Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 75; Jeremiah 33:1-13; Matthew 13:36-43; 1 Corinthians 14:26-32; Psalm 50
One of the disturbing trends in ministry over the last seventy-five years is toward the professionalization of ministry. I find this trend disturbing for two reasons. First, this trend has helped created a sense of hierarchy within the church where you have ordained clergypersons on one level and laypersons on another. Second, the trend toward the professionalization of ministry has created an environment where laypeople have come to expect others – the professionals – to do much of the ministry for them. “After all,” some say, “that’s why we pay them.” The consequence of all of this is that some laypeople feel more and more disempowered in their spiritual lives. Today’s reading from 1 Corinthians presents a very different view of how a faith community should operate - especially in its worship life. “When you gather for worship,” Paul wrote, “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” (1 Corinthians 14:26 – The Message). What an amazing way to worship where are all empowered to take and active role and the designations of lay and clergy seem unimportant. Thankfully, there are those within the emerging worship movement who are helping us re-claim this first century vision of the church. My question for you to consider today is this: how do you see worship? Are you most comfortable with the late 20th Century model of worship where words like lay and clergy are essential and where others create the worship experience for you; or are you open to re-claiming a 1st Century model of worship where each person – regardless of standing – is encouraged to help create a worship experience whose sum is greater than its parts? Til next time…
One of the disturbing trends in ministry over the last seventy-five years is toward the professionalization of ministry. I find this trend disturbing for two reasons. First, this trend has helped created a sense of hierarchy within the church where you have ordained clergypersons on one level and laypersons on another. Second, the trend toward the professionalization of ministry has created an environment where laypeople have come to expect others – the professionals – to do much of the ministry for them. “After all,” some say, “that’s why we pay them.” The consequence of all of this is that some laypeople feel more and more disempowered in their spiritual lives. Today’s reading from 1 Corinthians presents a very different view of how a faith community should operate - especially in its worship life. “When you gather for worship,” Paul wrote, “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” (1 Corinthians 14:26 – The Message). What an amazing way to worship where are all empowered to take and active role and the designations of lay and clergy seem unimportant. Thankfully, there are those within the emerging worship movement who are helping us re-claim this first century vision of the church. My question for you to consider today is this: how do you see worship? Are you most comfortable with the late 20th Century model of worship where words like lay and clergy are essential and where others create the worship experience for you; or are you open to re-claiming a 1st Century model of worship where each person – regardless of standing – is encouraged to help create a worship experience whose sum is greater than its parts? Til next time…
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