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.