I Went to a Bible Church!

[nickybr38]

Who determines what others consider worship? I may not consider “canned prayers” and “ritual gestures” worship…but you may…you may not consider a group of people sitting quietly expectantly waiting upon the Lord with hearts raised in praise and adoration but without vocal words…but I do. Who’s to say that hearts raised in joyful song…hands raised in praise isn’t worship? You? Or the people worshipping in the manner they are drawn to…hearts and voices raised in words of hope, supplication and love…whether worship occurs with the “canned prayers” and “ritual gestures” or with voices raised in praise in song…or in expectant silence…God still inhabits the praise of His people.

If we cannot worship the way others worship…we must worship in the ways that are meaningful to us…God is not nearly as concerned I don’t believe with the “order of service” or “order of liturgy” as we are…True Worship takes place in the heart…which only God sees.

Well said.

 

[Nicea325]

Wait a minute, who are we to decide what music pleases God and what music doesn’t please Him? So long as our hearts are rightly aligned what does it matter? I understand not having that kind of music in Mass (considering what takes place at Mass), and rightly so, however outside of Mass that music could feasibly please God. In my experience Protestant ‘worship’ music does not appeal to non-Christians. You know why? Because it’s WORSHIP music, aimed at praising God.

Sorry, I’m a bit defensive of music, I’ve been involved in Protestant music ministry for years and it’s the only part of their service where I truly felt we were offering up any kind of worship.

I can understand your position and it is fair. Actually in regards to the Mass? All one has to do is look at the Music Issue behind the Missal and one will read the songs pertain to a particular theme: penance,stewarship,communion,etc,etc,etc.

All worship songs and sang for God.

 

[SSTeacher]

Not all styles of music, no matter what the words are, are suitable for worship.

I agree. Some music is intrinsically sensual in its intent and can be delivered with blatant sleaziness.

Assuredly,
Mick

 

[AmateurPianist]

Its not the words it’t the style. Not all styles of music, no matter what the words are, are suitable for worship.

This should be interesting.

Certainly I do not want to offend God.

So tell me please how I am to identify the styles of music that are not suitable for worship. And tell me why these styles that you have identified are not suitable for worship.

 

[AlwaysAsking]

Anyway, just wanted some thoughts on Protestant (specifically non-denominational) services.

Well, since you asked…

My biggest problem with the wannabe evangelical mega-churches we end up trying out is not the doctrine but the service. As far as I personally can tell, Catholicism makes no effort to attract converts. In my world, bringing in new people is the test of a church’s success. I can’t tell you how often we are badgered to bring a guest. That in itself is good, but usually a ton of time and money is poured into being attractively worldly to newcomers.

I have often found in evangelical and non-denominational churches that the worship rock-band is calculated to draw in converts. No expense is spared on the sound system. When we attend a new church with our kids, we’ve been asked in advance to keep our children quiet in the sanctuary, only to have the worship music SO LOUD it was literally frightening to our children. The expectation is that we would drop them off in daycare. It’s supposed to be class but I’ve taught it,and it’s daycare, no matter how hard you try. Our kids like playing, but they want to go to church WITH us. Anyway. The style of music is as worldly as possible, and it is not uncommon, in my experience, for the “audience” to be chided by the “worship” (music) pastor for failing to be sufficiently LOUD and emotive. While singing at the top of one’s lungs CAN be a spiritual experience, it can also be awful. Often a worship pastor will require us to stand for half an hour.

Despite the extensive printed church bulletin, you may expect up to half an hour to be taken up with announcements of… exactly what is in the bulletin. This drives my husband nuts, but my personal quirk, it never fails to turn my stomach when the various ministry leaders and church A-listers get applause. I guarantee it doesn’t bother anyone else but it makes my skin crawl. Just… let’s praise God, okay? Since we’re nothing without him?

The actual sermons vary so widely that it’s tough to comment. Many are deeply moving. All of the catholic converts I’ve ever known complain that in Catholicism, going through the motions is all there is. You practicing Catholics would disagree, but if you’re curious, there it is. Something about having the bible and one’s relationship to God and Jesus spelled out over and over and over and over again fulfills a need that wasn’t filled by mass. Just so you know.

I don’t know what taking Eucharist is like, maybe some day I’ll get there, but honestly symbolic bread and wine is as meaning-full or -less as your desire to follow Christ in taking communion.

Thanks for the opportunity to vent, I don’t have anybody I can share those frustrations with.

I am so glad of the anonymous forum format just now, don’t even bother to flame me!

 

[CWBetts]

Who determines what others consider worship? I may not consider “canned prayers” and “ritual gestures” worship…but you may…you may not consider a group of people sitting quietly expectantly waiting upon the Lord with hearts raised in praise and adoration but without vocal words…but I do. Who’s to say that hearts raised in joyful song…hands raised in praise isn’t worship? You? Or the people worshipping in the manner they are drawn to…hearts and voices raised in words of hope, supplication and love…whether worship occurs with the “canned prayers” and “ritual gestures” or with voices raised in praise in song…or in expectant silence…God still inhabits the praise of His people.

If we cannot worship the way others worship…we must worship in the ways that are meaningful to us…God is not nearly as concerned I don’t believe with the “order of service” or “order of liturgy” as we are…True Worship takes place in the heart…which only God sees.

Proper worship is shown in th Scriptures. Start with Isaiah 6, then check Revelation 4