visual) works for everyone. The same is true for worship. Every con- gregation needs to wrestle with this reality.
People experience God in wor-
ship differently. When we limit or demand only one style, whether it be traditional or alternative, we risk excluding others from our commu- nity. If ELCA congregations are to continue passing the faith from gen- eration to generation, we must com- mit to first proclaiming the “why” of worship and embrace the “what” as flexible and ever-changing. We do well to consider that the
average age of worshipers at an ELCA congregation is 57 and the average age of an American is 33, according to ELCA Research and Evaluation. Today some of the dif- ference in worship style is genera- tional, as aging baby boomers opt for the comfort of traditional liturgies. Meanwhile, many of their children and grandchildren search for the kind of experiences church futurist Len Sweet calls “EPIC.” EPIC stands for experiential (full integration of all senses rather than just hearing); participatory (away from passive observation); image- rich (sight-oriented with art, film and video); and communal (wanting to be the church rather than go to the church).
The truth is that many of those asking the “why” of worship are leaving or have left—often with the impression that the rest of us aren’t willing to listen to their yearnings for God or to share with them in worship. Yet what are we here for, if not to risk ourselves for the sake of others? We are to risk ourselves for those outside our worshiping communities and for those among us who seek to encounter Jesus as the heart of wor- ship. What a blessing that Luther already gave us in the example of
Reformation worship. Reformation worship embraced and changed the “what” of the Latin mass, recovering the “why” of wor- ship: people encountering God in their own language, in their own music, in good news of word and sacrament.
How can we as congregations risk ourselves today in worship? • Offer options. If your congrega- tion is large enough to have more than one weekly service, offer at least two choices: traditional litur- gical and at least a blended EPIC (alternative style). • Use technology. Digital technol- ogy isn’t the enemy but a tool for EPIC worship in any style. Pro- jection of text, music and art can enhance your space for the purpose of worship—not its object. • Understand tradition. The most innovative alternative services are surprisingly “traditional,” empha- sizing weekly eucharist, communal prayer and other ancient elements. “Contemporary” doesn’t mean abandoning the core of Christian worship but rather casting it in a new language. • Embrace your context and recognize diversity. If your wor- shiping community is located in a small-town or rural area with many Sudanese immigrants, your worship music, images and styles will be different from one in a Latino neigh- borhood in Miami or in the ranch communities of Fresno, Calif. • Listen openly. Don’t reinvent the wheel. Learn from worship at other congregations. Listen to those who seek experiential, participatory, image-rich and communal worship. Listen to those who treasure the rich- ness of traditional liturgy and recog- nize its value in your congregation. • Share graciously. The “why” of worship is God revealed in Jesus crucified and risen for us. No single
generation or community has an exclusive hold on how worship is done. Everyone must be willing to “lose” in worship so others gain. Look to the cross as both a reminder and a yardstick to measure the “why” and the “what” of Lutheran worship. • Forgive generously. The “what” of worship will vary and occasion- ally be misunderstood, cause offense to some or be done poorly. But if we embrace the “evangelical” in our name (Luther’s name for those who followed in his footsteps) we model the good news as we risk being ves- sels for others to experience Jesus in daily life, and not just for an hour on Sunday morning. • Encourage abundantly. It’s easy to complain out of a sense of per- sonal loss or to wear down pastors and leaders about worship changes you don’t agree with or understand. Try to put aside complaints and speak well of your worship leaders. This may be your opportunity to risk yourselves for them and those they seek to reach who are unlike you. The next time you gather for worship, be it in pews surrounded by stained glass or by a stage with a latte, take time to look around. Who do you see? Who do you not see? Your answers shouldn’t be cause for despair or self-congratulation. What you will see is Jesus in the flesh: in, with and through you … in bread and wine … in body and blood. As you allow the “why” of worship to become primary, you may be surprised at how God blesses you with the “what” of worship. And that includes both the beautiful, traditional liturgy and its contem- porary, less liturgical expressions, moving your congregation beyond its walls, beyond the generations and beyond all differences to become the church, the living body of Christ today and tomorrow. M
March 2012 25
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