Revival Through Worship Renewal

"Why has becoming a worshiper been so important to my life and my ministry?

First, it taught me what worship is and isn't.  Once I had thought of worship as a style of music.  Now I see it as an attitude of the heart.  As a pastor leading others in worship, I needed to focus on the heart, not the style."

Kevin Bidwell, "A Stronger Heart for Worship," Leadership (Summer 2000), 115.

Seems so simple, doesn't it?  Why do so many of us miss this?

Throughout the 1970s into the 80s, the worship wars reigned within the church.  Jesus Christ should be reigning always, but style of worship was all too often front and center.  Churches rose and fell depending upon their style of music.  Or was it about style?

I believe that every 10-20 years the church goes through a time of worship renewal.  A different style of worship becomes popular because it works in one place so others attempt to copy it.  

How do we copy authentic worship?  We reduce worship to style of music or format.  We think this is the heart of worship.  We critique others according to our preferences and tastes.  Today, worship renewal movements are pushing weekly communion, rearrangement of old hymns to a worship band, ritual, candles, a return to "old-fashioned worship" and who knows what else.

While I approve of some of these distinctives, none of them are true worship.

True worship occurs when God shows up to meet with His people.  His presence promotes humility and brokenness, which brings dependent faith.  As we gather in repentance and faith, God's Spirit glorifies the Son and the Father.  Such an outpouring of the Spirit can be felt and known even by the most hardened of sinners.  In such a place, true worship occurs.

Such worship can occur with any style of music and with any format.  It can also elude a congregation or an individual no matter what style or format is favored.  

Why?  True worship is the product of hearts transformed by grace.  It is not the cause.

How do we bring worship renewal?  The gospel of grace and mercy must be central in all we do.  Repentance and humility must not only be proclaimed, but also believed and lived.  As dependence upon Christ is believed and lived, prayer will grow in richness and length.  Expectation for God's presence will build.  The Word will become increasingly alive and active.  Souls will be transformed.

Where do we begin?  Focus on your heart.  Repent of self-effort and believe.  Cultivate your faith.  Pray for growth and learn humility.  Pray that God will be found in corporate worship.  Pray for your church's worship leaders.  Pray they learn to enjoy God's presence.  Pray for souls to be awakened.

Seems so simple, doesn't it?  Why do so many of us miss this?