It's Not Just for Sitting

I'd like to describe a worship model that is being used by a number of churches that cater to postmoderns. I hesitate to call this a postmodern model or worship for postmoderns, mostly because I have concerns about it, but also because I've talked with some postmoderns who reject it. I offer it here only as an example of some of the experimental worship that is being offered. I am neither recommending nor endorsing it.

This order makes the point that most worship models today are linear; that is, one element flows directly into the next and the next and the next, and all worshipers experience all elements simultaneously. It is a worship order that promotes unity and community. The claim is made, however, that the postmodern mind works differently and we should respond with a different kind of worship model — a nonlinear model. Young postmoderns today, especially perhaps teens, thrive on multitasking. They enjoy being engaged in multiple activities at the same time, such as a teenager listening to an iPod, doing homework, watching MTV, and text messaging a friend simultaneously. Postmoderns actually may prefer this kind of approach to life's activities and may find the singleminded approach boring.

In this worship model, the service proceeds in familiar linear fashion with everyone engaged together through singing, announcements, prayer, Scripture, sermon, and perhaps other worship elements. But at some point following the sermon, the service offers a number of alternative activities; and worshipers elect to participate in one, some, or all of them; or they may simply remain seated and not do any of them. The activities may change from week to week or may stay the same over a longer period. There may be two or three activities offered, or six or more. There is no established or regular arrangement for these multiple activities, but they may include congregational singing in the pews; moving to a particular location in the sanctuary ("station") and receiving Holy Communion; going to another station and placing an offering. Other stations may include opportunities for prayer and anointing with oil; praying for healing; kneeling in private prayer; lighting a candle; writing a prayer request or concern on a piece of paper; watching a video; viewing slides of religious art. All these activities are offered at the same time during the service over an extended period of time (15-30 minutes). Upon some agreed upon signal or announcement, all are brought back together for a concluding prayer, song, and sending forth.

I was first introduced to this worship model seven years ago by John Bell of the Iona Community during an event he led at Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville. It was regarded as truly radical and strange by many in that group of musicians, clergy, and worship leaders. It seems to have caught on, especially in churches that have a predominantly younger congregation.

Church — it's not just for sitting anymore.