30 Minute Worship?! Fast food for the Christian Soul.
April 30, 2008 by kaybaylor
There is a church that is called “30 Minute Worship” and it does just that
What is your opinion on this??? Because quite honestly.. I don’t know what to make of this.
Yes, we live in a microwaveable world- we want it now, we need it now, and we go. And don’t get me wrong, I step into the quick paced lifestyle myself. I have no problem with a 30 minute workout program and fast food for the 30 minute lunch break. Heck! If my head ache medicine doesn’t work in less than 30 minutes I’m ready to sue!
But 30 minute worship?
What ever happend to praying without ceasing? What about remembering the sabbath and keeping it holy?
The bible says that we must offer our first fruits to God, and in order to give the firsts fruits of our time we have to give at least 12 hours on Sunday.
So 30 minutes? Can God be minimized to 30 minutes of praise? Or is this some spirtual check list to ward off guilt. You tell me.
Here’s the mission statement:
Sundays @ 9am offers you a brand new way to go to church…30 Minute Worship. This innovative service is for anybody who is tired of the way traditional church has been done, has limited time, or has to work Sundays. The high energy, focused package will creatively engage you to personally connect with God.
Are “you tired of the way of traditional church has been done”? Is committing half of your day on Sunday to much to ask?
“Personally connect with God…” in 30 minutes? This is just not possible, at least not for me… Maybe there mistaking the Holy spirit with the “high energy” they have.
I wonder if its possible to serve at this church. Or is that too traditional? Or are the members to busy?
Please comment, I would love to know your opinion.
I may be blowing this out of proportion. And I’m sure the heart behind the ministry is full of good intention.
But I just feel that this is belittling the importance of worship and depriving its members of a vital part of spiritual growth within Christianity.
[...] Genevieve wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptThere is a church that is called “30 minute worship” and it does just that What is your opinion on this??? Because quite honestly.. I don’t know what to make of this. Yes, we live in a microwaveable world- we want it now, we need it now … [...]
You make a good point. But by your logic, and correct me if I’m wrong, it seems that the prayers we pray at meals (which typically last all of ten seconds) should be no shorter than an hour, because God can’t be “minimized.”
I can talk and interact with God instantly. This 30 minute worship thing is a cool idea, because I know for myself, I sometimes work on Sundays, and I often miss church. It’s a great way to connect to those types of people.
I usally go to worship for 30 minutes per day. Jst because that is th eamount of time we spend in the sanctuary it is not the only amount of time we pray or profess Christ. I like it on Sundays when it is about an hour long, but 30 minutes throughout the week is not too little.
I appreciate your thoughts. Your kind responces have heaped ashes on my head for my church bashing.
Ricky- I think your comparision to meal time prayer is irrelivant. (and i mean that in the kindest way of course) It’s Simply because church and meal time prayer serve different purposes. While praying before you eat is a time to relfect and recognize the source through which all blessingls flow (and still is important), the Fellowship of the body of christ encompasses a range of different functions. Though i dont think it should go on for hours and hours, I do think its important, and I do think it should be a priority.
The fact that it would reach a crowd that would not normally go to church, is wonderful. But i dont think it should be a continual substitute.
Joel- you made a good point that worship is not limited to the building but goes into how you live your life. Which is very true.
I guess it boils down to what do you think is the purpose of church?
Because if it means different things to different people, its only normal that it should be done different ways.
So what do you feel is the purpose of church?>
“The purpose of church” is an odd statement, because according to the Word of God, we ARE the church. Church is not a function, nor is it a place, though we may think so.
The better question would be, what is our purpose in fellowshipping together? In response I would say the ultimate purpose is to as you say “recognize the source through which all blessings flow.” In my opinion this makes my argument (though I admit somewhat of a stretch) not irrelevant. Both instances do the same thing. The only difference is size of the group involved.
Hi
you have a nice work here friend
Hani Salem-
Thank you so much! Im sure your site is a great work to, I only wish i could read it.
Ricky-
Excuse my verbage! haha. You remind me of myself in your political correctness. So I guess i’m getting a does of my own medicine. And I completely agree with your last statement… so you win. *cyber applause.*
I’m delighted. Do come back and teach me more on my blog. =)
I still have to say that there are multiple purposes served in “Fellowshipping together” and that the “ultimate purpose” is to glorify God.
Haha. You’re excused. And cyber applause is the best, so thanks!
I shall definitely be back to educate you on proper verbage and political correctness. Haha.
But yes, I agree with you on your last point about multiple purposes. I was referring to fellowshipping in its simplest, most generic form.
There are a few reasons I like to attend church services, of course there is fellowship in Christ with a body of believers. I am a Roman Catholic, so I believe in the physical prenence of Jesus Christ in the building I attend services at. We make a public profession of faith (I actually tell everyone I can I am a Christian no matter where I am at). Somethink I have really grown to love is that in our services we make intercessions with God as a whole congregation for those in need. I have been to some worship serves where up to twelve hundred people attend and we all pray to God for a single person or group of people, that is just powerful! There is just so much I get out of worshipping Jesus Christ, I can not even put it into words.
I love Christians so much! I just always want your company.
I think thats wonderful Joel. Your enthusiasm is refreshing for many who except the mundain. I think alot of us would do well to be more exited about our role in the body of Christ.
What a silly silly trend..
You know, fast food in general is bad for your health…
So someone decided to move that idea over to worship… hmm
LOL,
I do think there are some benifits, as different people may “try” a dose of God, may aquire a taste and, be like “this is not enough” “I want more”
It could also prove harmful to developing one’s patience, as time should not even be a factor in our faith.
“Eternity” and thats it!
I have a good feeling that the leader of such will learn much.
I hope that they take as a learning experience, not a failure, as a church body needs strong members, and strong members in the Lord at that, you cannot rush to get away from God so that you can go and be “too busy all day” and do whateva you want!