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Explore the evolving nature of worship from traditional to postmodern paradigms, including key movements, characteristics of worshipers, and the shift into postmodern worship. Discover how to adapt worship practices for a changing world and foster meaningful connections with the divine.
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Worship in a Changing World Source: Robert Webber, Worship First conference John.chandler@vbmb.org
Worship Changes in 20th Century Traditional Contemporary Postmodern 1900 1960 1990
9 Traditions, 1900-1960 • Liturgical • Reformed • Anabaptist • Quaker • Restitution • Revivalism • Soul Worship • Pentecostal • Holiness
Three Characteristics of Traditional Worship • 1. Print-oriented. • 2. Predictable. • 3. Isolationist.
Two Worship Renewal Movements Now Talking Catholic Renewal – Mainline Renewal Blended 1990 Pentecostal 1906 Praise/Worship 1965 Charismatic 1940s
Key Contemporary Flashpoints • Bill and Gloria Gaither, 1960s • Music revolution in U.S. • Jesus People (1970s) • Maranatha music • A new move out of isolationism (today)
Convergence Liturgicaland charismatic worship are moving out of isolationism and into conversation Catholic/Liturgical Restore a biblical theology and structure of worship Pentecostal / Liturgical / Praise Restore the immediacy of the Spirit in worship Shift into Postmodern Worship
From “answers” to “experience” • People no longer come into town looking for the best preaching, but the best worship • They don’t want “evidence that demands a verdict,” but an encounter with the living God
7 Characteristics of New Postmodern Worshipers • Ready to commit. • Spiritual but not religious. • Nostalgic for the past. • Long for connection. • Attracted to mystery and ambiguity. • Participatory joiners. • Audio-visual learners. Bonhoeffer Anti-institutional Taize, Iona, Greek Orthodox Chat room Aware of complexity, seeking wisdom (not answers) Don’t want worship done to them Beyond talking head
Love/Hate2001 Survey of Wheaton students • 91% negative: “entertainment worship” • Worship done “to me” • beyond “excellence” • Presentational • Whether traditional or contemporary • 98% positive: “encounter with God” • Depth and substance
5 Characteristics of Postmodern Worship • 1. Authentic • 2. Spiritually engaging • 3. Participatory • 4. Visual/Oral • 5. Contemplative
The Conflicts • Recently: The “Booster” vs. the “Boomer” • Worship wars • Coming: the “Boomer” versus the “20-something” • Won’t be a fight, because 20s are surfers, not fighters
A theological hypothesis … • If worship is a function of mission … • … then the forms of worship will change as cultures change • … even as the object of worship remains unchanging and eternal!
A question … • How does worship in your church need to change in order to help people in your culture connect with the God of Jesus Christ?
Worship in a Changing World Dr. John P. Chandler The Ray and Ann Spence Network for Congrgational Leadership www.rasnet.org John.chandler@vbmb.org Copy right John P. Chandler, 2001