How Do We Bring People Into Worship?
There are various ways to show our worship – singing, dancing (types of movement), and giving of our offerings, and silence before God, prayer and obedience, praise, readings, ect. A dance in Biblical times was holy. David danced before the Lord with all his heart. We teach children movements with songs (choreography) that help them learn the lyrics and make singing enjoyable. Miriam led the women "with timbrels and dances" (Exodus 15:20), after the deliverance from Egyptian bondage, or Jepthah's Jepthah's daughter greeting him with "timbrels and dances" after a great victory (Judges 11:34). David's thanksgiving for the safe return of the ark of God was evidenced as he "danced before Jehovah with all his might" (II Samuel 6:14). The dancing mentioned in the Bible times here is not the same as dancing we see today that churches condemn today such as ballroom between two sexes, or indecent sexual dancing. There is a beauty in certain type of dancing that is appropriate and gifted on the part of some. Then, we have to ask ourselves “Who does it glorify”?
The word “corporate” reminds me of the host of heaven praising God over one sinner that repents. As the body of Christ, we lift our hearts in adoration and praise through worship to the One we love and adore. As a body of Christ, we lift our voices to Him for what He has done for us and in revealing His presence in our lives. It is not who is beside you, how well we sing, how loud or soft, but from the heart - all in one accord - talent or no talent in our praise to God. It is being real, who WE are, in our singing as a shared community and body of believers and nonbelievers alike. No one should be held back from praising God.
People go to church for different reasons. If they can be encouraged to let go of what is holding them back in true worship they will find God’s presence and He will calm their soul. People must open themselves for God is waiting. He is present and will speak to them, but they must be willing to come into His presence.
Call for a response from the people. Rely heavily on prayer and the Holy Spirit. Help the congregation grasp a sense of anticipation for what God is going to do. Help them learn to listen to His voice. Focus carefully on “openings” in your service. Ask yourself, what is going on in their lives? Open possibly with a question on screen – “What door is God inviting you to open, close, or walk through?” Use a different question each week or every other week. Follow up on the question the second week. Help them to let go of what is on their minds or any attachments they are bringing with them to church. Leave off all the unnecessary comments that do not add to the worship service or place them in an appropriate place as not to hinder worship time.
You cannot make people worship God, but you can with His help guide them into worship by the tone you set for the service, prayer, good planning, and songs to build on the sermon. Invite them to worship…use variety in worship – prayers, liturgy, responsive readings, Scripture readings, music. Sing songs that they like along with new ones – gradually added. Appropriate opening songs, prayer song, ect. Help congregation understand the lyrics of songs. They need to experience worship through words and actions, both of leader. Use other people to aid in prayer, or announcements (not actually a part of worship).
Example Order of Worship
Opening song(s) upbeat
Greeting of Fellowship
Song(s) include a hymn and a couple contemporary songs
Scripture Reading or Response Reading
Prayer Song
Prayer
Prayer Song
Offertory Song(s)
Special Music (Choir or Soloist)
Sermon
©Kidzministry.net November 12, 2010 Jeanne McIntosh