“Human beings by their very nature are worshipers. Worship is not just something we do; it defines who we are. You cannot divide human beings into those who worship and those who don’t. Everybody worships; it’s just a matter of what, or whom, we serve.” – Paul David Tripp
Worship is central to who we are. We worship, adore, think about, draw near to, follow, model our lives on or around someone or something. It’s just what we do. Worship comes naturally.
Part of Christian maturity is learning to more and more center our worship on the Creator God who loves us and sent his Son to save us.
Many churches, attempting to draw more worshippers, do their best to make worship mimic entertainment, whether they’re utilizing a traditional style or a contemporary style, they still think of the gathered community as an audience. Worship planning is about what will hold people’s attention? What will be pleasing? What will have them coming back for more?
I am not in any way shape or form criticizing planning. Planning worship is essential. However, what are we trying to accomplish in worship?
Our worship ought to always be a response to the call of God on our lives. He created us, he loves us, he sustains us, he encourages us, he empowers us to live godly lives. His kingdom, rulership, authority, kingship, reign is coming and he’s inviting us to be a part of that, even to help usher it in. He is holy and just, righteous, glorious, compassionate, perfectly loving. And he is the audience for worship, not us.
We plan worship in order to facilitate people to center their lives, their adoration, their inspiration, their imitation on Jesus Christ, the Lord. Above all else, we want God to be pleased with our worship and we want our lives to be transformed to serve the mission of God.