Thanks to the generosity of the Florida Orchestra, teachers may attend concerts with a guest for $10 each. Since my spouse is a teacher, we go to most of the Masterworks Concerts. This is something that we enjoy and look forward to. It is often the highlight of the weekend, after going to church, that is!
It is amazing to see this group of people join together to create a masterful performance time and time again. When we go to the concerts, there are the musicians on stage doing their part. But for the experience to be complete, the audience must also do their part. If I am really tired or distracted, I have noticed that I don’t fully appreciate the performance. But when I am attentive and concentrating on what is going on, it is enthralling.
When it comes to preaching, we are taught that what the preacher does is only part of the preaching event. The congregation is also needed to participate by being attentive and engaged. It takes energy from both parties for the experience to be uplifting and illuminating. This is similar to the dynamic with the orchestra.
Often worship is portrayed as a kind of spectator event. The pastor and musicians, etc. put on a performance for the congregation. There is some audience participation but mainly there are the performers and the spectators. It can be thought of like an entertainment event.
I think there is another perspective worth considering. When we gather for worship, we are all participating. We are all taking part. It is as if leaders and congregation and musicians and others are the different sections of the orchestra all working together to create a dynamic experience. And what, then, of the audience? God is the audience. God is the observer, the watcher, the spectator, the recipient. We all come and participate for God’s pleasure. So when you come to church, in whatever capacity – congregant, liturgist, usher, teacher, parent, preacher, driver – you are invited to be there for God. To perform your part for God. To be engaged and participating for God’s delight. You are needed to play your part!
See you in church.
Prayer: We are used to being entertained. We like to be served. We are so often spectators. This can be a passive role. May we remember that when it comes to worship, all have an active and vital role to play. May we work together to create an experience that is enthralling to God each and every Sunday. Amen.
Lakewood United Church of Christ 