Editorial

Nicholas Zork
Liturgical Lessons from the Decalogue: Vain Worship

"You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain..." (Exodus 20:7 NASB)

 

When we think about the prohibition against taking "the name of the LORD your God in vain," we tend to imagine settings like a soccer match, ostensibly "secular" events or situations in which the divine may be inappropriately invoked. I've been enjoying a very entertaining and intriguing FIFA World Cup. And I've been surprised how often players reference God during a 90-minute match. Thrilling and sometimes elusive goals are perhaps the most frequent precursors to praise. I imagine missed chances have inspired less positive references to God as well. Concerns about such references -- especially the latter -- are valid, but I'm more unsettled about events in which our sensitivities to vain God-talk are dulled -- events in which invoking God's name can seem appropriate even when it isn't: namely, Christian worship. 

 

There are three ways in particular that we "take the name of the LORD your God in vain" in worship -- often quite inadvertently: Read more

Worship Ministry
Cheryl Wilson-Bridges
Steward or Worshiper: Which One Are You?

Whenever I've encouraged a worship leader to find a scripture to accompany his or her worship set, most leaders would naturally turn to the book Psalms. Some may turn to the New Testament. But few, if any, would consider Genesis as a resource for worship leading. Yet I have found that there are many golden principles that can be found in the book of Genesis.

 

In the beginning when God created the world, he designed Adam to be its first worship leader. On the sixth day God created Adam and gave him dominion (Gen. 1:28). Then God rested and sanctified the seventh day for all Earth's worship and praise (Gen. 2:2). From the beginning, God intended leadership and worship to be partnered. Adam and Eve walked together in the Garden in the freedom of holy fellowship. Read more

Worship Leading
Journey to the Heart of Worship: Transitioning from Chorister to Worship Leader
Dave Schwinghammer

 

I was eight years old when I led my first song service. I remember how nervous I felt, hoping the congregation would be happy with what I did. Of course, I can't remember the songs we sang, but I do remember that most, if not all, of my focus went into trying to please the congregation. I've learned over the years that there is a difference between leading in the singing of random favorites and actually leading worship.

 

I researched over 300 Bible verses that had direct reference to worship in an attempt to find out what the worshippers actually did. It soon became evident that when the Bible talks about worship, it refers to an action of response. Read more
Worship Music
Anthem Rising: Introducing New Worship Songs

Rick Anderson discusses principles and strategies for introducing new worship songs in your congregation.
Anthem Rising: Introducing New Worship Songs (Ep. 2)
Anthem Rising: Introducing New Worship Songs (Ep. 2)

Best Practices for Adventist Worship is published by NAD Ministerial.
Editor: Nicholas Zork . Copyright 2012 North American Division Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists. v(301) 680-6418