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THE ‘business’ and message of the Church can sometimes dominate both in the public and local eye.
Pronouncements and action (both centrally and locally) can become the dominant and overriding factors for congregations.
The power of worship and prayer – and its importance – can sometimes be forgotten or missed as the continuity of church ‘life’ prevails.
Yet consider individual testimonies and you will find that a call to faith, or a life changing moment arose, not from the pronouncements of the central church or the General Assembly, but rather from a conversation, a moment of silent prayer, a word of scripture – or the words of a particular hymn.
The impact of relationships and the power of worship are all too easily forgotten within a Church concerned with the business of existing in the third millennium.
For many their call to faith remains intensely private – a moment to be treasured and shared only in a space among others who may or may not understand the significance of that moment. But so profound was its impact that it remains indelibly imprinted on memory.
The power of creating a sacred space to allow such messages to prevail can be lost as tradition and routine dominate the worship agenda. Many within the Church love it simply because of its familiarity, routine and eternal qualities: on a Sunday morning they know exactly what to expect and enjoy knowing that.
Yet the most powerful times in church life can come from those unexpected and unpredictable moments which challenge tradition.
“ The impact of relationships and the power of worship are all too easily forgotten within a Church concerned with the business of existing in the third millennium.
Innovation in worship – introducing the unexpected (even only now and again) can create such moments.
I well remember the power of a uniquely presented prayer during the General Assembly.
Equally in a parish service, the joy of the Hokey Cokey in presenting a powerful message to children about being part of the Church family.
These are standout and memorable moments (in my experience) amid a regular routine. Each presented a pause for thought, a moment to think and reflect. The common denominator in these moments is that they were a departure from the norm, yet offered profound messages.
Whilst such moments will rarely please everyone, they can prove to be more effective. A departure from the normal routine of worship – perhaps offering a silent time of contemplation and prayer or a month of Sundays where the congregation is asked to take control of worship could provide more of those moments – and encourage change, even in a small way.
Editor