The Measure of a True Worship Experience

I've had the privilege of visiting a lot of churches in the Charlotte area over the past 4 months or so. Throughout my journey, I've had numerous conversations with people about corporate worship. Interestingly, most of the topics discussed have been about style. Let's face it! Although worship is a spiritual act, we are humans and so often style can enhance or hinder our worship experience.

So what is the measure of a true worship experience? For all of the traditionalists...it's not how many hymns are sung. For all of the modernists...it's not if the worship leader wears jeans and plays the guitar. It's not how many people are on stage or if you like the worship leader's voice. It's not how long or how loud the people sing. It's not how many times you sing the songs (grew up in one of those churches!!!) and it has nothing to do with how programmed the service is. Spontaneity is not the measure of true worship and neither is the perfect line-up of songs. It has nothing to do with how well-executed the transitions are or if the music falls short or expectations.

A true worship experience can best be measured by the impact it has on the lives of its participants. True worship experiences bring you closer to God! They change you from the inside out and make you more like Jesus. They leave you in a position where you see the world more through Jesus' eyes than your own. Such times fill you with godly joy and peace and sometimes even conviction!

While I do think that issues of style are important for reaching particular cultures (more on that another time), it must NEVER be the measure of a true worship experience. One more thing...remember that your worship experience is affected by your willingness to reach out to God as well. God never forces anyone to worship Him!

Well, that's enough for now! I'd love to hear your thoughts or any issues you may be wrestling with.