Authentic Worship in a Small Church

I was visiting a small church with maybe 25 people attending.  The worship service started with a man from the church getting up and welcoming everyone.  A lady got up to lead a song with no music but just her clear, wonderful voice.  The words to this old hymn jumped out at me. They seemed even more powerful without music and I could hear everyone singing.  The person leading service, a common working man, gave a devotion that included the story of a person who came to buy some equipment.  In their conversation the man gave his testimony.  He said he was a Christian with several businesses.  As his business grew, he had less time to go to church because he had too much to do on Sunday in growing a business.  But those businesses started failing until one day he woke up on a Sunday with nothing to do so he went to church. He repented for neglecting God and committed himself to serving him. The devotion was convicting, interesting and relevant.   

The person leading the service asked another brother if he had a song. Yes, he said, he did have a song.  An old man came shuffling up to the front.  I recognized the telltale signs of a Parkinson’s gait and stare.  I had seen these same signs in my dad. He said he had a song picked out but God laid another song on his heart. He opened his mouth and a strong, beautiful, baritone, voice sang “Beulah Land” with passion.  What a blessing!  At the end of the song he said, “Y’all pray for me you know my eyes are not doing well.” I felt compassion and admiration for this man of God who still walks up in front of the church, despite suffering from Parkinson’s, and sings for God even though his health is failing.  I felt respect for the church who would allow this feeble man to participate in worship.  I felt sadness, too, because I knew the time would not be long until we could no longer hear this voice.   

This “widow” brought his “mite” and was allowed to lay it on the alter as faithful service to God.  Now came the time for the pastor to preach.  He and his wife sang an inspiring song and he delivered a Biblical and relevant message.  I had church that morning.  I experienced worship in inspiration, challenge, conviction, and fellowship. In a larger church would the lady leading the song be allowed to lead a song without music?  Would they take 10 minutes with prayer requests and then pray for each other?  Would a person give a devotion as real and relevant as I heard from the leader and would an old man with Parkinson’s  be allowed to shuffle up and sing a song?  Everyone had a part.  

The worship was people bringing what they had, not professionals scripting a service that only includes those with talent.   The Spirit was using people from the church. What they brought was real and sincere worship. They did not just come to church; they were the church.  They were the service. I have been in many church services and rarely have I left as blessed, as full, and as encouraged. 

      Worship is people who come together, bringing what they have, and placing it on the altar of service to God. God blesses that gift with his presence. God is working in your church.  The number of people attending the service or the “quality” of the music does not matter as much as the faithful obedience of each person contributing and giving to God what they have to give.  Please do not feel inadequate or inferior just because you do not have as many people attending as the church down the road.  Jesus blesses you with His presence and He is the one you are there to please. 

“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matt 8:20 

Have church with whoever is there.  God is glorified and you will experience the His presence.

In his service,

-Milan