Identity
I often wonder about the identity of the church. What it is supposed to look like? What is to be incorporated into it? Many people have blogged about this topic as did one of my friends Tim has commented on it also, as well as a mess of other people.
Are we today representing Christ? I believe that in each of us is the Church, and how we choose to express the identity of Christ revealed to us, is church. We are constantly examining what church should be and what it should not be. But we need to remember that we are the church of Christ. We are apart of the body of Christ, each and everyone of us. In order to function as apart of the body, we must be unity with the rest of the body. 1 Corinthians 12 So I wonder by discrediting or criticizing other parts of the church, are we not ourselves, as a part of the body of Christ.
There is a part of me in which says, that unless you are doing your part, you have no place examining another part of the body. Its about action. But also, is it really our place to look down or to criticize the way another part of the body worships or portrays their mission as a part of the whole.
This weekend I had the blessed opportunity to attend Youth Councils in the Swoneky Division (South West Ohio, North East Kentucky-Just in case). And Major Wayne Maynor said something that struck me odd. He said to a bunch of youth-I hope I quote correctly- "Just because they sing from the songbook-doesn't mean they are wrong, just means thats how they worship God. Just because they like brass band music for worship, doesn't mean they are wrong, just means thats how they worship God. Just because you like rap music, doesn't mean you are wrong, just means thats how you worship God." Major Maynor went on with these kinda phrases for a while and at the end he said, "Everyone is a unique child of God, who was created to worship God according to their identity."
I pray that in the uniqueness in which God has crafted me, I praise Him and worship Him in my identity and as the part of the larger body of Christ.
(This is definately a rant and rave, but something I have been thinking about lately)
Are we today representing Christ? I believe that in each of us is the Church, and how we choose to express the identity of Christ revealed to us, is church. We are constantly examining what church should be and what it should not be. But we need to remember that we are the church of Christ. We are apart of the body of Christ, each and everyone of us. In order to function as apart of the body, we must be unity with the rest of the body. 1 Corinthians 12 So I wonder by discrediting or criticizing other parts of the church, are we not ourselves, as a part of the body of Christ.
There is a part of me in which says, that unless you are doing your part, you have no place examining another part of the body. Its about action. But also, is it really our place to look down or to criticize the way another part of the body worships or portrays their mission as a part of the whole.
This weekend I had the blessed opportunity to attend Youth Councils in the Swoneky Division (South West Ohio, North East Kentucky-Just in case). And Major Wayne Maynor said something that struck me odd. He said to a bunch of youth-I hope I quote correctly- "Just because they sing from the songbook-doesn't mean they are wrong, just means thats how they worship God. Just because they like brass band music for worship, doesn't mean they are wrong, just means thats how they worship God. Just because you like rap music, doesn't mean you are wrong, just means thats how you worship God." Major Maynor went on with these kinda phrases for a while and at the end he said, "Everyone is a unique child of God, who was created to worship God according to their identity."
I pray that in the uniqueness in which God has crafted me, I praise Him and worship Him in my identity and as the part of the larger body of Christ.
(This is definately a rant and rave, but something I have been thinking about lately)
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, May 23, 2006 at 12:35 AM.
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Well said! So often we find ourselves breaking down other styles of worship to build up our own. While there are some non-negotiables in the church, style of worship is definitly not one of them. I am still trying to find a church that uses a DJ for praise and worship and not the organ. Haven't found one yet though. Might have to start my own :)
I just posted on something similar this morning that you might be interested in checking out. I know I would defintily appreciate your insight.
Peter (Canada)
My website
Good Luck with the DJ worship idea. God is so awesome that He accepts our praise and adoration in our finite ways of worship!!
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