What sort of an Army? (7)

… an Army that recognises variety in worship.

It has been our great experience over a number of years to experience a number of worship styles both within the Salvation Army and in other gatherings. I remember with great fondness attending a church event a few years ago where each worship session was assisted by a different group of musicians, one group comprised of guitars keyboard and drums, whereas the next session was helped by a classical string quartet. Each was appreciated and the response to their performance worship as well as their accompaniment was deep and sincere.

Reducing worship to a musical style is both inaccurate and disrespectful to God.

The essence of worship is doing what we are doing as a worthy offering to God. So our sung worship should be heartfelt – so very often it is.

However sSome people do not understand music – truly! How do we engage them in worship? Do we consider, art and drama, written prose and poetry as viable forms of worship? We dip our toe into this pond via 24/7 prayer rooms and Messy Church events but what about those who are seeking a regular outlet for this style of worship? Truly most Corps would struggle to present an alternative music based worship experience let alone a non musical worship experience. We do, however, need to value all forms of worship and not sit in judgment on those that we do not understand or appreciate on a personal level. We are not all the same and therefore have differing worship needs, the recognition of this ensures a stronger and more diverse fellowship.

It is the worth that we give God in all that we do that makes it worship rather than the notes we sing or play.