Mistake # 10 – Theological Ignorance
Our sensual approach to life has created a sensual approach to God. Therefore, we have what I call “Jacuzzi worship.” It just feels so good, is so relaxing, and is so transporting of my senses.
When I consult with churches, I pay attention to the worship. And, I’ve learned to categorize the expressions (musical or other). They are vertical, praise, exhortation, Oprah, whatever.
But, worship is about God. Therefore, what it says about Him (theology) should be reflective of His character. This is so simple, but . . . worship is all about Him. Therefore, the theology behind the music should describe One Who is Holy, Awesome, Gracious, Loving, Jealous, and Perfect…
Conclusion: “All Things New”
To understand why we need to recognize and correct these mistakes, let’s revisit worship through the various communication eras and look at the future.
In oral culture, the primary worship format was liturgical. Because they saw the created order as integrated and unified, their worship was choreographed into a divine drama, a mystical reenactment of the cosmic play. It culminated in the Eucharist.
In print culture, worship became an orderly reinforcement of the principles of faith and theology. Reinforcement of faith, of doctrine, through song was a primary objective. “A Mighty Fortress is our God” is a good example of theology in song.
In the broadcast era, worship became a time of self and congregational expression. Experience became primary.
Now, we’re moving into a brand new era. The digital interactive age will be the dominant pattern for your children and future generations. It creates intimate, multi-sensory, improvisational, immersive, mystical, and highly-engaged worship experience
Trust me: these worshipers are not going to be satisfied by having a performance. As transcendent and transparent as worship leaders or artists may be, future worshipers are not going to be content with that. They will want to create their own interactive, collective, worship experience. That flows out of the way they see the world.
They don’t want an experience designed and created by others, even if they’re called “worship leader.” They will want to design and build it themselves. This will be a huge challenge to existing thinking and patterns of worship.
Improv theaters represent a reasonable facsimile of what this will look like. It is spontaneous, combustible, and loosely scripted. It is a whole group experience.
That is where these 10 mistakes find urgency and traction. Worship in the digital interactive environment will stress every prevailing attitude and pattern. It will increasingly reveal the flaws behind these 10 mistakes.
True to His pattern, He is making all things new! (Revelation 21:5) He calls us to join Him in that newness.
The church has six problem areas adapting to the future:
