As worship leaders, we talk a lot about freedom. We want our churches to be free to worship. But what does it actually mean?

Is freedom the liberty one feels to wield a “Lion of Judah” flag across the front of the church? Is freedom a boisterous dance? Is freedom the right to be crazy? What does it mean?

We all love to quote 2 Corinthians 3:17:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”

We’ve taken that to mean, “When we are in church we can do whatever the heck we want. Run, dance, shout, sing, sway, moan, & groan.”

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with letting go of hindrances to expressive worship. But expressive worship on its own isn’t anything particularly Christian. Other religions worship expressively.

Remember Elijah and prophets of Baal? Here’s what happened as they called upon their god:

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Gatherings. We do a lot of them. Every weekend. Midweek. No matter how much we try and avoid the term, it is a religious ritual. And one that is good for our spiritual formation.

But just because we’re meeting together doesn’t make it good for us. As pastors and leaders we have a responsibility to lead well, to plan a healthy theological diet for our people, and not shrink back from what is necessary for the health of our souls.

What we say matters. What we sing matters. What we identify our lives with matters. How we leave matters. What we become matters.

Depending on your church tradition, these gatherings are going to look quite different. A charismatic service is going to feel quite different than an Anglican liturgy. But that doesn’t mean the foundation needs to change.

Let me tell you about some of my experiences, good and bad.

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