2. Worship and Entertainment Part 4 In this concluding lesson, let’s examine the question: “Should worship services be an evangelistic tool?”

3. From the beginning, we’ve worked to establish the principle that: Our generation’s “thirst for entertainment” has corrupted modern worship. In previous lessons, we’ve suggested some causes and tried to demonstrate some effects of the problem. Thus, the what, where, when, how, and why of worship have been examined as well. We’ve also tried to show that this is not just a “denominational issue”- that we also must be ever vigilant to make sure that our worship is truly “in spirit and truth.”

4. To that end, we’ve attempted to ask and answer several questions: “When do our sermons become ‘entertainment’?” “Are our bible classes educationally entertaining, or vice versa?” And, “Why do we sing the songs we do, the way we do?” In all aspects, we’ve tried to be honest and fair in the assessment of these and all topics.

5. The final question posed for our consideration is: “Should our worship services be an evangelistic tool?” Put another way, “Are we trying to ‘praise God’ or ‘gain converts’ through our worship services?” Given what we’ve studied so far, it is a fair and important question. Just exactly what are “we” (especially “Southside”) trying to accomplish when we assemble? The answer(s) given will largely determine how the services are conducted, as well as to what extent they are “worship”.

6. Initial, or preliminary, observations: It would seem that worship, by definition, should be about “Him” not “us.” But, if “gaining converts” is not at least part of the point, we ought to stop offering invitations at the end of sermons, or even inviting non-Christians to come! Obviously, we’ve already noted the dual purpose of some commanded acts of worship, such as in Eph.5:19 and Col.3:16. However, if the focus of our worship becomes “attracting” and “gaining” new members, we can easily slip into methods and activities that prevent true worship, and become futile attempts to “entertain” in hopes of attracting the masses. So, what are we to do?

7. Understand a couple of vitally important points: 1.We are supposed to truly “worship God” when we come together, John 4:23; Rom.12:1; Phil.3:3. 2.We are also supposed be truly “evangelistic” people who bring the lost to salvation in Jesus, 2Tim.2:2; Acts 8:3-4. The danger is forgetting the first in an attempt to accomplish the second through “worship.”

8. Where do we go wrong? Our definition of “success” in regard to: >Numbers- It is not about “how many” but how spiritual, 1Tim.1:3-11; 1Cor.1:17; 3:1-8; also Luke 6:46. >“Converts” vs. “disciples”- Many churches are filled with “converts” who have been converted not from the world to Christ, but rather merely from attending in one place to another- usually because they “enjoy” it more! John 6:26; Matt.28:19-20 Our belief in, and practice of, “church house” evangelism. Building an “attractive” building, hiring a “dynamic” preacher, and having “entertaining / enjoyable / uplifting” services becomes the model instead of Acts 2:42-47 > being “devoted to” teaching, fellowship, communion, and prayer; practicing real benevolence; studying daily; being together; truly praising and worshipping God; and having good rapport with the people.

9. So what are the solutions? 1)Build and maintain buildings for worship (if such is advantageous) that are conducive to it without making them either sterile and institutional, or theaters for entertainment. 2)Remember that services are to be holy and reverential worship of God; and that through such we and others can become “partakers of the divine nature” and “escape the corruption that is in the world” (2Pet.1:4). If we taint our worship with the corruption of the world, what hope have we of escaping it? 3)Recognize that our services can be conducive to evangelism without making them attractive forms of entertainment. Visitors and attendees alike should be made to feel welcome and included without being made the “focus” of the assembly. Likewise, they should be inspired, uplifted, and educated by true worship instead of hollow emotionalism and mere entertainment. Our responsibility is to provide opportunities that are conducive to worship and making true worshipers- not to attract and entertain; “for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.” John 4:24