Rejoice in Worship - Bilingual Worship: Expressing Our Faith in Two Languages

Bilingual worship involves specific elements that are vital for the worship experience to be complete. In Acts 2:8 we have an example of a multilingual service: "And how is it that we hear, each of us, in our own native language?" Today, with the great cultural diversity in our congregations, we need bilingual pastors and leaders more than ever.

In Liturgy in a Multicultural Community, Mark R. Francis states that we need to develop a multicultural spirituality. We must learn to listen to the needs of others; to learn their traditions and forms of worship. We must be patient with one another. Those in leadership roles need to see if any limitations are being imposed because of their particular culture. There needs to be a liturgical common ground. The act of gathering the community for worship, showing hospitality, processions, music, the proclamation of the Word, the sharing of the Communion meal – all of these are signs through which God’s presence is disclosed to the community, regardless of culture or language.

Other components of a bilingual service are:

• The environment. Is the space for worship appropriate? Has it been arranged with care? This also applies to any form of worship: music, art, drama, etc. Does it contribute to the quality of worship? Multicultural worship must be a meaningful experience for everyone.
• The proclamation of the Word. Those who speak both Spanish and English argue that listening to two sermons in two languages can be tiring and boring. Those who understand only one language lose out on portions of the sermon. Therefore, it is very important for the interpreter to be fluent in both languages and to be as faithful to the text as possible in the course of translating. If the translator begins in Spanish, translating into English, then that format must be followed throughout. A simultaneous interpretation, with the use of headphones, would bring better results.
• Hymns and songs in worship. Music directors must be familiar with the customary style of music of the various groups represented in the congregation. How to use and combine the different styles to enhance worship? During congregational singing, 2-3 stanzas can be sung in one language and the rest in another, giving the congregation an opportunity to learn and appreciate hymns from another culture, while at the same time enriching the worship experience. Using different musical instruments native to each culture also enhances corporate worship. In any case, whether the congregation sings in their native tongue or in a different language, it is always good to remind them that our songs are part of our gift to God and must be offered with reverence and thanksgiving.

There are important events in the life of the community that can be celebrated multiculturally: e.g., Thanksgiving, Pentecost, baptisms, weddings. In a Hispanic wedding, for instance, the arras (coins given by the bridegroom to the bride as token) and the lazo (a unity cord or ribbon placed over the shoulders of the couple), provide a cultural aspect that can be shared with the wider community. In any event, it is good to have persons of different backgrounds and cultures on the worship planning committee, as well as in leadership roles. Sharing the gifts and talents of the various groups will certainly lead to a fuller and more meaningful worship experience.

Rev. Josue Mora P. is a clergy member of the Kansas West Annual Conference. He currently serves as pastor of Moscow United Methodist Church, Moscow, KS.