Shaping worship or being shaped by worship …

Imaginative work means both shaping and being shaped. Creating a bulldozer with Play-Doh requires the imagination to shape the pliable material. Once the piece is complete it shapes the the one who created the work. Thinking about the heavy piece of equipment the image replicates also reminds us of this truth. Coming off the assembly line such a piece of equipment expresses the imagination of its inventor. Once fired up for use the equipment then shapes the user. That is, there will now be ways in which the user may or may not use the piece of equipment.

The elements of a worship experience may well be shaped by those who plan the experience. But, when worship leaders gather with the “Church” the experience shapes the worshipers. Many conversations tend toward what is the purpose of the “worship” experience. Engaging the divine and the human in the worship experience intends to shape the worshiper. Grappling with the text in community, praying together, celebrating Communion, practicing hospitality and expressing gratitude that cultivates generosity moves worship beyond personality and affinity. Regardless of the “style” of the elements of worship, shaping lives to emulate the life of Jesus makes the event a corporate spiritual practice.

We often spend more time thinking about stylistic features and forget the giving of ourselves to the work of the Spirit indeed illustrates clay in the Potter’s hands. Worship shapes even the shapers of worship.