WORSHIP SPACE…7/15/08
by SteveA recent survey showed that by almost 2 to 1, Americans who don’t attend church prefer churches to look like medieval cathedrals over the more modern, often utilitarian, look which is dominant today. And the preference is even stronger among folks who are aged 25-34. One young respondent said, “I don’t like modern churches, they seem cold. I like the smell of candles burning, stained glass windows, and an intimacy that’s transcendent.”
Wow! That gives me great hope for the future! Americans, it seems, are rising above the trivial, trite, and shallow which so often passes for contemporary worship, and are in search of something deep, authentic, and which has stood the test of time. While I may not be very “traditional” in my theology, I am very traditional about worship style and space.
When I walk into a church, I want to feel that I am in the presence of something transcendent and holy. Gothic architecture lends itself to that, and then there is how the worship service itself is conducted. Praise choruses, rock bands, and screaming guitars don’t accomplish that for me. Maybe that’s a function of my age, but I don’t think so.
I believe most of us want a worship service that lifts us beyond ourselves, and helps us to sense and enjoy the presence of a holy and loving God. I’m thankful that that is what I experience here in Union Grove every Sunday.
RSS
I prefer a traditional style as well, however, there is one thing I DO like, and that is praise choruses. I have been to a couple different churches where they are singing praises and it’s upbeat and people are moving and clapping – and part of that appeals to me. It makes me want to shout out and sing along.
On the other hand, there is something about a traditional choir (like UGUMC) that really moves me. Our choir is amazing. So I guess I like both musical styles, the sitting back and enjoying beautiful music and the jumping up and letting it all ring out type too.
I know we all have different preferences, and there is so much we have to learn about God. However, I think the important thing is that we ARE learning about God in a way that makes meaning for us. We all have different ways of being “touched.”
On a side note: Why aren’t you putting up your sermons?! What is going on here, Steve? I’ll be back in NC in a couple of weeks. See you then!
Ah, ‘tradition’. That sense of understanding, comfort, and security which denotes anything ‘traditional’. It’s somewhat amusing to hear some folks speak of traditional, ‘old-timey’ music, when you’re used to playing songs from the fourteenth century. In truth, ‘traditional’ is rarely used to refer to anything older than ones grandparents – anything older than that is merely history. Don’t mis-interpret, I also love Gothic cathedrals, there’s nothing quite like growing up watching the completion of the Washington National Cathedral. But I’ve also attended services in revolutionary era buildings and store-fronts, colonials and twentieth century structures. I’ve been moved by God in a common room off the sanctuary, a living room, and a pathless stretch of woods. I can imagine what the churches founders must have felt, hiding from the Romans. As far as I can tell, God does not put much concern in buildings or fashion. God is interested in *us*, *we* are the church. “Whenever two or more of you are gathered…”
Bj
Nice to finally get some comments! I know a lot of people are reading, but not many writing…guess I’ll just have to get used to that.
Ashley…I’ve been on vacation too, so a couple of Sundays I didn’t preach. I did preach last week, however, and I’ll get that up in the morning. You have been much in our thoughts and prayers as the war seems to have worsened in Afghanistan. Please know that we remember you and Jesse daily…looking forward to your return!