Keeping Spontaneity on Track
—Wayne Jacobsen
April 1, 1999
When you open worship to spontaneity, you may get some unwanted help. Here are ways to minimize the less than helpful.
1. Be clear about what should be shared—how you are currently growing in God. Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14 that we come together for the whole body to be edified. This is not the place to discuss your concerns about church issues, or to rebuke other believers.
2. Don't fear silent pauses. Most people need several moments to settle on something they might share. Remember the silence seems at least twice as long to the person up front as it does to anyone else.
Instead of saying something like, "Surely someone has something they can say to glorify God this morning," give people freedom. "Please don't feel any obligation to share. If no one has anything, we'll move on in a moment. But if you have something, please don't let fear keep you from sharing it."
3. During the week, when you hear people talk about things they are learning,
encourage them to share it with the whole body. That will help people identify what will edify the body, and sometimes that encouragement is all people need to take the risk.
4. Train the group as you go. Affirm when people say something that hits the mark and helps the body. Most inappropriate contributions will be obvious to all and can be skipped over without drawing attention to them.
Once in a while, however, you might have to correct something on the spot. Always do so as gently as possible.
After an off-the-wall statement: "I can see how that might have been valuable for you, but I know others here will see that differently." Or, "I'm not sure I agree with you on that point. Perhaps we can take some time in the future to study that together." Your position is clear, but you've ...
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