More thoughts on worship

Tonight's meeting was a bit quicker than they have been normally and attendance was low, but it allowed us to get to know each other better. The discussion was much more relational than theological. It's all part of what we need anyway.

Sometimes it is very illuminating to read and search the Bible using different translations from time to time. Your mind's eye catches something you haven't seen before. That happened to me as I was looking for more passages on worship this week. I searched "The Message" and found this in 1 Corinthians 14:24-33.

"24 But if some unbelieving outsiders walk in on a service where people are speaking out God's truth, the plain words will bring them up against the truth 25 and probe their hearts. Before you know it, they're going to be on their faces before God, recognizing that God is among you.

26 So here's what I want you to do. When you gather for worship, each one of you be prepared with something that will be useful for all: Sing a hymn, teach a lesson, tell a story, lead a prayer, provide an insight. 27 If prayers are offered in tongues, two or three's the limit, and then only if someone is present who can interpret what you're saying. 28 Otherwise, keep it between God and yourself. 29 And no more than two or three speakers at a meeting, with the rest of you listening and taking it to heart. 30 Take your turn, no one person taking over. 31 Then each speaker gets a chance to say something special from God, and you all learn from each other. 32 If you choose to speak, you're also responsible for how and when you speak. 33 When we worship the right way, God doesn't stir us up into confusion; he brings us into harmony. This goes for all the churches - no exceptions. "

Paul offers some pretty clear instructions to the Jesus followers in Corinth and beyond.
+ Be plain in speech so that visitors will be able to fathom what you're saying.
+ All the followers should come with something to contribute in worship.
+ Don't let anyone hog the meeting time.
+ No speaking or praying in tongues without one who can interpret for the group.
+ The choice of whether you speak and what you say and how you say it is your responsibility.
+ Worship should bring harmony not confusion.

The mainline churches are mostly used to having a small group of people who handle the details of worship. What Paul is suggesting here would be a radical decentralization of the process and a radical reliance upon the Holy Spirit to provide the spiritual food for worship.

It makes me hungry. Any thoughts?