Worship Evangelism: Inviting Unbelievers Into the Presence of God

This book seriously changed my perspective on the role of worship in the church. I had always had a sneaking suspicion that perhaps a church that effectively worshipped would have an undeniable attraction to people desperately seeking something "real."In true, Biblical worship there is much power, and Ms. Morgenthaler does an admirable job covering the subject, including some great case study data.

In Worship Evangelism, Sally Morgenthaler builds a framework of understanding the evangelical potential of worship. While many churches seek to separate worship and evangelism under the notion that unbelievers cannot know and experience the things of God, Morgenthaler argues for the blending of these two important faith areas. Unbelievers will be draw to faith through witnessing genuine worship (1999:9).Morgenthaler takes exception with the current "seeker-friendly" service which supposedly attracts the unchurched without exposing them to "worship." Through extensive research Morgenthaler shows the steady decline of these churches and a generation hungry for worship that inspires and ultimately reaches the unchurched.According to Morgenthaler, effective corporate worship needs four basic elements (essentials): (1) Nearness - a sense of God's presence; (2) Knowledge - worship centered on Christ; (3) Vulnerability - opening up to God; and (4) Interaction - participating in a relationship with God and others (1999:96-97).While Morgenthaler gives some practical "hands-on" material, much of her work is devoted to building a solid theological and cultural foundation for worship evangelism.

Sally Morgenthaler began the "Preface" of Worship Evangelism with these words: "This is a book about worship paradigms . . . The central paradigm of this book is that our worship either affirms or contradicts our message about God." (9). Throughout the text Morgenthaler's provocative questions ask the reader to affirm the worship experience as one that is authentic not synthetic, life-changing not a quick fix, effective not just practical, of lasting value not merely a rapturous happening. Real worship is connecting with God. The process of connecting with God is an individual experience. It also may happen in congregational settings. In the first one hundred pages, Morgenthaler offered several definitive statements. Five of them are: (1) "The true goal of evangelism is to produce more and better worshippers" (39). (2) "Spirit and truth must be fundamental building blocks of any valid worship experience" (47). (3) "Worship, in the final analysis, means change" (52). (4) "God sees every person as a potential worshiper" (83). (5) "Worship evangelism happens when we allow worship to be what it was meant to be - `a resource for incomplete and broken mankind to find completion and wholeness in His Presence" (93).No doubt, when anyone intentionally sets time aside to worship the next time, it is as though for the first time. However adept at communicating with God someone is, the next time is the first time for this time. The experience of qualitative congregational worship is partially the result of familiarity with the mechanics of knowing what to expect to do. It is partially the result of joining with other worshippers with the intention to engage in public acts of prayer, singing, and active listening. It is partially the result of moving from spectator to communicant. Morgenthaler identified four crucial elements for effective qualitative worship. They are: "nearness, knowledge, vulnerability, and interaction" (96). These keys ask the worshipper: (1) to sense and be sensitive to God's presence; (2) to center specifically on Christ ["Jesus Christ is how we know God" (103)]; (3) to be open to God; and (4) to witness to, for, and with others in the common struggle to deal with issues related to "self-esteem, fear of failure, acceptance and relationships, substance abuse, etc." (121). The type of worship envisioned: "impacts people at profound levels, provides contact with a holy and loving God, [is] nurturing, uplifting with those who are called in God's name" (123).Practically speaking, Morgenthaler suggested a five-part guide for worship events. They are: esteem, expound, encounter, examine, enjoy (159-160). Love and honor God; tell the old, old story in dramatic ways; internalize the experience; look into one's own soul; and, savor God's benefits. The various diagrams illustrating alternative worship paradigms in Chapter 7, "When the Boomerang Doesn't Come Back: Designing Boomer Worship for Depth" (145-171) are helpful. In C

Morgenthaler has done a masterful job of demonstrating how worship can be a highly effective tool for evangelism. Morgenthaler strongly disagrees that seekers and worshippers should not mix. She argues that when seekers experience the authenticity of Christians meaningfully worshipping God, that they are drawn to seek God themselves. This thoroughly documented book elucidates the key elements of dynamic and biblical worship. Morgenthaler argues that for churches to reach the unchurched, worship needs to be "real" (1999:30). The church needs to reclaim heartfelt worship as its first priority (1999:38-39). The church's goal must be God, not growth. The old rationalistic mindset is gone. People are seeking a more experiential spirituality. When seekers are exposed to authentic, biblical spirituality they are moved. Morgenthaler notes: "Worship is the most powerful tool for satisfying the hunger of famished, injured souls, for breaking down spiritual strongholds of pride and unbelief, and for ushering in the gift of true joy" (1999:84). Morgenthaler describes four essentials for worship evangelism: nearness, knowledge, vulnerability and interaction (1999:96-123). She argues, "cutting edge relevance matters less than being real" (1999:139). In discussing reaching out to "boomers", she notes that boomers are not all alike. She treats boomers in three separate groups; loyalists, dropouts and returnees (1999:148). Morgethaler gives practical suggestions on designing worship suitable for boomers. She also analyzes the needs of "busters". Morgenthaler supplies useful tools for evaluating whether music is maximally suitable for worship. Her "PASS" analysis is a highly practical evaluative tool. She closes with up close observation of selected congregations, which are doing effective worship evangelism. The book also features a study guide. This is an outstanding book for pastors and worship leaders!

Music Ministers, Pastors, church staff....Are yo willing to be challenged and put to the test regarding your worship beliefs and practices? If so...this book is for you....today! Whether you are contemporary, traditional, seeker, or member focused I encourage you to get a copy of this book and let it work on you in a very practical manner. Not a book to be taken lightly. Nor is it overbearing and hard to read. Allow yourself to be questioned, challenged, and evaluated, and it will be one of the best books you've purchased regarding today's worship practices.