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Worship in the church setting can no longer be expected to fit within a norm of parameters set by denominational or belief system practices.  Within each group the worshipper can find many styles of music and moods that will set the tone of the presentation.

That being said, there are still basic principles that should apply to all worship practices as befitting the Body of Christ. 

• Worship music should contain elements of both the corporate and the personal.
• Worship should have one unified theme overall, with the intent of bringing the Word into each believer in a memorable way so as to be spiritual food for the days ahead.
• Worship should involve both down and up: God comes to us, and we come to God.
• Worship must bring the Word through Holy Scripture, by allowing God’s Spirit to speak through its leaders.
• Worship must proclaim Salvation through Jesus Christ.
• Leaders should strive to make worship a time set apart from the world, where all present can be spiritually fed as a whole as well as individually.

Overall, denominations vary in emphasis regarding the corporate (group, “we”) verses the personal (“I”).  Leaning too far one way or the other may create an imbalance ranging from sterile coldness to too much self interest, respectively.  This is not to say that at certain times it is wrong to emphasize one or the other, as the worship theme will most likely dictate balance.

Corporate hymns:  These are hymns that speak as The Church, using plural words, such as “we.”  Here are some examples of familiar corporate hymns.

• We Gather Together
• A Mighty Fortress Is Our God
• O Come, All Ye Faithful
• O Love How Deep, How Broad, How High
• Let All Things Now Living / Sent Forth by God’s Blessing
• Children of the Heavenly Father

Personal hymns:  Often much more remembered, as one might go on his or her way singing the hymn from church ”last Sunday.”  The importance and need of a one-on-one relationship with Jesus Christ can not be understated. 

Just as the most meaningful worship is a place where one can leave the world behind and become one with God as the Body of Christ, so is the personal hymn a means to leaving the world behind and allowing the self to be one with God.  And this is also the reason this type of hymn will be remembered, sung and hummed long after the worship service is over–because of the intimate connection with the words.  Here are examples of familiar personal hymns.

• When I Survey the Wondrous Cross
• Go to Dark Gethsemane
• Beautiful Savior
• Amazing Grace
• Nearer, Still Nearer
• Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior
• Be Though My Vision

Let’s face it.  How many times have you left a church service, and before your car is out of the parking lot you barely remember what the pastor’s message was all about?  Or, do you remember only the bits and pieces that you wanted to hear?  This is where the chosen hymns and songs can make the message memorable.  And, this is why good communication between colleagues is so very important, so that all are working towards one goal. 

Choosing exactly the right hymn can drive a point home, convict worshippers of sin, and bring the needy to salvation.  Never underestimate the theology of the hymn texts.  Every word of every stanza must be examined for correct theology in text and subject matter as related to the message of the day.  As the pastor prayerfully seeks the Holy Spirit’s guidance for wisdom in speaking the Word, so must the leader who selects hymns and songs do the same.  The Holy Spirit speaks to worshippers just as much through hymns as by the minister’s sermon.

God comes to us in the worship service both in the liturgical or non-liturgical setting.  He comes through the prayerfully prepared, Spirit-filled delivery of the message, he comes to us as Word in the reading of the Holy Bible and by baptism and communion.  We come to God by our prayers, our asking for forgiveness, by praise, and accepting the free gift of salvation.  A good balance of all worship elements will create a service that feels complete.

The creation of a Holy House where the Holy Spirit is present in such a powerful way as to leave the world behind is the most ideal, profound worship experience that can happen.  Worship leaders can go a long way in aiding such as event to happen.  Speaking as a former Music Director and still church worship participant, I can offer the following examples, and I am sure there are many more.

• Choir members need to see themselves not as performers, but as part of a team with their role being to minister through song.  Encouraging meditation on song texts, singing what is feel deep within the soul, and asking for God to speak through them are all very important.
• Choir members need to see themselves as worship leaders:  leading hymn singing, being attentive throughout the service, bowing heads during prayer, and if at all possible staying through services from beginning to end.
• Choir directors and music directors of overall programs should and must pray with their groups before each worship service, and also at every rehearsal.
• Choir members should sing with good gusto, and also with fervent seriousness, as the hymn texts dictate.
• Choir members should pray regularly for all worship leaders: Their pastors and choir directors, and also for themselves. 

Creating the corporate, intimate, meaningful worship service needs collaboration between worship leaders.  Whether lifting hands in praise to God and singing with a praise band, or partaking in a highly liturgical church service, the Christian worship experience should most often contain certain basic elements.  Serving in worship, whether filled full of great enthusiasm or great seriousness  is an honor and priviledge of the greatest magnitude. 

Thanks for coming by!!  … babamarusia

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