Opinion
4
October 17, 2013
When outreach gets kind of ‘spooky’ F
all is such a wonderful time! In had – which was sometimes broken Arkansas, God paints a beautiby unchurched familes in the comful mosaic as the leaves turn beautimunity – was to wear costumes ful colors along our many highways that depicted biblical or cartoon and byways. The temperatures are characters. typically nice and cool, prompting It was fun to see the gymnasium many to venture fill up with people out after several and excitement ressing as children played months of soldering summer temgames, ate candy n peratures. and shared lots of laughter. And fall is a Tim Yarbrough As a “low imwonderful time for Phil. 3:14 pact” way of getting church outreach! contact informaFolks who don’t tion from attendees, we would usually participate in church minisalways have some door prizes dotries will take the time to take their nated by local businesses. children or grandchilden to “harWhat I noticed following the vest festivals” and such at a local event was that we would typically church. see a number of new families and When my children were small, I children visit our church for worassisted with efforts at our church, which hosted a festival that many ship, Sunday school or Wednesday people in our small community night events. This was big stuff for loved and anticipated. our church, which ran about 150 in It also provided our children – worship. and adults in our church – a great And usually someone got saved. way to invite people they knew to While our fall event was mainly church. held as a wholesome alternative to Children were encouraged to Halloween activities – which pardress up, but one of the rules we ents appreciated – it provided our
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Cartoon by Gary Thomas
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church with a user-friendly entry point into the lives of families in our town who would not otherwise darken the door of the church. I recall it was kind of overwhelming and may I say, “spooky” at times, planning such a large event. There were logistics, food, games,
giveaways and volunteers to line up and coordinate, but in the end, everyone would say how much fun it was and how they couldn’t wait until next year. Just ask those who will applaud your event for all eternity! Tim Yarbrough is editor of the ABN.
Leading ‘biblical’ worship in today’s church
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ne of the hardest parts of worship leadership is that Scripture provides no specific guidelines for order, style or instrumentation. I have seen people leave churches over music style. I have personally heard complaints about the songs being sung and the instruments being used to accompany the songs. The most difficult facet of music as it affects worship is that it is inescapably relative to the church body in which it exists. The most definitive aspect of music as it applies to worship in Scripture is that it is an outpouring of our human condition: our joy, our sorrow and our relationship to God. The biblical references for music in worship are sparse but exemplify both thanksgiving for God’s greatness and hope in His salvation. Moses and all of Israel sang praise to God for delivering them through the Red Sea (Ex. 15:1-21). Deborah and Barak
Volume 112, Number 21 USPS08021 Member of the Association of State Baptist Papers and Arkansas Press Association
Tim Yarbrough, editor Jessica Vanderpool, assistant editor Caleb Yarbrough, staff writer Jeanie Weber, administrative assistant Becky Hardwick, business manager Nelle O’Bryan, advertising representative
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praised God for bringing peace to In light of these instances, I beIsrael through the defeat of Sisera, lieve that the music utilized in worthe commander of the Canaanite ship should be descriptive of God’s army (Judges 5). David sang a song impact on one’s life, rather than a giving glory to the Lord for the prescription of how worship should fall of Israel’s enemies (2 Sam. 22; look from week to week. Whether Psalm 18). The it be “Amazing Psalms were Grace” by John songs written iewpoint Newton or “How as emotional He Loves” by outpourings to Zach Pyron John Mark McGod, whether The Church at Argenta Millan, our singlamentation or ing is to be a corNorth Little Rock porate expression praise. Paul and Silas sang praises of our inward to God while imprisoned in Philipcondition and desires. When music pi – right before God “opened becomes a major point of contenthe door” to convert the jailer and tion, then perhaps not music, but his entire family (Acts 16:25-34). rather the hearts of the people are Paul instructed the Colossians to the problem. sing psalms and spiritual songs as As worship leaders, our priority an outpouring of the presence of is the kingdom of God and making God’s Word in their lives (Col. much of Christ. We should be will3:16). In no instance does God proing to step back and consider the vide a model or mandate for music impact our own preferences have in His worship aside from a genuon our faith community. Perhaps, ine desire to praise Him. we should be willing to change
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the format, allowing for prayer groups, for more Scripture reading or for more testimonies of what God is doing in His people. These practices are as valid – if not more so – than merely singing reincarnations of someone else’s worship experience at the behest of our church families. Perhaps, we might even consider not singing at all to give heed to other corporate worship expressions. As our title denotes, we should be leading people to all expressions of worship, rather than to the popular or preferred forms. As Christians, our priority is the kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33). We should be leading in evangelism and showing others how God is glorified in seeing sinners trust in Jesus! Everything else is secondary. Zach Pyron is worship pastor at The Church at Argenta in North Little Rock. tion rates are $7.75 per year (Every Resident Family Plan), $8.75 per year (Group Plan), $11 per year (Individual). Arkansas Baptist News, P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, AR 72203; phone 501-376-4791; toll-free 800838-2272; email: abn@arkansasbaptist.org. Periodical Postage paid at Little Rock, AR. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Arkansas Baptist News, P.O. Box 552, Little Rock, AR 72203. Board of Directors: David McCord, Searcy, president; Lyndon Finney, Little Rock, vice president; Jimmy Albrecht, De Witt; Dan Brawner, Wynne; James Bryant, Harrison; Carol Foster, Walcott; Carl Garvin, Omaha; Shaun Hair, Marion; Kay Hardin, North Little Rock; Mary Kisor, Pottsville; Rickey Rogers, Malvern; Troy Sharp, Desha; Will Staggs, North Little Rock; Jeff Thompson, Fort Smith; and Juel Zeiser, North Little Rock.