Worship And The Cross

Christian worship not only celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, but contemplates the cross. The following article, written from the charismatic worship tradition, reflects on how the meaning of the cross challenges some commonly held assumptions about the nature of worship. In the last ten years, there has been a proliferation of praise and worship seminars, conferences, magazines, books and articles. "Praise and worship" is now recognized as the fastest growing segment of the Christian music industry. It's almost impossible to keep up with all the newly released worship songs and tapes that are being recorded by individuals, churches, small companies and large companies. But more important than the broad growth of the worship movement is the deep growth. I believe the renewal in worship is maturing. At first we were mainly concerned with the effects of worship, whereas we were not grappling with the essence of worship. Now the quality of worship is more our concern than just th…