Why All This Worship Variety? Worship in Focus NNZ Spirit Led October 2010.

Why All This Worship Variety?Worship in Focus

NNZ Spirit LedOctober 2010

2. Theology and Culture of Worship

2. Culture of Communication and Worship – Jesus to 2009 & beyond

Style

1.Theology of WorshipContentStructure

“Worship is a rehearsal (re-telling, re-celebrating) of the

saving actions of God in history”

Robert Webber, “Learning to Worship with All Your Heart,” Hendricksen, 1996, pages 12-15

Definition of Worship

Expansion of the definition

God’s saving actions climax in:

The work of Christ

The overthrow of the powers of evil

The final establishing of the kingdom in the new heavens and the new earth. Robert Webber

1. Theology of Worship

a. “The Great Controversy” theme, as a foundation for a theology of worship

“The Great Controversy” theme

A Worship Leader’s Prayer:

Lord, we bless you for creating us in Your image. And we thank You that after we fell away from You in sin, You did not leave us in our sin, but You came to us in Jesus Christ, who lived, died, and was resurrected for our salvation.

Now, as we await His coming again, receive our worship in His name, AMEN.

Consider how you can apply a Great Controversy theme to the

choice of worship elements including songs and special

music

1. Theology of Worship

a. “The Great Controversy” theme, as a foundation for a theology of Adventist worship

b. The theology of Hebrews as a foundation for a theology of Adventist worship

2. A Scriptural ModelCommunities in Culture ChangeThere is a biblical framework for discussing the process of culture change.

Look at the relevance of the book of Hebrews for discussions of culture in Adventist worship.

Discussions of worship culture are as old as NT Christianity itself.

The central place of Jesus Christ at the heart of Christian worship.

A Worshiping Community in Culture Change

A two-fold message from Hebrews.

Despite the incredible pressure of culture change both in the world and in the Church, hang on and do not lose your confidence in Jesus.

Jesus is our worship leader, standing at the throne of God, interpreting us, mouthing our prayers, amplifying our praise, beautifying our devotion and offering it to God.

2. Communication Culture & Worship

Jesus to 2009 and beyond

Points of culture uneasiness

Your Church

Millennium Matrix - Language and Communication

OralOral

- 1500AD

- 1500AD

Oral – Liturgical WorshipOral – Liturgical Worship

What about worship in the world of Oral Communication?

Repetitive liturgySymbolsSacraments – Lord’s Supper is centralEvents based on the seasons of the yearShort sermonsChanting and singing – biblical textsScripture reading by literate leadersNo Bibles in pewsArchitecture – sacred places reflect heavenly realities

Matrix - Worship Structure

Oral / Liturgical4000 - 1500


LiturgyLiturgy

A ceremonyA ceremony

An intricately scripted play

An intricately scripted play

Matrix - Worship Focus



Communion (Eucharist)

Focus and practice is the same each week

Communion (Eucharist)

Focus and practice is the same each week

Matrix - Worship Music Signature



Chant

Single melodic line

Chant

Single melodic line

Musical instruments sometimes seen as

distractions

Musical instruments sometimes seen as

distractions

Millennium Matrix - Church Identity among 2 Billion+ Xians



Catholic--1BCatholic--1BOrthodox-200MOrthodox-200MAnglican-80M(High Church)Anglican-80M(High Church)

About 65% of all Christians in

the world


the world

Many consider this next change the most significant change in human communication in human history

What is the change?


OralOral

- 1500AD

- 1500AD


PrintPrint

1500-

1950

1500-

1950

Print-Reformed WorshipPrint-Reformed Worship

The world of print communication

First book to be printed?

Mass communication

Quick communication

Books appear in church. Which ones.

The world of print communication

A change of emphasis from the MESSENGER to the MESSAGE. A rather more MYSTICAL view of the world is left behind and a RATIONAL, ORDERLY world takes its place. How do you see this playing out in church history? In church life?The CONTENT of the message becomes dominant.

Worship in the world of print communication

Ritual of re-enacting Last Supper replaced by retelling of the gospelFocus of service shifts from Eucharist to preaching the wordPreaching becomes more rationalisticHymns carry more content, melodically more complexBible replaces trusted leadership as source of authority and truthSermons become longerEven architecture reflects a more rational view of sacred things

Matrix - Worship structure


LiturgyCeremony


LiturgyCeremony

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

A “Service”A “Service”

Sermon orientedSermon oriented



Eucharist


Eucharist

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Sermon

The focus changes each week

Sermon

The focus changes each week



Chant


Chant

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

HymnsHymnsConveying truthConveying truthGrand stories of cosmic struggleGrand stories of cosmic strugglePersonal devotionPersonal devotion

Complex melodies and harmonies (Printing)


Community aspirationsCommunity aspirations

Simple RhythmsSimple Rhythms

Matrix - Church Identity - 2 Billion Xians



Print Reformed

1500 - 1950

Print Reformed

1500 - 1950

Catholic--1BCatholic--1B LutheranLutheranOrthodox-200MOrthodox-200MAnglican-80M(High Church)Anglican-80M(High Church)


the world


the world

PresbyterianPresbyterianAnglican (ev)Anglican (ev)MethodistMethodist

BaptistBaptistAdventistAdventist

About 15% of all ChristiansAbout 15% of all Christians


OralOral

- 1500AD

- 1500AD


PrintPrint

1500-

1950

1500-

1950


BroadcastBroadcast

1950-

2000-10

1950-

2000-10

Broadcast-Celebration WorshipBroadcast-Celebration Worship

Culture shifts with broadcast and especially with television

Broadcast’s immediate experience replaces print’s rational analysis.Broadcast’s dramatized presentations replace print’s structured oratory.Broadcast’s emphasis on process replaces print’s emphasis on outcome.Print makes reason king and stimulates reflective thinking. Broadcast adds desire and emotion and stimulates reflexive thinking.[2]

What about worship in the world of broadcast communication?

Shorter sermons (sometimes)Strong emphasis on musicUtilizing audio visual supportUse of drama to convey messagesDependence on the broadcast art of persuasion in preachingMultipurpose church architectureFlexible room design



Liturgy

Ceremony


Liturgy

Ceremony

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Service

Sermon oriented

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Service

Sermon oriented

Broadcast Celebration

1950 - 2000


1950 - 2000ProgramProgram

An event centered on celebration style

worship, motivational preaching

An event centered on celebration style

worship, motivational preaching



Eucharist


Eucharist

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Sermon

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Sermon


1950 - 2000


1950 - 2000

Praise

The focus changes each

week

Praise

The focus changes each

week



Chant


Chant

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Hymns

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Hymns


1950 - 2000


1950 - 2000

Praise Songs

Praise Songs

Primarily relationalPrimarily relational

Simple HarmoniesSimple HarmoniesComplex RhythmsComplex Rhythms

Primarily personalPrimarily personal

Praise Songs

Praise Songs

Primarily relationalPrimarily relational

Simple HarmoniesSimple Harmonies

Complex RhythmsComplex Rhythms

Primarily personalPrimarily personal

HymnsHymns

Conveying truthConveying truthGrand stories of cosmic struggleGrand stories of cosmic strugglePersonal devotionPersonal devotion



Community aspirationsCommunity aspirations

Simple RhythmsSimple Rhythms

Millennium Matrix - Church Identity - 2 Billion Xians



Print Reformed

1500 - 1950

Print Reformed

1500 - 1950

Broadcast Celebration1950 – 2000-10


Catholic--1BCatholic--1B LutheranLutheran 400MIndependent

400MIndependentOrthodox-200MOrthodox-200M

Anglican-80M(High Church)Anglican-80M(High Church)


the world


the world




Mega ChurchesMega Churches

Modified mainlineModified mainlineAdventistAdventist

About 20% of all Christians


Some CharismaticSome Charismatic


OralOral

- 1500AD

- 1500AD


PrintPrint

1500-

1950

1500-

1950


BroadcastBroadcast

1950-

2000-10

1950-

2000-10

Broadcast-Celebration WorshipBroadcast-Celebration Worship

Digital Interactive Converging

Digital Interactive Converging

2000-10-

2000-10-

Dig Int Conv-

Dig Int Conv-

Characteristics of the digital culture

Information from peers and networks rather than from institutions and authoritiesNo boundaries or restrictions in passing on info.Direct unmediated hands-on experiencesPersonal networks replacing main-event experiencesThe capacity to reframe the past rather than disgard it (as sometimes happens in broadcast)Multimedia language overtakes broadcast’s visual languageSelf-directed learning, exploration

What about worship in the world of digital communication?

Body of Christ – race gender status equality

Collaborative experiences

Music is a fusion of all styles

Architecture and context – shift from mega churches to small scale, rooted in communities, house churches



LiturgyCeremony


LiturgyCeremony

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950ServiceSermon oriented

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950ServiceSermon oriented


1950 - 2000Program


1950 - 2000Program

Inclusive Convergence

2000 -


2000 -

GatheringGathering

Dynamic “Brainstorming” Dynamic “Brainstorming” Interactive collaborationInteractive collaboration

Technology provides diverse experiences

Technology provides diverse experiences



Chant


Chant

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950Hymns

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950Hymns


1950 - 2000Song and Choruses


1950 - 2000Song and Choruses


2000 -


2000 -

Impromptu - Fusion

Impromptu - Fusion

Mixing the idioms of jam sessions, praise concerts, formal hymns. Simpler services, “unplugged” acoustical worship balancing

highly technical productions.

Mixing the idioms of jam sessions, praise concerts, formal hymns. Simpler services, “unplugged” acoustical worship balancing

highly technical productions.

Prayer Room

An example of Worship in the Digital, Convergent, Interactive culture

Church on FacebookAn example of Worship in the

Digital, Convergent, Interactive culture

FacebookChurchhttp://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/group.php?

gid=106158576081323&ref=mf

A meeting for young adults

An example of Worship in the Digital, Convergent, Interactive culture

Matrix - Church Identity - 2 Billion Xians



Print Reformed

1500 - 1950

Print Reformed

1500 - 1950



DigitalInclusive

Convergence

2000-10 -

DigitalInclusive

Convergence

2000-10 -

Catholic--1BCatholic--1B LutheranLutheran 400MIndependent

400MIndependent

New churchesChurch plantingEclectic worship

WWW & networks

Worshipers coming from all Christian

traditions

New churchesChurch plantingEclectic worship

WWW & networks

Worshipers coming from all Christian

traditions

Orthodox-200MOrthodox-200MAnglican-80M(High Church)Anglican-80M(High Church)


the world


the world




Mega ChurchesMega Churches

Modified mainlineModified mainlineSome AdventistSome Adventist



Some CharismaticSome Charismatic

Matrix - Weaknesses of the eras



TraditionalismTraditionalism

Practices take on a significance beyond their

actual effect

Practices take on a significance beyond their

actual effect



Tradition-alism


Tradition-alism

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

LegalismMaintaining cohesion

through codes of belief and behaviour

LegalismMaintaining cohesion

through codes of belief and behaviour

RationalismArgument and proving

points becomes a dominant activity

RationalismArgument and proving

points becomes a dominant activity



Tradition-alism


Tradition-alism

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

LegalismRationalism

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

LegalismRationalism


1950 - 2000


1950 - 2000

“My experience”External validation

becomes less important

“My experience”External validation

becomes less important



Tradition-alism


Tradition-alism

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

LegalismRationalism

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

LegalismRationalism


1950 - 2000

License


1950 - 2000

License


2000 -


2000 -

Losing touch with the

mainstream

No input from the outside

Losing touch with the

mainstream

No input from the outside

Matrix - Contributions of the eras



Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950

Typo’ Reformed

1500 - 1950


1950 - 2010


1950 - 2010


2010 -


2010 -

Community of

Faith

Community of

Faith

Priesthood of the Believer

Priesthood of the Believer

Expressive WorshipPassion

Faith

Expressive WorshipPassion

Faith

Inclusive BodyInclusive Body

Matrix - SDA Responses and Experiments



Often negativeOften negative

Biblical notion of “falling away”

Biblical notion of “falling away”

At La Sierra University Church

At La Sierra University Church

Matrix - SDA Experiments

Typo / Reformed

1500 - 1950

Typo / Reformed

1500 - 1950

Mainstream SDAMainstream SDA

Huge challenge for youth ministry - all youth were

born in the broadcast era, but even that is in the

process of change

Huge challenge for youth ministry - all youth were

born in the broadcast era, but even that is in the

process of change


Broadcast / Celebration

1950- 2010

Broadcast / Celebration

1950- 2010

“Celebration” Churches“Celebration” Churches

Most church plants in the western world

Most church plants in the western world

Most memory events in youth and young adult

ministry

Most memory events in youth and young adult

ministry


Inclusive / Interactive

2000-


2000-Church on WWW - Web RingChurch on WWW - Web Ring

YouthPAGES - web pastorsYouthPAGES - web pastors

Virtual Church - Riga LatviaVirtual Church - Riga Latvia

Café Church - EuropeCafé Church - Europe

Church Plants in Western world, including Australia Church Plants in Western world, including Australia



2000-


2000-

Virtual Church in LatviaVirtual Church in Latvia

Religious News

Talk, Prayer, Counselling, Pastors on line, Chats

Sermons, both text and audio

Health Talks

Jokes, poems, banner exchange

Religious News

Talk, Prayer, Counselling, Pastors on line, Chats

Sermons, both text and audio

Health Talks

Jokes, poems, banner exchange

Matrix - Where to now?


2000-


2000-

Your church?Your church?

Churches where you will lead worship?

Churches where you will lead worship?

Rex Miller final word

Each of our religious traditions was born and crafted in a particular medium, time, and expression of God’s visitation. Each provides a unique and important revelation into God’s unlimited character. Like a prism these traditions refract the light of God’s revelation and character. No matter which facet we look through, we see the same truth at the centre.

Regardless of our structures, styles, content and expression, we truly are one body. Our task in this time of tumultuous transition is to find a way to rise above our numerous disintegrations and act like one body. The world will never know Jesus until we do that.

To survive we must step into the future with confidence,overcome the tyrannies of tradition and inertia, fulfill our commission, manifest transcendent life and community, offer a legitimate prophetic voice, provide an ethic which understands both timelessness and changefinally circle back to where we began and where our communion with God began: with God’s living word.

Time for Questions

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Why All This Worship Variety? Worship in Focus NNZ Spirit Led October 2010.

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