Guiding Worship
For those who plan and lead worship events.
Passion and relationship lead to “yes”
By Florence Schloneger
One fall, our rural congregation spent two months focusing our worship on “Work As Mission.” Every Sunday a different adult came to church dressed in his or her work uniform. For the children’s time that person showed the children tools, talked about the workday, and explained how work was a gift we can offer to God and to the world. Later in the service, another member shared reflectively on how his or her work connected with God’s mission for the world.
We had no trouble persuading people to share. In fact, one woman whose schedule didn’t allow her to participate in the series asked if she could share about her work later! This caused me to ask, “How often do I have trouble getting people to help plan and lead worship because what I’m asking doesn’t fit their passions and interests? And how much of our worship feels disconnected from peoples’ weekday lives?”
Frenzy destroys peace
If this split is not bridged, then anything we request in worship is just
another obligation thrown into an already over-committed life. According
to Thomas Merton, such obligation is a form of violence. In Conjectures
of a Guilty Bystander (Image) he writes, “To allow oneself to
be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too
many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone
in everything is to succumb to violence. Frenzy destroys (our) inner capacity
for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of inner wisdom which makes work
fruitful.”
If we are not careful, worship can simply be another layer of violence to those who come needing rest from heavy burdens, healing from unhealthy commitments, and refreshment for hungry souls. Worship planning and leading needs to flow out of our inner selves in relation to God rather than becoming one more job cluttering up the calendar.
As we plan for worship, it is important to know who can communicate dramatically and musically, but we also need to understand where God is moving in their lives. Whom do we choose to read a Scripture passage about suffering or to tell the story of the newborn baby? The messengers can become the message, bringing power to what they say or do.
A second reality that needs attention as we ask people to help with worship is their relationships. Instead of adding another night of planning and practice that rips people away from important relationships, we can work with existing groups in the church. Family groups can prepare a reader’s theater together or lead worship music. It’s moving to see a grandpa, father, and son all joining together to make Scripture come alive. Youth groups can prepare dramas, and choirs can lead responsive readings. When we honor relationships, our worship is more authentic, and we build up community in the process.
The congregation’s unique rhythms
Besides
the passions and relationships of people, you may discern other things that
affect their willingness to contribute to worship. In our congregation, for
example, we need to be sensitive to the pressures of planting and harvest.
I’ve noticed that families have seasons when they are less available
for leadership. I’ve also learned to know which people need to be provided
with a lot of structure and which ones need the freedom to plan their own
way.
Florence Schloneger is co-pastor of First Mennonite Church, Beatrice, Nebraska.