Which Worship Environment is Best?

on Dec 12 in Church, Worship

Whether you know it or not, if you go to church (physical, online, or other), you’re already a part of a worship environment.¬† It goes beyond musical style or preference.¬† Even if you’re a participant in a brand new church plant, the worship environment for that church has already been swirling and formulating in your pastor’s mind for years – and now, you’re a part of it.

I’d like to identify three distinct worship environments that you may be a part of.¬† You may or may not have thought about them in these terms.¬† There are so many ways to slice this pie, and I’m not saying that this the only way to do it.¬† It’s just something I’ve been thinking about lately.

To help identify these three distinct worship environments, I’ll use the terms “Seeker” and “Christian”.¬† By “Seeker”, I’m referring to people who are open to God, but who have not yet placed their faith in Jesus.¬† By “Christian”, I’m referring to people who have already placed their trust in Jesus Christ, and who are seeking Him with their whole hearts.

Here are the three worship environments…

Speak to Seekers, knowing that Christians are in the Room.¬† A friend of mine visited a church recently, and her comment was this:¬† “I feel like the pastor was talking to non-Christians, and speaking around Christians.”¬† In this kind of worship environment, Christians are there primarily to serve the needs of seekers, and are therefore encouraged to put their own wants and needs aside.¬† A common critique from Christians is that it’s not “deep enough”.¬† As pastors and creative staff members prepare for this event during the week, they’re thinking about what Seekers need to hear and experience.

Speak to Christians, knowing that Seekers in the Room.¬† In this kind of worship environment, there is less concern with offending Seekers.¬† This, however, is balanced with explaining to Seekers what certain inclusive Christian terms mean.¬† As pastors and creative staff members prepare for this event during the week, they’re thinking about what Christians need to hear and experience, but they’re choosing their words carefully.

Speak to Christians, without any awareness of Seekers in the Room.¬† In this kind of worship environment, the assumption is that everyone knows Jesus, knows Scripture, and knows what the Gospels are.¬† You’ll hear speakers and leaders say things like, “We all remember the story of Jonah…”, because the assumption in the room is that everyone does remember the story of Jonah.¬† Seekers are given a place, but not in the worship service.¬† Their participation and assimilation into the life of the community starts in a class, or a small group.

So my question to you is simple.

If we want to influence our community and our world, which environment is best?

I’m not asking which environment you prefer, or which environment you participate in currently.¬† I’m asking what you honestly believe about which environment works the BEST to influence your community and your world with the love and grace of Christ?

If we want to influence our community and our world, which worship environment is best?

I’d love to hear your responses…