FAQ

F.A.Q.: Frequently Asked Questions - Worship

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Question: Where did the idea of a contemporary worship service come from?

Answer: from the congregation through conversation and through the worship surveys (see fourth question below).

Question: How will you refer to the services so that we can recognize the difference?

Answer: We will call the traditional service, Sanctuary, and the contemporary service, The Invitation.

Question: What’s the difference between the Sanctuary and the Invitation?

Answer: In a way, the answer is: What’s your flavor? While that is a crass way to consider worship, it holds a great deal of truth for persons who are already members of the church. Historically, everything that we have was once “contemporary.” Pipe organs were instruments of the secular theatre and were thought to be inappropriate in the church when they were first introduced. Silent Night was first preformed with a guitar and was actually written for the guitar because the pipe organ was out of commission. Many of Charles Wesley’s hymn tunes came from the bar tunes of the day. Pews were unknown in the great cathedrals of Europe when they were first built (people stood for worship). The form is distinct for each but the content is very similar.

Question: Why are we introducing a contemporary service again?

Answer: This decision is in direct response to members of the congregation – both sides. Many people have requested a more traditional communion service and/or a service that has music that is “more traditional.” Others have requested a more contemporary service that involves music, drama, and teaching, uses the large screens and is in other ways multi-sensory. Neither approach to worship is inherently better or more correct. They are just different. Each can be meaningful and can give honor to God.

Question: What is the purpose?

Answer: Simply stated, our Sanctuary service will seek to use the best of church traditions for the glory of God so that the worshiper will be drawn closer to God and God will be made manifest (known).
The same purpose exists for the Invitation with one addition. That service will focus on the contemporary generations use of instruments and media as well as drama to communicate in familiar ways to persons who may be less familiar with Christian worship. In simple terms, we will seek to make the gospel accessible to the seeker as well as the saint.

Question: How will we pull this off?

Answer: First Methodist has many talented persons. Two distinct worship services offer a greater opportunity for people to use their talents to reach the world for Christ. It is our desire to upgrade all our worship as a way to honor God. We invite you to be part of extending our reach into the community as we make, grow and send disciples for Jesus Christ.

Take the Worship Survey