Let's Worship Like It's AD 59?

What is the outcome then, brethren? When you assemble, each one has a psalm, has a teaching, has a revelation, has a tongue, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification.  If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should be by two or at the most three, and each in turn, and one must interpret; but if there is no interpreter, he must keep silent in the church; and let him speak to himself and to God.  Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others pass judgment.  But if a revelation is made to another who is seated, the first one must keep silent.  For you can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted; and the spirits of prophets are subject to prophets; for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. (1 Corinthians 14:26-33 NASB)

Worship in 2014 is typically only slightly removed from a liturgical format.  Modern contemporary worship points to their music styles, and preaching styles, but in reality, everyone still sits facing forward to pay attention to the 'leader' on the 'stage'.  This is not the 'format' in the early church, and for a variety of reasons, it's probably not practical to try and recapture that style and let it be representative.  But are there elements that perhaps we should?

So, what Paul describes in chapter 14 of 1 Corinthians, after hammering them for two chapters on their over emphasis on tongues, is worship where each person can participate (setting aside verses 34-35 - see my previous entry). One may have a psalm, or a teaching, or revelation (prophesy, see verse 30), a tongue (interpreted, see verse 28).  All can participate, but Paul's point is to participate in turn, each giving way to the next.  In this way, the participation is characterized by love for each other and building up the church.

So what would that look like in a modern/contemporary setting?  I don't know that a format or arrangement like we have today is very conducive to such 'participation'.  First off, the layout where everyone faces forward separates the worshipers from those leading in worship.  To participate in this format, participants would need to come forward, and the focus shifts to them rather than on what they do to participate.  It can be done, but it lends itself to awkwardness as people move around the worship center.

The second hurdle is the concept of 'participation' by the congregation is not currently in vogue.  People attending church don't think of themselves as 'participants', so starting out it would be awkward simply because of the paradigm shift necessary.  I think most churches are comfortable with the anonymity of others leading/participating.  Initially, the narcissists and 'dramatic' personalities will see participation as the 'answer to their prayers' and a 'sign from God'; which it isn't.  That too will be awkward, but it will also present an opportunity for a congregation to grow past self-focus, and opportunities for lovingly dealing with such a focus.

Overcoming the format and paradigm are where I believe the largest problems lie.  It doesn't matter what changes are made, it will be awkward for a time, so a commitment toward a new paradigm would have to be made by leadership, and frankly, that may be the most difficult change.  I know I wouldn't feel comfortable making it.  There are the competing restraints of concern for leading the church astray, and losing the 'center stage' (that's just reality, anyone would have that concern but not everyone would confess it).  Both serve to hinder widening participation. 

But is it even right to change now?  What are the benefits?  While it may be true, wider expression of gifts in worship could have benefit; is any benefit worth the trouble Paul addresses in this church?  Notice that their wide expression didn't hinder unloving behavior nor blatant sin in the participants.  So, such expression didn't increase 'holiness'.  It seems to be more a question of worship style almost.  Except for one thing, a thing not included in the verses above but included in verses 24 and 25.  Prophesy (not preaching) provides the Holy Spirit an opportunity to address specific people about specific things within the congregation.  It's probably one of the most terrifying elements to such 'widening' within worship.  Since the Holy Spirit knows everything about us, anything He wishes can be disclosed to improve our relationship with Him.  It's one thing to 'confess', it's a whole other thing to be 'called out'.

There are other things or effects, which in my ignorance, I can't even imagine at this point.  What would a word of knowledge be like?  What would a 'random teaching' fit like in worship?  One of the interesting things is that there was no mention of 'healing' as a part of 'worship'.  Not that it wasn't a part of the Corinthian worship, but perhaps 'healing' was supposed to be a gift in a more personal, intimate setting.  Such a setting would be more about the healing by God than about the person 'gifted', but couldn't the same thing be said about tongues or prophesy?  I don't think Paul is here limiting which gifts might be expressed in worship, but rather trying to give direction on their orderly use.  It's a practical application of love in the expression of gifts.

So my personal application has more to do with widening my acceptance of the work of my Master's Spirit than anything else.  As I grow in that area, I'm sure I will need to revisit these chapters to make sure the expression of gifts is done 'in turn' and orderly.  But since in my role(s) in my church, I don't really make such changes in my congregation, perhaps my personal application will be more in my own personal expression in worship and my acceptance of the expression of others.  I suppose time will tell on this one.