On the cover page of our weekly bulletin we print the words “A service of worship.” In the wider church culture we have essentially dropped the word service, or replaced it with something to do with experience. That’s unfortunate.
Rarely would anyone object to the idea of service. We serve our communities, families, organizations, etc. However, a strange thing happens when we start discussing worship. We often hear that it should not be a service or duty, but rather from the heart, uplifting, or something along these lines.
However, the Biblical witness does not make such sharp distinctions (In fact, Deuteronomy 30:17 connects heart, worship, and service.). Certainly, no one is against Christian worship being heartfelt and uplifting. Drudgery should be avoided, of course! But a one-sided emphasis on being heartfelt might stem as much from our culture’s extreme need for “authenticity” and being “real” as much or more than the biblical call for the heart (or will) to be engaged in worship.
Service As Worship
Romans 12:1-2 teaches that a living sacrifice is spiritual worship. Joshua chose to serve the Lord. Samuel directed the people of Israel to direct their hearts to the Lord and to serve him only (1 Sam. 7:3). Clearly, service and “heart” are not antithetical.
In 1 Samuel 2:11 there is an enlightening verse. It reads, “Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy ministered to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.” (ESV) We find out that the boy, Samuel, was busy trimming wicks on candles and the like. Who knows, maybe his heart was really into trimming wicks. But the passage does not strike you as a picture of a heartfelt and passionate worship experience. Ministry in this context means service, and is often translated as such. It’s used in 2:18 and 3:1 again in the same type of context.
The precursor to this whole story is obviously 1 Samuel 1, where we learn that Samuel was “lent to the Lord,” and that “he worshipped the Lord there.” (1:28) Again, the context for his service is worship. If you do a quick word search of the Bible using both words you will quickly see that the connection between service and worship is strong in the Scriptures.
Musical “Deacons”
In our worship service we encourage heartfelt worship. At the same time, as musicians we work hard to make sure we are in tune and play well (trimming wicks, as it were). I often ask our musicians to think of themselves as musical servants as they throw themselves into playing well.
Just to make the point, I’ve even used the phrase musical “deacons.” Of course, most are not ordained deacons, nor do they need to be. I make this emphasis simply to say that while we are serving we are worshipping. When our trumpet players pay attention to playing the correct notes in tune they don’t suddenly cease worshipping, even if they are not able to focus on every word that is being sung at the moment. While it’s true that pianists develop the skill of playing and paying attention to the text, this is quite difficult on many instruments. The point, however, is that playing with skill in order to support the congregation is a service of worship, a worship service.
The phrase ‘Worship Service’ may have fallen out of vogue, but I say we bring it back. It frees us to see that facilitating, helping, playing in tune, or bumping up the air doesn’t keep us from worship. It is a service of worship.
Yes, raising our voice in song or bowing our heads and hearts in awe is worship also. I’m glad we have those experiences. But, serving is not less than worship. In a hour of need Jesus Christ said, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Matthew 4:10 (ESV)