Contemporary, traditional, spontaneous, liturgical, a cappella or instrumental …

The problem with the ongoing “worship” wars is that all sides miss some central truths.

Although the New Testament has a lot to say about Christians assembling together …

No where does it include “worship” as an element of our gatherings.

Nope, not, nada …

Just ain’t there.

Yes, we are told to sing praises to God …

But for the sole purpose of encouraging one another, rather than as an act of “worship.”

You might be further surprised to learn that the New Testament Greek words translated as “worship” don’t mean singing.

Instead, they specifically refer to the temple rituals of prostration and animal sacrifice, both Old Testament and pagan …

But not New Testament gatherings of believers.

In fact, the current idea of Christians going to “God’s House” to “worship” at a “service” is utterly missing from the New Testament.

Rather, we are repeatedly commanded to simply gather for mutual edification and to build each other up …

Through horizontal ministry one to another as the multi-part, multi-gifted Body of Christ.

That’s a far cry from “church” as we’ve come to know it …

Regardless of how you otherwise might want to define “worship.”