Viewing Worship Differently
Roughly 14% of Americans belong to non-denominational churches. Just for comparison, around 22% of Americans are Roman Catholic. Non-denominational Christians tend to share a similar view of worship as most Protestants. This can be quite a challenge for traditional, conservative Lutheran denominations, such as the LCMS.
Non-denominational Christians tend to see worship as primarily something we give God. They see the worship service as an “event” or “experience” designed to elicit an emotional response. This response is often identified with the working of the Holy Spirit. In other words, if I feel excited and “spiritual” at worship, then the Holy Spirit must be working in my heart. Fundamentally though, worship is seen as something we give to God. The direction of worship is from man to God.
Lutheran worship is different. It is centered on God’s action. God is giving His gifts to us. That is why Lutheran worship revolves around Word and Sacrament. For God pours out His saving gifts to us through the Gospel and the Sacraments. While do respond with praise and thanksgiving to God for His gifts, the priority in worship is on God’s action. Our worship services center on what God gives us, with a special focus on the gift of salvation.
The challenge for Lutherans is that many Christians in America view worship differently. Lutherans begin to think that we must adopt the manner of worship that exists among non-denominational Christians. But Lutheran services are special. Since our worship centers on God’s actions, there is no need to doubt that God is at work among us. There is no need to doubt the presence of the Holy Spirit, for the Spirit is present when His Word is rightly preached and the Sacraments are administered according to Christ’s institution. Our worship services center on God’s action, not our actions.
In Christ,
Rev. David L. Putz, Pastor
Holy Cross Lutheran Church (LCMS)
Crawfordsville, Indiana
Good things are happening at Holy Cross! Praise God for that. When we keep Word and Sacrament ministry at the heart of what we do, the Gospel of Jesus Christ is sown. As we share the Word, God gives the growth and we rejoice as humble stewards of the God who changes lives and hearts. Help us always, Lord, to keep Your Word at the center of our life together under your Holy Cross!
Please continue to pray for our congregation and each other. Don’t forget to visit our church website www.holycross-crawfordsville.org to find links for all our services on YouTube.