If we look at the church consisting of the body of believers, we are told in Acts that the early church met for four reasons. They were for teaching doctrine; for fellowship, that is encouraging each other in the Word and holy living; for the Lord’s Table; for prayer. The example from Acts shows us that the meetings/worship service of the church is a place where believers are “refuelled” so to speak and then as “missional Christians” they go out into the world to share with the non-believer. When the non-believer is saved he is then added to the church body by the Lord. That is how the church is “the one institution that exists for the benefit of those who are not yet a part of our community.”

In the example you gave of 1 Corinthians 14 I do not agree that Paul is calling believers to “adapt its worship because of the presence of unbelievers.” Paul would be giving the same instructions whether there were unbelievers present or not. However, I do see teaching on the proper conduct in the worship service. Paul refers to the fact that the Corinthians were carrying about in a manner that did not reflect the character and nature of God. Rather than displaying peace and harmony, order and clarity, they were instilling strife and confusion because of their actions. Paul specifically instructs on the use of tongues and emphasizes the importance of prophecy over all. The Corinthian believers were misusing tongues and Paul corrected them. To try and adapt this teaching to the general worship of the body of believers, saying that their worship should be adapted to suit the unbeliever, I truly feel is stretching things and does a disservice to this portion of Scripture and the overall conduct of the church.

Personally, I do not feel that we can “design our worship experiences to be inclusive and welcoming of both believers and unbelievers…” For one thing, true worship cannot be designed – it flows from the heart as an offering to God. It acknowledges God as He has revealed Himself in His Word and that makes exposition of that Word all important, helping the believer to better know the One whom he is worshipping. That is worshipping “in spirit and in truth.” To plan a service to include both involves a compromise and both sides will suffer in the long run.

When we come down to the issue of music in the worship service I do not see where the musical listening habits of the unsaved public should come into play. Colossians 3:16 tells us “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Here Paul is calling for variety that cannot be contained in one particular musical form. But he is also calling for music that “teaches” and “admonishes” one another in those various forms. Content then is the all important goal of any type of music used whether it is an old hymn of the faith or a more contemporary piece. Does the music have substance and not just aim at an emotional response? Just like preaching, music should be part of the ministry of the Word.

The Psalmist prayed “let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer (Psalm 19:14). The primary questions to be asked of our worship service should be “is this worship acceptable to God, totally for Him” and “does this strengthen the believer in his faith.” If believers are authentically worshipping God as they should, the unsaved will be attracted, not because the believers reflect modern musical styles but because they have something of substance to offer. We turn many things into idols, the worship service being one of them, but we need to remember that everything we do should be for God and not the world.

was so great to see you both yesturday , i am so excited for and jane , you have been a blessing to our famiy and many others here in thunder bay and beyond , thank God for you and yours

love the valleys