Churches have varying opinions about the point and purpose of the corporate worship gathering. Is it primarily to experience God? Is it primarily to teach the Bible? Is it for the purpose of evangelism, and attracting the community?
My personal conviction is that the purpose of the corporate gathering is for the spiritual formation of God’s people. That we gather to disciple and be discipled. That conviction shapes the way I think about the songs I choose, the liturgies I create, and the way that I communicate. However, that does not mean that I approach the gathering expecting that only followers of Jesus who are seeking to be conformed to the image of Christ are present. I think every week that we gather there are people who are walking with God, people who are far from God, people who are not Christians, and people who believe they are Christians but in reality, are not.
This too shapes the way I consider our gathering. In the same way, I want to be aware there are children in the room during a family worship weekend, I want to be aware that every time we gather there are people in the room who do not know, love, or follow Jesus.
If you’re here this morning as a follower of Christ… I preface much of what I share with this phrase. My hope in using these words is twofold, first, so that we would never assume that everyone sitting in our rows is a Christian. Second, there are things we are saying, singing, professing, proclaiming, receiving, and believing that will only be true for those who know and follow Jesus.
Explain what is happening, and why. Rubrics are helpful on this front. We want people to be uncomfortable for the right reasons. We want guests to know how and when they participate, and what are the expectations as we gather.
Use language that is clear, and without condescension. Our words matter and can be used to clarify or confuse those who attend our services. There must be a balance in being generous and welcoming in our language without being overly simplistic, and talking down to the unfamiliar.
Finally, present the gospel clearly. This is why I love using the Gospel Song Liturgy as the way we move through our set lists. Our songs can help tell the story of the sovereignty of God, the brokenness of sin, the glory of Christ’s cross, and the hope of our own resurrection, and Christ’s return. May all people walk away from our gatherings knowing who Jesus is and what He has done.