God’s demands for his temple in the OT speak of grandness and quality, so nothing wrong with wanting to do what’s right and wanting to glorify God with a job well done.

this blog (and the posting and photos that sparked this thread of comments) leans heavily toward “look what WE are doing. Look at the SET. Look at the LIGHTS. Look at the PRODUCTION. Having not been there to experience the show, I can’t say was was HEARD or FELT, but this blog has more of “I” than “Him.”

we are able to keep the size of our church staff lower because we are a volunteer-run organization. literally hundreds – if not 1000 or more – of volunteers serve every single sunday in order to help us create cool environments around the church. this past sunday was the request of jeff henderson in an attempt to “huddle up” in a circle, thank the volunteers for serving, and cast vision for the church moving forward to let everyone know where the needs are for volunteer growth in the fall.

it was a lot of effort to put this together.. especially when you consider that it was only done for one sunday.. but the worship experience was a result of the vision of the message, NOT the other way around. and it was a huge bonus at that… unplugged.. in the round.. awkward.. different.. but well worth it and i think a great risk taken by our staff at the leadership of one of the best servant-leaders i know – jeff henderson.

kudos jeff!!

And Michiel, as a Leader and Band Member, I get caught up thinking the same, too – whether it be our Sunday mornings or watching/listening to others.

It’s the whole “Leading versus Performance” issue and it’s a fine line that we all struggle with.

HOWEVER, when I head to a concert or sports event and feel the energy, hear the sounds and put my heart into what I’m doing, I feel like we let God down on Sunday Mornings and in our Daily Lives, where we are called to excellence and put our whole energy and best effort into worshipping Him and leading others to that same place. (Psalm 33:3, 2 Chronicles 5:13, Col. 3:12, 15-17)

Many times this notion gets lost on people who take an “it’s good enough” approach to church but will spend countless hours preening their yards or working on their golf swings.

As an aside, seeing some folks in these pictures (and in our congregations) with lips sealed and hands in pockets while so much is going on around them doesn’t help the “Performance or Worship” argument. At the same time, though, I look at others and think maybe they are like me – raised in the stoic midwest and many times coming into church with a lot of baggage. Oh, and sometimes not a clue how to sing the song being sung (which would be our fault as leaders).

Anyone else?

I’m just wondering…

What’s this all about? Having the best experience ever? Or is this really about worshiping Jesus and serving Him? Do we really need all this distraction? What’s the point? Is it performance or is it worship? Is it Jesus or is it something else?

What’s your thoughts on this?

(It looks very, very cool though.)

Do you feel it went real well? What kind of response did you have from the church?

I love that you guys are just listening to where God is calling you and you’re trying new things to help created authentic worship experiences with every chance you get.

http://www.vagabondrunn.wordpress.com

isn’t it so akward with one fourth of the people staring at your butt the whole time! (i feel bad because i always want to make eye contact with everyone, but i can’t!)

i’ve been spoiled by gathering in the round for the past five years. i don’t know if i could be a part of anything else!