After years of power point sermons, loud repetitive choruses and congregations of observers, something new and refreshing is happening at church. This new style of worship is people centered and each participant will be able to hold in their hand their personal worship aid. With this new mode of worship there will be no more mistakes in video projections. The worship will not be at the mercy of the sound and video operators. Everyone will have their own worship resource, right in their hand. Both readings from the scripture and musical selections. There are three distinct advantages to this new worship aid.

First, it promotes congregational participation. Video is totally passive. Even praise music with the aid of video projection of the words doesn’t require the listener to participate. But this new worship aid encourages participation. It is hand held so from the start the worshiper has to pick it up. This is a powerful thing. When others are picking up the aid, it is hard not to pick up yours and join in. Not only does this aid promote participation it even will help the worshiper know exactly what to say or to sing. It is all there in front of their eyes.

Secondly, it doesn’t require and professional skill. You don’t have to be a trained musician, preach super sermons or play an instrument or have any presentation skills. As the worship leader all you need do is direct the congregation to the item you want them to use and tell them when to start. No special training is needed to begin to use this worship aid.

Thirdly, it is not expensive and doesn’t require and expensive installation or new hardware or software. Compared to video, PowerPoint, sound systems and projectors this aid is dirt cheap. You get more bang for your ministry buck.

This is such a great innovation I think all churches will convert to the use of the Hymn book within the next 5 years. Worship services will once again be alive with people who actually are participating in the service.

All kidding aside, have we as church leaders sacrificed our worship on the altar of entertainment. Do we preach sermons designed to only entertain? Why have we adopted high tech in our worship services? Because it is better or just because we can? Have we substituted showmanship for leadership? Is praise music better than the old time hymns? Is presenting the scripture reading on a large screen better than having people actually open a Bible?

I think we need to take a serious look at what we are doing in our churches. Change is good, but not every change is effective. We need to use the tools that produce the effect we are seeking. Not just use them because we have them.