What’s the point?
No seriously… what’s the point of talking about multi-generational worship if no one is going to listen?
When the Worship Exposed Team met up to discuss possible series ideas, the question above kept going through my head when “Generational Worship” was proposed. The thing is, there will always be those who reject the present styles of worship music and those who will reject traditional styles of worship.
But I soon realized that the point was to impact the people who would listen and to let God work on the hearts of those who wouldn’t.
Taking a Step Back
Throughout the past couple of weeks, we have discussed the stereotyped divisions within the generations when it comes to worship. We strived to discussed the pros and cons of both generations’ perspectives, while looking for ways that we can join together as one within the modern day worship scene.
If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage you to stop reading now and to go back and read these discussions:
Generational Worship – PAST
Generational Worship – PRESENT
Moving Forward
So…what is the point? Well for starters, “It is during worship that the Holy Spirit begins to break down the bitterness, anger, self-promoting attitudes, and the spirit of greed in our hearts. And it is this kind of transformation that changes a life, family church, and nation.”[1] But if our hearts are hardened solely due to the style of music, there’s a problem.
So I am going to let you in on two major secrets:
Secret #1: WORSHIP IS MORE THAN A MUSICAL STYLE! Wow… it feels really good to get that off my chest! Seriously though, worship is far more than just music.
Worship is the essence of not only what we do but also who we are. Biblical worship comes from an understanding of Who God is and what He has done. It is a response to God’s glory and His gracious blessings in our lives. (Worship Is... A Lifestyle)
Secret #2: WE WILL ENGAGE IN WORSHIP FOR ALL ETERNITY. ONE body, ALL generations, joined TOGETHER (Revelation 7:9), gathered around the throne of God.
What We Believe
As Christians, a large part of what we believe is based on the return of our Lord and Savior (John 14:1-3, Matthew 25:13, Matthew 24:36). We believe that there is a day approaching when Christ will return to gather up His people. On that day, we will once again dwell in the presence of God and we will be a holy nation joined together as one. During this time, our personal opinions of music, lyrics, and traditions will no longer exist. When the generations join together, we will join in one song, singing “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty,” for the rest of eternity.
Preparation
“When we gather together as the body of Christ, we are rehearsing for worship in eternity, as well as participating in it even right now, as “citizens of heaven” (Phil. 3:20) who are seated with Christ in the heavenlies (Eph. 2:6). It is important for us to remember where we stand in the historical-redemptive narrative, and with great expectation see the day coming when we will worship God face-to-face (1 Cor. 13:12); when we sing here, we sing in light of the song that we will one day sing in His presence.”[2]
Here’s the thing…Earthly worship is an exercise of the will. We must choose to worship, determining to praise His name, even when we don’t feel like we want to. In case you didn’t know, “Praise is not contingent upon our feelings – it is based upon God’s greatness, and that never changes!”[3] However, when we worship in the presence of God in heaven, worship will be a natural, automatic reaction to the greatness of God.
Think about this - God has given us a precious gift: the ability to capture a glimpse of what heaven will be like when all generations join together in worship. True worship does NOT begin in heaven; it begins NOW. While perfect worship begins in heaven, we currently have the ability to join together now in spirit and in truth, worshipping God based on the greatness of who He is.
Challenge
Church…It is time to break past the generational divisions that we have formed within our church walls. While I agree that generational spiritual devotions, development, training, etc. are important because they impact an individual – based on his or her current stage of life – let’s learn how to join together as one. If we choose to only have our own services with our own preferred styles of music, we are missing out on something SO beautiful – a glimpse of the multigenerational worship we will experience in heaven. Lastly, I challenge all of our readers to HONOR THE PAST, BUT EMBRACE THE FUTURE!
Thanks for reading!
God Bless!
David Conley
Recommended Track of the Week: "Even So Come" by Passion, ft. Kristain Stanfill
[1] "The Great Commission to Worship - EBook." : David Wheeler, Vernon M. Whaley: 9781433673702. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Nov. 2015. <http://www.christianbook.com/the-great-commission-to-worship-ebook/david-wheeler/9781433673702/pd/15478EB>.
[2] Boswell, Matt. Doxology and Theology. LifeWay Reader. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. <http://www.lifeway.com/Product/doxology-and-theology-P005538495>.
[3] Sorge, Bob. "Exploring Worship: A Practical Guide to Praise and Worship." : Bob Sorge: 9780962118517. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Nov. 2015. <http://christianbook.com/exploring-worship-practical-guide-praise-and/bob-sorge/9780962118517/pd/118510>.