I don’t think any of us would disagree that corporate worship is a place of encounter.

Sure, we gather for community. But we don’t just gather for community. Sure, we gather to hear God’s Word. But we don’t just gather to hear God’s Word. We gather because the Spirit has promised to come where His people are gathered.

Heaven and earth collide. In corporate worship we meet with the living, real presence of God.

But how do we know if we’re encountering the real thing?

• Are we encountering the risen Jesus?
• Are we encountering heightened emotion?
• Are we encountering a peaceful atmosphere?
• Are we encountering “great worship”?

I believe the answer lies in what we begin to crave Monday-Friday. Over time, the habit of worshiping in church every week should produce a new desire. We crave more that which we spend time doing.

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At what point does excellence and production value become too much?

When does it cease to serve the local church and instead, distract us from our goal – equipping the saints for the work of ministry?

We’re always waiting for what’s next. Doing more. Making everything better.

I’ve heard the argument on both sides.

If your production is over-the-top excellent, you are a seeker sensitive, sellout church with no Bible, no depth, and a congregation that shows up to be entertained.

If you’re a small church with little to zero production value…well, that’s also looked upon with a certain degree of chagrin. You at least have to be using a click, right?

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Worship ministry isn’t what it seems.

The lights, the stage, the celebrity status, the fanfare. It’s just not that…at all. And if we’re making it that, it’s not worth doing.

I guess we’ll cut right to the chase.

Worship ministry is more a pastoral role than a creative one. It’s more about people skills than musical proficiency. It’s less about your voice and more about the voice you unleash in others.

Let me explain.

Sunday morning isn’t about how good you sound or how “anointed” you are. It’s about how well you can give voice to the saints gathered with you.

It could be said that your effectiveness depends on your customer service. Are you great at creating a welcoming environment where people can be disarmed and feast upon the goodness of God?

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