In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary Christianity, I have witnessed an issue that is of growing concern—the blending of worship and entertainment, aptly termed "worshiptainment." While my intention is not to criticize modern worship forms, I must emphasize the significance of discipleship over dependency on emotionally charged events.
Many believers, including some within our own community, face a challenge: recognizing and internalizing the presence of the Holy Spirit beyond the grandeur of worship gatherings. This unintentional dependence on the spectacular can hinder our spiritual growth and authentic discipleship.
Worshiptainment is a term used to describe the fusion of worship and entertainment. Many of us have experienced or witnessed it—elaborate worship events, complete with dazzling lighting, professional music performances, and orchestrated emotional experiences. While these gatherings hold their own value, the problem arises when they are perceived as the primary dwelling place of the Holy Spirit.
One of the consequences of the worshiptainment culture is the development of a dependency mindset among Christians. Even leaders in our faith community can struggle to recognize and experience the Spirit in the ordinary moments of life. Instead, they may find themselves chasing spiritual highs at the next worship extravaganza. True discipleship, however, requires a deep and consistent relationship with God, one that extends beyond the mountaintop experiences.
Privately, many of us have wrestled with the question, "Where is God?" in the midst of life's mundane routines. This feeling often arises from an overemphasis on emotionally charged worship events. When we expect God to manifest primarily in moments of heightened emotion, the everyday aspects of life can seem devoid of His presence. This poses a serious concern about the sustainability and authenticity of our faith journeys.
Let's take a cue from the biblical account of the prophet Elijah, a mighty figure who witnessed extraordinary displays of God's power. Yet, even he had moments of spiritual desolation. After the remarkable events on Mount Carmel, Elijah found himself in a desolate place, feeling isolated and spiritually drained. His experience mirrors the struggles of modern-day Christians who equate God's presence exclusively with dramatic events.
Addressing this issue calls for a fundamental shift in our communities' language, emphasis, and energy. Instead of perpetuating the notion that God's presence is confined to spectacular worship events, we must emphasize the continuous, ever-present nature of the Holy Spirit. We need to learn how to discern God's presence in the quiet moments of prayer, the pages of Scripture, and the ordinary acts of service and kindness.
The prevalence of worshiptainment has inadvertently led to a dependency on emotionally charged events, making it challenging to discern God's presence outside of these contexts. This is a universal struggle, as even biblical figures like Elijah experienced moments of spiritual desolation. To cultivate genuine discipleship, we must reevaluate our language, emphasis, and energy, shifting our focus from the spectacular to the ordinary. Recognizing and internalizing the Holy Spirit's presence in the everyday aspects of life is vital for a robust and enduring faith. It is only by embracing the "God of the ordinary" that we can break free from the limitations of worshiptainment and cultivate a deeper, more authentic relationship with the Divine.