A Young Adult's Perspective on Worship

The age period between the early 20's up to the early 30's is considered a wasteland for attendance in the church. Often those who are absent in that time period give reasons along the lines that they don't have the time or that the church doesn't fit their needs. When I hear these reasons, as a young adult myself, I have to wonder if people understand the point of worship. Honestly, why do we wake up early on our precious weekends and make our way to church for an hour of singing old hymns and reading even older passages? What do I get out of attending church Sunday morning? Well the problem is in the questions themselves.

Attending worship has very little to do with us; worship is about God. We allot ourselves time each week to be completely devoted to God. We gather to praise, give thanks, and rejoice for the wonders that have been bestowed on us. When one worships he or she does it as a sign of appreciation and dedication. It's the participation in worship that binds us together into the church. We arise early on Sundays, sing the old hymns of praise to God, and read the even older passages about how amazing our God is. We do all of this not hoping to receive anything but to give thanks for all that we have been given.

Another problem that I see that strikes both the younger and the older members of a congregation is what they define as worshiping. Most associate worshiping with attending a church service. With this view I believe that the bond between us as the body of Christ becomes more ceremonial, there only to simply exist. What I think we are called to do is to not only attend but to participate in worship. It is our participation that takes words printed in bulletins and hymnals and makes them into the living word of God. It is both our actions and our words that we bring forth as praises. Our hands and mouths the tools to bring God glory. It is with participation that we strength our bond as well as better worship our Lord.

A contributing factor with the perception people have of worship stems from how they identify the interactions that take place during service. Most overlook the binding quality that comes from call and response, or don't see how it qualifies as participating. They may comprehend what musicians can contribute, but don't grasp how the music allows others to worship God in ways they might not have before. Some see worship assistants and acolytes as traditional fluff and not as another expression of service and praise. Nor is it often stated that ushers, greeters, and readers offer the opportunity to serve the body of Christ itself. All of these roles are easy to overlook, I know I have myself. But each offers a way to worship that is more than just sitting in the pew and lets us be the church of God.

Church has given me many applicable skills and gifts. It has given me countless friends and inspirations. These are all things that I adore and have helped me to become the person I am today. And it is when I am at church Sunday morning, worshiping, that I praise God for all of those things. Whether I am playing music in the choir, handing out bulletins, reading the first reading, or just responding to the calls, that is what I call worship.

Gabe Campbell
Council Member at Large