Sunday was definitely one of the high points in my years as a worship leader. As I look back at some of the experiences that shaped me, I remember the first time I played on a worship team with drums. I remember directing a group of worshipers from different churches for a community Good Friday service. I remember being in the Pontiac Silver Dome with thousands of other men singing praises to God. I remember the joy of leading worship at the 25th Anniversary service for MPCC. And I will remember bridging the racial divide and worshipping with Divine Order on February 1, 2009 at Community Church.
What a joy to combine with an African American worship group and sing praises to the God who created us all in His image - red, yellow, black or white. I’m sure Sunday’s service was precious in His sight. There are certain times in life when you can feel God’s pleasure. For me Sunday was one of them!
I pray that our church will become more racially diverse. It’s our job as members and attendees to encourage this. We need to expand our vision as well as our worship experience to encompass the variety of culture that God created. As Brian pointed out on Sunday, Jesus reached past gender, age, religion and race in order to share the gospel message. Can we be expected to do less? I am reminded of how the founders of MPCC were stretched by adding contemporary music, drama, dance and comedy to their new worship experience.
God is always in the business of expanding us and moving us out of our comfort zones - not only for our own good, but also for the good of those around us.
While no church is called to be all things to all people, if we continue to expand our worship experiences God can better use us to reach those around us. Learning to worship in other styles increases our understanding of others and makes us more mature and well rounded as worshipers. It may also make us more approachable for some who may not otherwise feel comfortable here. Enjoy God and don’t limit yourself. Open up to the abundant riches and cultures of His kingdom. He may reveal Himself to you in a new and wonderful ways!
Keep praising Him!
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