commUNITY: Worship

Last night in our youth gathering, we had the first lesson in a six-week series titled "commUNITY." Each week we will consider an aspect of our Christian identity and how it shapes us as individuals and a community. Last night's lesson was about worship.

I am teaming up with six different students to co-teach each lesson. In addition, one of our teens is leading worship.

Anthony did a great job last night. He recently returned from Camp Electric, a music camp featuring some well-known Christian musicians. This camp was a blessing for Anthony, and what he has learned and continues to learn is a blessing for our ministry. It has been incredibly cool to watch him develop his gifts and grow as a Christian and a musician.

I was impressed with how Ari did in her co-teaching role. We worked together to develop a lesson on worship and how it affects us as a community and individuals. The lesson preparation started when Ari wrote down some points she wanted to discuss and then we built a lesson around that.

The main focus of the lesson was the paradox of worship. This idea that worship is an individual expression of our praise in the midst of community. We talked about the fact that worship is more than some songs we sing on a Sunday morning; it's a life dedicated to God.

However, there is something special that happens when God's people gather for worship. When we lift our voices to God as a community, God is a present in a unique and special way.

We also need to remember that it's not about us. Worship is vital to the Christian community where we find ourselves.

Imagine how much different churches could be if teenagers would sing the "old songs" without complaining because they are a blessing to other members. How much different would things be if older members would sing the "new songs" without grumbling because they are a blessing to the younger generation?

We have to acknowledge that we come together with a variety of preferences. When we as a community can develop humble attitudes that embrace a multitude of styles and songs, we will be blessed. I will end with the words from a song we sang last night in the middle of the lesson - Heart of Worship by Matt Redman.

When the music fades
All is stripped away
And I simply come
Longing just to bring
Something that's of worth
That will bless your heart

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worhip
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus

King of endless worth
No one could express
How much you deserve
Though I'm weak and poor
All I have is yours
Every single breath

I'll bring You more than a song
For a song in itself
Is not what You have required
You search much deeper within
Through the way things appear
You're looking into my heart

I'm coming back to the heart of worhip
And it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus
I'm sorry, Lord, for the thing I've made it
When it's all about You
It's all about You, Jesus

shine!
Jason