Notes about Worship

I attended a Diversity Summit a few weeks ago. The last session was a panel of people discussing worship. These are my notes, not organized in any particular way, but still containing some good thoughts from the discussion:

• Why consider inter-cultural worship? We are preparing for the church that we want to be. (isn't that true in so many ways?)
• When we pray, we pray with the whole world in mind.
• Worship should represent the voice of the people who are there.
• The worship leader should be listening to the worshipers in order to represent them genuinely and authentically.
• Worship should make us feel a tad uncomfortable - examining how it is with our souls - movements of the mystery of God.
• Diversity in worship can make it fresh and revitalize the worship experience.
• Music is a divine gift that can make the Word more beautiful and break down barriers.
• Liturgy needs to be brought into the language of 20 year olds - use words we understand.
• Worship is always contextual.
• If it is not transformational, then it is a waste of time.
• There is a fluidity - a flow - to worship. Go with the flow. Don't be afraid to adapt plans to the flow.
• Have a deep commitment to intentionality and thoughtfulness - it seems to be the opposite of laziness
• Have courage to take ownership of the leadership position.
• Minor keys allow the heart to cry.
• In times of crisis, stand in it with your people.  Your actions don't have to be perfect - just be in the midst of it with them.