Church/Worship Conversation Continued

Our discussion regarding church continued with new faces around the room. A reference was made to the book, Pagan Christianity, by Frank Viola and George Barna. This book allows us to explore the roots of our church practices and not assume that these traditions are biblically based. For example, a participant in our discussion pointed out that the early church consisted of meetings instead of a service. People were expected to bring something to the conversation and it was not a passive event. Our conversation came back to the point that the current intent of the church is to engage people in worship and spiritual formation which works for many while some find that, over time, they have become less engaged. Again, different gathering points are needed because people are at different points in living out their faith.

This particular band of believers is in agreement that a missional focus defines our faith. Discussing theological issues is helpful in the sense that we can examine how we approach the community. Otherwise, there is a restlessness to be out there and doing which makes talking about it feel like a contradiction. As it said on the many reports cards that I filled out over the years, “Uses time wisely”, talking doesn’t seem like the best use of our time any more.

We ventured into the topic of worship and agreed that worship takes place in a corporate setting and is also an ongoing individual experience. Revelation comes out of both. Individual worship allows us to look at life as an act of worship. We are often surprised by what moves us toward the sacred. No doubt, there will be some in our group who will have a very worshipful experience at the U2 3D movie coming up soon. Worship is always close to us. As a wise sage in our group pointed out the paradox of worship is that in focusing on God we are also getting in touch with the deepest part of ourselves. In finding God, we find us.

We look forward to the next meeting where we'll hear about ways to serve at St. Raphael in Hamilton. My sister is an outreach nurse there and this had been her vocation and ministry for many years.