The biblical view of worship

In our last column on Acts we discussed the account of Cornelius, the Roman centurion, and some friends receiving the Holy Spirit and talking in tongues. In the middle of the account we have a little word picture that illustrates so well what I believe should be happening today when believers gather to worship. In Acts 10:33 we read, “Now we are all here in the presence of God to hear everything that the Lord has given you to pass on to us.”
       This verse has relevance for today’s pastor as well as churchgoer. Beginning with pastor, we note that he is to give to the people what the Lord has given to him. He is the channel through whom the congregation is spiritually nourished when they meet for worship. In biblical terminology he is the good shepherd who takes his flock to the green pasture. I’ve observed that all too often this analogy doesn’t describe what in fact is gong on in so many church services. The sermon may be helpful in a general way, but it doesn’t make us aware of God’s presence. Our verse speaks of the pastor’s role in passing on “what he has received from the Lord.” Good biblical preaching is sharing with the congregation not only what you have learned about a passage, but also what it means to you personally. Good ideas are helpful, but what is essential is for God himself to speak through you as you explain the text. I believe that authentic preaching is sacramental, that is, it puts people in genuine contact with God. The role of the preacher is to explain the text and then get out of the way. 
It is God’s Spirit that brings about spiritual change. Ultimately it is the Spirit, not our feeble advice, that impacts the heart and alters the conduct. So, pastor, explain the text, then let the Spirit speak through you directly to the congregation. 
       And what does the picture say for those who listen? I think the major point is that when pastor and congregation gather for worship they should all experience the divine presence. A Christian worship service doesn’t consist of good people getting together and listening to a pastor share his ideas (even though they may be helpful), but of the body as a whole listening to God as he speaks to all through the message. It is not information we need, but the refreshing experience of the presence of God as he speaks to each. While we may be accustomed to different styles of “worship” it is important that we are fully aware that we are in the presence of God. We need to prepare ourselves as a congregation for the corporate experience of a visit from the One who created all of us and knows what each one needs.
       As we actually experience the presence of God we won’t need a group of singers up front or the heavy beat of a drum to make it real. God is the shepherd and we are the ones who feed on what He, not necessarily the person in the pulpit, wants us to learn. It is what you might call a spiritual form of triangulation: pastor, congregation, and God. I believe that in the long run, that is what every true believer would like to experience in every service. The good news is that God is always available.  Add to that a pastor who is spiritually ready to share what God has taught him and a congregation prepared to listen. As Cornelius said to Peter so long ago, “Now we are all here in the presence of God to hear everything that the Lord has given you to pass on to us.”