Messy Church Series

The Beauty of Imperfection in Worship

Welcome to our new blog series, "Messy Church."

Today, we're diving into 1 Corinthians 1:26-27 (ESV):

26 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong."

Let's explore why church services can sometimes feel messy and how that messiness actually reflects a deeper, more beautiful reality of our faith.

Embracing the Mess

Church services often have their quirks. The pastor might turn to the wrong page and stumble over complex names, someone might sing a bit too loudly, or the worship team might start a hymn in the wrong key. These moments can be distracting, making us wish for a perfect worship experience. However, these human errors highlight a crucial truth: our expectations for a perfect worship experience can sometimes get in the way of genuine worship.

Consumer Intuitions vs. True Worship

We often come to church with "consumer intuitions," expecting a flawless service that entertains and inspires us. While striving for excellence in serving God is important (1 Corinthians 10:31), our goal should not be a distraction-free experience. Instead, we should seek a transformative encounter with Jesus.

God's Choice of the Unpolished

In 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Paul reminds us that God chose what is foolish and weak in the world to shame the wise and strong. At Sweetwaters, we embrace this truth. We're not looking for perfect, professional people but for imperfect individuals serving and worshiping a perfect God. This means our gatherings might be a bit messy and unpolished by worldly standards, and that's okay.

Prioritizing What Matters

Paul instructs the Corinthians to prioritize building each other up (1 Corinthians 14:26). This principle applies to us today. When we gather, we should actively participate in various roles—whether on the worship team, volunteering with kids, or being part of the welcome team. The goal is to edify one another.

Continuous Service

Some might feel they've done their part and can now relax. However, as Vance Havner once said, “Taking it easy is often the prelude to backsliding. Comfort precedes collapse.” If we're alive, we're still called to serve. The nature of our service might change with different seasons of life, but no follower of Christ is exempt from serving.

Honoring All Parts of the Body

1 Corinthians 12:22-23 highlights the importance of every member of the church, even those who seem weaker or less honorable. We should honor and cherish every role within the church, recognizing that each part is indispensable.

Serving with Love

Serving in the church doesn't require special qualifications. It’s about using our freedom in Christ to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). Whether it’s teaching kids, making coffee, or leading a life group, everyone is called to serve.

Honoring Our Volunteers

Today's service highlighted what happens when volunteers are absent, underlining their crucial role. I deeply appreciate our volunteers who work tirelessly, often away from their families, to advance the kingdom. Your efforts do not go unnoticed, and the impact of your service is profound.

Following Jesus' Example

Jesus said, "I did not come to be served but to serve." Our motivation to serve should be love, mirroring Jesus' love for us. Service without love is meaningless, and we are most like Jesus when we serve others.

In conclusion, let's embrace the messiness of our church services as a testament to our collective, imperfect pursuit of a perfect God. Together, let’s build each other up, serve with love, and transform our worship into a true encounter with Jesus.