… these factors appear far more significant than cultural style when it comes to being an invigorated worshipping community. May our worship be our collective expression of praise and appreciation for the Lord our God.