“Not Worship Styles, but Outcomes”

In an article called, Three Elephants in Our Room by Gordon MacDonald found in the Leadership Journal Summer 2006 I read the following words:

Amid all the talk about contemporary and ancient/future worship, I almost never hear anyone speculate on what genuine worship ought to produce in a person or people. If it is so important, why are we vague about its results, whether short term or long term? Like everyone, I’ve been up to my ears in talk about worship styles…I’m weary of the debates. And I am a bit brittle on the subject of how long a sermon should last. The talk is about style. What’s missing is anyone asking” the right questions “What effect does true worship have upon people?” or “When a person has engaged God in worship, what changes should be expected?” “What is the difference between a person who has met God and one who has merely experienced an adrenaline high?”

He goes on to say that when he searches the Scripture, he finds many different worship styles, but more important he sees similar outcomes. When people in the Bible meet with God, they are changed.

WOW! Wonder of Wonders! Wouldn’t it be great if people could come to our WM and corps meeting, meet with God and leave changed?

To lead others you must know the way yourself. Do you enter the Presence of God in your personal devotions and prayer life? Do you expect to enter the Presence of God in public times of worship and prayer?

It seems as if we Christians have been distracted enough in the war over styles and we have missed the point. Enter into the Presence of God in private and public worship. You will be changed. The world will be changed.

Jesus is the biggest WOW of all. Wonder of Wonders!