image from Iowa State
About a month back, we explored why we worship—it’s the best antidote to self-centeredness. But why should we worship together? Many say they can worship God just as well at the beach, or the mountains, or the golf course. And, some of my most glorious worship occurs in the mountains. Immersed in the beauty of the world that God created, away from the overpowering touch of man, my ego shrinks as I get lost in God’s transcendence.
Yes, worship is life—every moment of our lives should proclaim God’s worthiness. Yet here is where we can easily miss a key aspect of worship—regular time with other followers. And I’ve run into many who genuinely love God but don’t darken the doors of a church.
That raises the issue: if worship itself is central to following Jesus, should corporate worship on a regular basis play an essential part in growing deep with God? Allow me to suggest four concepts of how following Jesus involves a significant involvement with other followers. Obviously, unless this blog expands to a book, all we can cover are the surface issues, but I encourage you to pursue the implications either on your own or with discussions on this site or on Facebook.
First, corporate worship brings synergy to following. Look at the two pics above. An individual grape is just that. Nice, tasty, limited. But when you get a cluster or two (OK, maybe a few more) and squeeze them and do some other stuff, then you get fine wine. Just this morning, some of the greatest members of the worship team were half a dozen people, in the congregation near me, who both got lost in worship and took me down the same path. We influence each other.
Second, it increases our connections with other members of the body. It opens us up to more accountability, support, and flat out fun. Granted, this doesn’t only happen “on Sunday morning,” but Sunday AM provides the initial links. We find people we can connect with outside the worship.
Third, corporate connections allow us to better carry out the mission Jesus gave of loving people, serving people, and bringing people to God. Some of our ministry is personal, but as a part of a greater body we extend the resources available. Many tasks require more than one individual, and our connection provides for that.
Fourth, it’s biblical. God designed the local fellowship to furnish the foundation of faith and service. The only semi-Lone Ranger Christian in the New Testament was the Ethiopian eunuch whom Stephen brought to Christ on his way back home. But was he a Lone Ranger? A strong church in Ethiopia developed from him telling others, a church that continues to this day. If you’d like to explore this more, read the New Testament book of Ephesians.
Kick Starting the Application
What has been your view of corporate worship? Has it changed, and how? Do corporate connections and worship play a significant role for you? If not, what troubles you the most about them? Why does it do so?
If you do have these connections, what frustrations have you faced? How responsible are you for them? How can you minimize their impact?
Most importantly, based on scripture, what change would make God smile?