Organized chaos. That’s how I heard Response Time at the end of our weekend services once described. I took it as an overwhelming vote of confidence for what we were doing and as an utmost compliment—our congregation was responding.
At Seacoast Church, we believe that the Word of God is living and active (Hebrews. 4:12). We also believe that as hearers of the Word, it calls us to action (James 1:22). Worship, as an extension of the Word through song, should be the same. When the two have an opportunity to collide—what God says, plus a response to it through worship—there should be some action involved.
What I love about worship, as a lifestyle and as the musical part of our services, is that it demands that we do something. Worship is an external response to a holy God—the created expressing thanks to the Creator. I’m not talking about how demonstrative one chooses to be. I’m talking about actively and authentically responding to Jesus. I see worship as an active, living response to an active, living Word from an active, living God.
During Response Time, we give people an opportunity to respond to the Lord. “What is God saying to you and what are you going to do about it?”
The Gift Of The Moment
Some people will stay in their seats while the first worship song starts, and some will immediately move to a response station. There is no wrong way to respond in worship as long as we are taking the opportunity given—the gift of the moment—to “do something about it” and help cement what the Lord is saying to our hearts as we hear his voice.
The different types of worship songs in Response Time can help us as we walk through different situations in our lives. Sometimes, a celebratory declaration is what we need to proclaim all that he’s said, taught, and done. Sometimes, a softer, more somber song helps us reflect, repent, and refocus our attention on him. Maybe we need to sing those songs straight back to the heart of God to tell him of his goodness and faithfulness in our lives as if no one else is in the room—or sing together and to each other to be reminded of who God is and to encourage the believers around us.
So, no matter the type of song, how willing are you to let those moments in his presence change you?
I firmly believe that what we choose to do with what God gives us today will determine the depth of what he can do with it tomorrow. I love the way our church has created space for us to be able to respond, act, and engage with him. It’s a beehive of activity but one that makes way for the Lord to do amazing things among us as we actively pursue him.
So, I challenge you, sing. Open your mouth, whether you can carry a tune or all you can do is make a joyful noise. Actively participate. It’s not about the sound you make. It’s about joining your voice with others to declare the truth of the lyrics and the worthiness of the one who put breath in your lungs. Come on, Seacoast, sing.
Reflect
- How do you view Worship during Response Time? Is it living and active, or
- In what ways have you experienced God’s presence through singing?
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