Simple Again

This Sunday Velocity Church will move our worship to a local park, Taylor Farm Park on Pine Valley. It is only about 1 mile from the school we rent each week. This move will help us reach out and interact with our community. We are giving up air conditioning, quality sound and video production, microphones, folding chairs, curtains and everything which we have equated with a worship service. I am excited to be shedding some trappings which have for many years now, dominated how we view worship. Sometimes these “aids” to worship can hinder or block our worship. Who has experienced frustration making sure the video countdown is rolling and are all mikes sound checked and the light program–is it working today? For the worshipper, who is not “running” the production, we seem to leave the impression that the “show” is spot check on and that equates a good worship service for the week. Have we strayed away from the heart of worship.

I believe there are four essential elements which make up any corporate worship gathering, outside of the condition that two or three have gathered and God is present. In Acts 2:42 we see a model for our worship to include teaching or preaching, serving of the Lord’s Supper, prayer, and fellowship. Now, singing, which is thought to be the apex of worship, is not on the list. Singing can comprise all four elements. Singing is our expression of worship in doctrine, communion, prayer and fellowship. Singing doew not stand alone, but rather can embrace all of worship. But when singing, like preaching becomes entertainment for others to watch and even enjoy, we have drifted away from worship of God and begun to worship a performance. Now, before you cast any hate my way, let me say, I do appreciate quality and excellence in worship. Half prepared, non rehearsed worship by any team or leader only makes a mockery for those whom you are trying to lead in worship. But guard carefully the fine line between leading and being the show.

We are headed to the park and we are stripping away everything for our worship this week. No electricity–no amplification (the homes close to the park might appreciate this for at least this week–more later on when we turn up the volume) or screen with words. No lighting controls, unless God decides on a cloud cover that morning. We rather will be emphasizing the four key elements of worship. We will hear the word speak; we will listen and speak with God in prayer; we will commune with Him and His death on the cross for us; and we will fellowship with one another and with those who might be drawn to join us in the park.

Our theme for the month is “Jesus by the Lake” as we examine those moments when Jesus taught us while on or near the Sea of Galilee. Our lake is really a pond and it will provide the backdrop for our return to the heart of worship. Invite a friend or neighbor to come join us. Bring a lawn chair or share a picnic bench under the shelter as we meet with Jesus at the Lake.