Rev. Skip Seibel

Worship

 

Worship is the centerpiece of life together for a community of faith. It is the doorway through which visitors will enter. It is our main avenue for evangelism. The atmosphere must be welcoming, warm and inviting. Those who enter our doors must not only hear the gospel message, they must be brought into the presence of God through the power of music and they must experience God’s unconditional love and acceptance from the people of the church.

 

For many, worship will be their only exposure to the Word of God. For many, worship will be their only experience of the scriptures for the week. Therefore, I believe the sermon must be engaging, biblical, practical and thought-provoking. 

 

Sunday morning worship may also be their only exposure to the love of our Lord Jesus Christ, the grace of God the Father and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I believe our worship must reflect the power, beauty, grace and mercy of the God we proclaim. Music is the key to effective and passionate worship. Music can touch us in ways that words cannot. Music can transport us into the presence of God. Therefore our music must be uplifting and powerful. It must be done to the best of our abilities.

 

Because worship for many will be their only exposure, their only experience of the God we serve, we must plan it to the best of our abilities. The planning for worship must be intentional and creative. The experience of worship must be uplifting and encouraging. People must leave worship wishing it was ten minutes longer rather than ten minutes shorter. They should leave wanting more and not less, with a full spirit and a grateful heart.