It is popular these days to emphasize the musical element of corporate worship. Many call those who lead in music "worship leaders." And when we hear about "worship" at a church, we understand that to mean music. It is not uncommon for people to choose which church they will attend based on the quality of the "worship." It is also common to have a strong desire to personally feel and experience the music. This is experience is worship.
On the other hand there are those who cringe at the thought of calling the person who leads music the "worship leader." For this person worship is the sermon - the preached Word. He patiently endures the music as he awaits the time when the preacher stands and speaks. If he does enter the musical "experience" he does so for theological or (perhaps) critical reasons.
There is a great deal of truth to both sides. Singing songs is an important element in worship, and without the gospel proclaimed via the preached Word, it would be a stretch to call the gathering a worship service. In each argument, however, there is a vital piece usually missing. The first person could get the same experience with a good stereo system or concert; and the second from an iPod loaded with sermons. The critical element is the people of God who come together to worship with us.
The songs are not only for you and me individually, but for us corporately. The songs should never be evaluated solely based on what is personally preferred, but what is most corporately needed. The elders (who are the worship leaders) should encourage songs that best build the body as a whole. And when the body is edified because of this, everyone individually benefits.
Too often we miss out on the blessings of corporate encouragement in song, because we have our eyes closed, believing that singing is between me and God, rather than us and God. (Note: I'm not saying that closing one's eyes during worship is a bad thing; but when the eyes are closed the entire time, it may be corporately and individually unhelpful)
Similarly, the preaching is not only for you and me individually, but for us corporately. The preacher is under obligation to communicate biblical truth to a diverse audience. Some have doctorates and can hear, follow, and even memorize complex points. Others are more academically simple, and can only gather one or two concepts if communicated well. If the doctorate chose churches based solely on the worship in preaching, then he would eventually find himself in a seminary chapel. He would totally miss out on the necessary simplicity of other parts of the body of Christ.
Another person encouraged and edified by the sermon is often more beneficial to us than the sermon itself.
When we are on our deathbed; or, when we are in most need, the songs and the actual sermons will undoubtedly bring us peace of heart and rest. But it will be the others in the body, who have worshipped with us all those years, who have been edified by the songs and sermons we didn't find individually most excellent, who will feed us, pray with us, provide for us, and be with us in glory forever.
We never do worship by ourselves. Next time you are in church, take a look around and consider whether or not others are being fed, encouraged, and saved. Be excited and encouraged yourself by this wonderful experience. And as you hear the songs, prayers and preaching coming from the mouths, falling on the ears, and entering the hearts of others, worship the Lord who saved us.
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