Worship Matters: Skilled and Authentic, For the Church and for Unbelievers

In chapter 25 of Worship Matters, Kauflin tells us that worship is composed of both skill and authenticity. If as a band we only focus on being musicians, we will forget about the true meaning of worship by being too occupied with skill. On the other hand, focusing on merely authenticity may seem great; however, a certain skill is needed in order to not distract ourselves and others from the meaning of the songs in worship. We must build up skills, but leave space for authenticity. Kauflin also addressed the differences in worship for regular church members and for unbelievers. However, he tells us that we must be as welcoming and have the same attitude and enthusiasm for visitors as for the regular church members.

I mainly emphasized with chapter 25. Sometimes I feel like I won't practice in order to preserve authenticity, and it works out because luckily things work out fine. However, I realize that I shouldn't have to forfeit practice in order to worship authentically. Like other components of worship, skill and authenticity should be balanced, with neither side taken to the extreme.

Worship Matters: Planned and Spontaneous, Rooted and Relevant

In chapter 23 of Worship Matters, Kauflin tells readers that worship team at his church practices for over two hours each week. He believes that planning and rehearsals are very important, but can't do everything. Planning doesn't make us any less reliant on the Holy Spirit, nor substitute for listening to God while we perform. Planning doesn't guarantee right decisions about our worship plans. Planning helps us clarify our goals and help us feel less anxious, thus increasing our ability to focus on God. However, spontaneity is also important because worship is based off of being aware of God's presence. Through spontaneity, we have the freedom to respond to unforeseen needs, conflicts, or promptings. Chapter 24 of Worship Matters deals with the benefits of being rooted and relevant. We must be rooted because it humbles us. God is not just relevant now, with flashy technology, but also then, when people only sang hymns. Relevance is also important because we must worship in the way that is suitable for the present church. However, we must be careful to not merely chase after relevance while forgetting what worship is truly about.

I especially like chapter 23 because of its relevance to this week's chapel. We ended up changing the worship songs last minute so that our songs would fit next week's chapel. Like what Mr. Coates said, I also believe that there is a meaning behind all of this, and the ability to be spontaneous is the ability to respond to God's callings. Chapter 24 was also really relevant to me. My church's main service worship primarily plays hymns, and I often grow tired of it. This chapter opened my eyes and helped me realize that it is not merely about the songs and their overall creativity, but also about their messages. I also believe relevance is needed because if church members do not relate to the worship they are involving in, they will have a harder time being lead to glorify God. Chapter 23 and 24 are both about balance; extreme planning or spontaneity as well as roots or relevance will deter us from glorifying God.

Worship Matters: Internal and External, Vertical and Horizontal

In chapter 21 of Worship Matters, Kauflin says that there is no exact one way to worship. Many associate moving and expressing a lot when worshipping with a good worshipper. However, that is not a tell-tale sign of passionate worship; a person can have many different reasons for being expressive. God looks at the heart, not at the externalities. The question posed is how much expression is too much. Kauflin's answer to that is that worship should ultimately direct people's attention to God, not to yourself. Chapter 22 discusses the difference between vertical and horizontal elements of worship. The vertical element is the more obvious type: we must acknowledge God is great and above us. The horizontal element is usually less recognized. It shows us that we must also worship God by loving each other, supporting each other, praying for each other, and to help others. A true worshipper incorporates both vertical and horizontal elements.

I really like these two chapters because they address different types of worship. Although I don't express much externally, I still feel the music and worship God internally. However, I could always improve by working to express more, even though it isn't natural for me. I also like the horizontal element of worship because I feel like we tend to neglect it more often.

Worship Matters: Transcendent and Immanent, Head and Heart

In chapter 19 of Worship Matters, Kauflin addresses that God is transcendent, meaning that God is independent from and superior to his creation. This relates to worship in that we must remember He is much greater than us, and is not like us. Kauflin says our response is reverence, honor, and respect. However, God is also immanent, or near us. He took the likeness of man to become one of us. Remembering this shows us to worship not only about God but also to him. In chapter 20, Kauflin announces the two kinds of churches: one that loves theology but has no life, and one that is all emotion and not scriptural enough. Kauflin says that we must set our minds as well as emotions to worship. Worship is more than purely emotional; it also should be informed and intelligent. At the same time, worship must be personal.

Both these chapters deal with two extreme ends of a spectrum, and show us that we must find a balance. I feel like I agree with this. Taking God too seriously makes us forget that He wants an actual relationship with us; He doesn't simply expect us to worship and revere him. For this reason, Christianity is not just a religion but also a lifestyle. I agree that we must not rely on emotions too much, for feelings can easily be swayed and are temporary. Rather, we should find a balance between intellectual worship and passionate worship.

Worship Matters: Guiding Principles

Because everybody is so different and unique in his or her own way, we can expect a church to be filled with people who worship differently. This chapter is about the three types of approaches to worship. According to Kauflin, people in a church fall into one of three categories: regulative, normative, or "whatever". Basically, some people believe we must only do what scripture says, others believe we must only adhere to what it doesn't say, and the rest do as we feel is correct. The church isn't meant to become unified by having the same approach to worship; it is supposed to become unified by working with others to overcome these differences, ultimately working at the goal to glorify God.

I find that I can really relate to this chapter. In my church, some people are absolutely strict in following what scripture tells us. As a result, tension arises as they feel others aren't taking scripture "seriously enough". I believe that a healthy church is not devoid of these tensions, but works through them together.