Worship As Celebration Of God’s Saving Deeds

The ultimate aim of worship is not to create a certain mood, nor is it the pragmatic goal of teaching or evangelism. Rather, the aim of worship is to joyfully respond to God's great deeds of salvation in Jesus Christ through praise and thanksgiving. During the past two decades we have seen a renewal of interest in worship that has had both refreshing and disturbing features in the church. On the positive side, we have seen a much needed emphasis upon worship as involving congregational praise to God. People have become involved in upward expression, as well as in listening. As the worship service has taken on an air of festivity and activity, many churches have been freed from a Bible-lecture mentality. On the negative side, however, we have seen an unfortunate overemphasis upon "worship style. " For example, we are told that a neocharismatic style of worship is definitely a proven attendance builder. Some years ago a worship-style clinician assured our congregation that if we co…