This morning I went to a chapel service at Perkins School of Theology in Dallas. This evening, I attended the first annual Verge Conference at Hill Country Bible Church in Austin. I’ve gone through some whiplash days in my life, but… this is up there.
This morning, I was a part of a service that included liturgy, a pennywhistle, communion by intinction (dipping bread in the cup), and sung prayers. This evening, I was a part of a service with a full light show, high tech videos, full contemporary band, communion with a cracker and tray of juice, and preachers doing their best to mix a meaningful & Christ-centered message with humor and laughter. Honestly, I think I felt a little out of place at both. But I think that’s ok.
There’s this temptation we have as Christians. I’ve seen it with the elderly, with children, and yes… with college students. There’s something within us that declares that “our way” is the best. Our ministry, our church, our preference – that’s the “right” one. The other is shallow, or out of touch, or too loud. Yet what struck me today was just how wrong that is. Not in a “duh, we’re supposed to get along” kind of way, but in understanding just how similar these things are. One group repeats a liturgy to share a common story and build community in their longing for God – another sings a seemingly shallow song of five lines that does the EXACT same thing. It’s beautiful. It’s diverse, yet it’s the same. If as a college minister I can help to shape students in any way, I hope I can pass on this simple idea; there is no “best” way. We need each other. And this goes beyond worship styles. The Calvinists need the Arminians in order to keep from being paralyzed and completely counting on God’s sovereignty. Arminians need Calvinists to remind them that God is sovereign and involved. Liberals* need conservatives to remind them of the cross. Conservatives need liberals to remind them of Jesus’ life. The Church shouldn’t find a way to be unified despite differences. We should be unified because we celebrate them.
I love my brothers and sisters who praise with voices and hands lifted high. I love my brothers and sisters who recite liturgies from hundreds of years ago. I love the Church. Love it.
*For the record, hate “liberal” and “conservative” labels, but most people are comfortable with them. They’re officially out of date though. Let me know when we have new terms!!
