As one who is not currently a attending a church of Christ for an Army chapel, I can say I certainly have a great deal of love for these churches. I still regularly pray for Mike and Highland. If I were to move back to Texas I might or might not find myself belonging to one again. It might be difficult after leading worship both a cappella and instrumentally. But i certainly wish the church of most of my life the best, Kent

I don’t intend to be confrontational, but I’m not so sure that there is any misunderstanding between us. I think it is naive, wishful thinking, or possibly even damage control, to think that you’ve been a blessing to everyone who leaves and that they have remained a faithful and productive member of the body of Christ. If Highland is like other churches that I’ve experienced with an agenda, there are those who feel abandoned and leave broken hearted never to darken the door of any assembly. To say that it is not a “cause for deep concern,” is amazing to me.

http://jewishworldreview.com/cols/will120207.php3

qb

But more than that, I wouldn’t really hazard a guess about the “five words” that would/would not get a Democrat nominated because I simply have almost nothing invested in Democrat politics and don’t know that context well as my own experience. I still have more than a little difficulty “thinking like” a typical Democrat.

Rex
Ithaca Church of Christ
Ithaca, NY

I’ve been in several churches as I’ve moved throughout my lifetime, and I’m not too ashamed to say I very much gravitate toward more contemporary worship, instrumental or not. After being in a church that had a very “exciting” praise time, it’s hard to revert to more “traditional.” However, I am a member of a community (at Highland) that I love very much…(and most people wouldn’t classify Highland as traditional…ha ha!…but based on one of my worship experiences, it actually is.)

What I am thankful for is that I have gotten to experience different worship forms, and just because I prefer one that to me is more “fun” and “exciting” and that I feel makes me more open to God doesn’t mean I can’t worship more “traditionally.” However, I know well what Mike is saying here about people transplanting to other churches due primarily to the worship experience. I have friends at Highland who did just that. In addition, they are still in community in different ways with their Highland connections. However, it has been an agonizing decision for them in that it was not their desire to “leave” Highland at all.

I am quite impressed that friends of mine are taking responsibility to say, “I need to evaluate my weekly worship experience and see if it is one that helps me be most open to God.” I don’t think we saw this kind of honest evaluation years ago. People just came out of duty, sat, and disconnected…or went away dissatisfied. I believe our freedom in Christ allows this kind of honest evaluation. I know that worship is not supposed to be about us, but in reality it comes from us and therefore is all about us as well as all about God…all about how our hearts open and praise flows. I think we have to be honest about evaluating the avenues where we are most open to God, and if it is in our control, we face a responsibility to put ourselves there. That may mean going somewhere else or it may mean staying put and using my commute as a worship time.

Would I love a Saturday night service at Highland like Richland Hills has? You bet! Would that be better than two services Sunday morning? Maybe. However, in addressing these concerns, we can create an unnecessary burden on leadership and volunteers to create the “experience” every week, and if that “experience” is not “good enough”, then what? I think this (for lack of a better title) “contemporary/modern/exciting/whatever” kind of worship is incredible, but I also believe I’m responsible for worship as I look out the window this morning, too sick to attend services anywhere…

The conclusion? I don’t have one…just mixed thoughts and sorting. I love “contemporary/modern/exciting/rocking/whatever” worship experiences. I also love the community I’m currently in, which has a middle of the road worship experience. Would I like a more “rocking” option? Sure. But just because we don’t currently have it, ours is not “wrong” and somebody else’s is “right.” Do I want my leadership in my church to change our worship or offer alternatives? Yes, I’m open to that entirely. Do I come EXPECTING THEM to create the worship in me (by how “good” an experience they “produce”?) No, my worship is my responsibility. Are there avenues that make that easier for me to do? Sure. Is that a product of my culture? Probably entirely. But I’m glad I have many options about being excited about God.

And, having grown up in various C of C’s, I’m really glad to be having this conversation at all…we’ve come a long way, baby!