Worship Ministry

Gathering, Encouraging, Worshiping, and Praying Together

Here is a question to ask yourself - Why attend worship on a Sunday morning?  Lisa Emmett expressed herself this way:  “It is true that for the Christian, worship is a way of life; HOWEVER, it is also true that gathering as the body on a regular basis is critical to the spiritual health and growth of both the individual and the body. The pattern of the New Testament Church was to gather together to encourage one another, worship and pray.”  That is what the worship department at North Street is all about, preparing and planning Sunday worship, along with special worship services throughout the year. Kim Gaiser, worship coordinator, expressed her concern for the worship at North Street, “(It is important) that the purpose of the worship department stays genuine, and we don’t stray from the will of God concerning worship.”  Jesus told the Samaritan woman at the well about true worship, “..the hour is coming and now is, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and in truth.” (John 4: 23-24).  With that in mind, let’s look at some “P’s” which we need to remember about why we worship and how the worship department at North Street tries to help do just that.

#1 – Presence - We must realize that being in the presence of God is a wonderful thing for all of us.  David Morris in his book A Lifestyle of Worship stated, “True worship flows out of freedom - the freedom to be real before God and, therefore, right with others.”  “Seeing people (and myself) being ushered into the presence of God through the music and teaching and testimony from the worship leader,” is just part of the satisfaction Kim Gaiser feels about being in His presence.  Presence can also mean just being gathered together with brothers and sisters in Christ!  Lisa Emmett mentioned this about being present for worship on Sunday. “Jesus first set this model, ‘.and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom.’ (Luke 4:16) As disciples we were given a model by Jesus to be together to encourage and sharpen one another.”  “I really like everything about (being at) the worship services. I feel very comfortable and loved by everybody I come across,” is how Bill Croup sees his presence every Sunday at church.  Donna Watson said it plainly, “It is like going home.  #2 - Prepared - We all need to prepare to be in God’s presence when we come to worship. Just coming to the church is not what is meant by being “prepared.” We need to take account of our life and submit it to God’s control.  Praise team member Sherry O’Donnell stated, “As a worship leader, I am most concerned that my pure heart is what God gets. God is blessed with a pure heart determined to worship Him.”  All of us worshippers do need to prepare our minds, our hearts, and our spirit before we enter His presence, but sometimes the hectic, early morning activities of just getting to the church don’t prepare us properly. That is the reason being “punctual” (enough said about that “p”) and allowing those first songs of praise to get our minds and hearts focused on God is so important. That is the task of the praise team. Kim Wick, praise team pianist, states, “I believe I have been given the spiritual gift of encouragement and am called by God to assist in the praise and worship at North Street Christian Church..” That is what the worship team strives for as they prepare each week.  #3 - Passion - Worshipping with unashamed passion is how King David praised God. How do our praise team members feel about their task in worship?  “Knowing that I am doing something that brings pleasure to the (congregation), to myself, and to God,” is why Sherry O’Donnell sings in the praise team.  Bill Croup added, “The message is important to me, (but) the singing gets me started, prayer and communion gets me in touch, (then) the message gets me through.”  Kim Wick can sum up the team’s thoughts, “I enjoy being on a musically oriented team as music is one of my interests and passions. It is very rewarding to play with the other musicians and create a worshipful atmosphere each week.”  #4 - Priority - Making worship a priority in our lives is so important.  “We have been put on earth to make a contribution,” states Rick Warren in his book The Purpose Driven Life. “God designed you to make a difference with your life. Accepting your ‘ministry’ or service, is how God allows you to add to life on earth, not just take from it.”  So how can you assist in the worship life here at North Street.  “Not enough new people are involved in the worship department. By volunteering for any of the areas in worship (greeters, musicians, praise team singers, computer and sound tech, etc.), and being committed to that area,” is how Kim Gaiser said people can serve in the worship at North Street.. “I love to do my part (sound tech) and put the talents that God has given me to His use. Try it, you'll like it!” says Bill Croup. Contact Kim Gaiser or Mark McCoy or any praise team member about how you can be part of the worship team experience at North Street.  Areas you can serve include: Praise team, musicians, greeters, computer tech, sound tech, communion preparation, are the main areas. If those don’t sound like you, we can be creative and involve you, too!

By Mark McCoy