Participatory Worship

By Wayne Shih

The phrase "participatory worship" seems to have a wide range of meaning. For some, participation means - or at least includes - engaging the five senses in worship. What others emphasize - and I believe rightly - is the involvement of believers with others in the worship gathering of the church.

Brian Anderson describes how his church does Participatory Church Meetings (HT: House Church Blog):

We began introducing more participation into our Sunday gatherings. I informed the congregation that anyone could participate by reading Scripture, praying during a lull in our praise singing, or starting a song that was on their heart. I brought the podium down from the platform to the lower level so that I could be closer to the people, thereby encouraging mutual interaction. We rearranged the chairs into concentric semi-circles so that we could look into one another's faces when speaking, instead of the back of someone's head. We bought a wireless microphone and began passing it around to those desiring to share what God had been doing in their lives or to encourage us by declaring what God had been teaching them from His Word. Sometimes these sessions included exhortations, admonitions, teachings, or the sharing of blessings or burdens. One woman revealed that she had recently been diagnosed with cancer. This allowed the whole church the opportunity to tangibly express their love and commitment by gathering around, laying hands on her, and praying. These changes felt a bit awkward at first. We had no previous model to guide us, and thus, felt a bit uncomfortable with them. Before long, however, many began contributing some very edifying insights and exhortations.

Also, Ryan Jones describes how his Reformed-Charismatic church provides for participation (in terms of the exercise of spiritual gifts):

We have a microphone setup in the front of the church service, it's slightly hidden but in front of where the elders/pastors sit. While we're worshipping someone may have a scripture or vision that came to mind during the week or that morning that they believe God is calling them to share with the congregation....

The elder/pastor overseeing the mic weighs the prophecy and determines if it is biblical and meets the criteria of upbuilding, encouraging, consoling or convicting, I'm sure more goes into than this as well. Also, not everyone who thinks they have something to share is given the go-ahead to share at the mic.

BTW, I believe that listening to a sermon is a highly participatory act of worship. Unfortunately, many people allow their minds to wander instead of being actively involved with the word of God as it is taught.