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Getting a head start

In our day—when the beauty of liturgical traditions, the freedom of charismatic expression, and the intellectual rigor of the Reformation are being cross-fertilized—we have a wonderful opportunity to pursue worship that balances intellect and passion.

We must address the issue head-on, so we often challenge our congregation:

1. Prepare yourself to worship

Football players prepare for the big game. Sales people prepare for a big pitch. And worshipers should prepare to worship, both mind and heart. We frequently tell our worship attenders that they should prepare at home and even in the car enroute to the service.

2. Invest yourself fully in each moment we're together, regardless of how you feel.

Too often in worship people experience what psychologists speak of as mindlessness. They go on autopilot. Worshipers need to be taught not to wait for something to grab their attention. They need to say to God, "I'm fully present—listening, praising, confessing, responding—every moment of worship. I offer myself fully to you."

3. Learn to make the most of the service.

Some people need to be encouraged to become freer in their expressiveness. It can be like when someone hits a home run. The stadium erupts with celebration: hugs, high fives, roars of joy, blowing kisses, arms raised in triumph.

Some worshipers need to say something like this: "I'm not going to raise my hands way up like that in church. After all we're not celebrating a home run. But since we are celebrating that Jesus died for my sins, saved me from hell, overcame my guilt, was raised from the dead, and will share his triumph with me through eternity, maybe I'll at least put my hands in my lap with palms up."

On the other hand, some may become so expressive that they create a distraction. They need clear, gentle (sometimes not-so-gentle) reminders to balance their desire for expressiveness with what will help the body of Christ.

The single most important aspect of balanced worship, though, is making sure our hearts and minds are fully engaged and devoted. When this happens, moments will come when worshipers feel and understand God in ways no one could have planned.

This was adapted from the article "Can You Engage Both Heart and Mind?" which first appeared in Leadership Journal, April 1, 1999.