The Worship Project

I love one on one time with people. Ask me what I had rather do, spend time with a crowd or spend time with a person, then I am probably going to pick the latter. I love being around people. It is how I am wired. I am the guy who will walk around Wal-Mart or through the mall and with no real reason to be in either place. Its that people factor. Even on my honeymoon with Alana, I was the one who always wanted to go to the outlets while she wanted to walk on the beach. What? Yeah, kind of weird.

"The Worship Project" is a place to be with a crowd of people. But, I have to be honest, my heart is saying "What is this about and what do we want to get accomplished in gathering for 'the Worship Project'? I ask the question because if it is just "one more" church service, then how long will the momentum last? Too often, it seems that many things begin with a lot of initial energy and buzz, only to lose the edge in a relatively short amount of time. I think of it as becoming a "show with no purpose." Kinda like striking a golf ball into an open field. While it feels good to strike the ball, yet there is no target that I am striving for.

A ministry friend of mine hosts a weekly gathering for singles. He is an awesome guy, loves God and is a very motivational speaker (lots of energy and enthusiasm). Recently he has noticed a decline in attendance for this singles gathering. Why? I mean, they even spin this service as THE service for those who attend. In other words, if you don't come to worship on Sunday morning, that's ok because this is YOUR night of worship. Even that isn't working any longer. They have arrived at a place where they are having to re-think and re-do the format for the event. Why? That is my biggest question. Why did it start well and then, over time, kind of lose it's momentum?

One thought that has repeatedly skated through my mind is how it seems we have lost touch with God's ultimate purpose of both intentional discipleship and intentional evangelism. I am talking about doing BOTH SIMEOULTANEOUSLY and with great INTENTION.

If "the Worship Project" is, or becomes, just another show, just another "church" service--my fear is that its punch will be like an infants and its reach will be like a 12 inch ruler.

Hmmmmmmmm?