Worship With Integrity

John Middleton, a retired United Methodist pastor who these days engages in a variety of activities including writing hymn texts and a monthly newsletter, has written an informative and thought-provoking article, "When It's Time to Change Worship." (availableon this site).In it he discusses the oft-trumpeted call, "Worship with integrity!"

Just what does that mean? What is appropriate in worship, or not? How do we consider issues relating to traditional-contemporary-blended and formal-informal styles in light of integrity? How does this relate to issues of congregational seating, hymnal vs. projection, use of drama and dance, organ-piano-keyboard, guitars, and drums?

After referring to Brian Wren's framework for understanding the attitudes which undermine our worship (pragmatism, narcissism, and entertainment), Middleton goes on to identify his own benchmarks of integrity in worship: liturgy, theology, anthropology, and context.

Middleton's articlecan help anyone involved in planning and leading Christian worship, as well as those engaged in the pews.