“Worship is the normal response of a person in whom the lamp of the human spirit has been brightened by [the Holy Spirit]”

- Dr. Ronald E. Hawkins

Big choir, big orchestra, big music. It’s a big part of who Central Assembly has been for over a century. For nearly all of the 116 years this congregation has existed, some form of choir and orchestra has been present in weekly services. The styles and methods have evolved, but there have always been certain common motivations that anchor each iteration of leadership from the platform: the adoration of an all-powerful, sovereign God who is worthy of sacrificial worship; the praise of a Savior who died for us, granting us grace we didn’t earn and forgiveness we didn’t deserve; and the desire and pursuit of the Holy Spirit’s presence to move among us.

“In those places where the entire congregation is actively involved in the corporate experience, they hear more, express more, and understand more about what God is saying and expecting in response. They respond more to him and his call on their lives. The worship experiences of their church encourage engagement in a world that desperately needs to know the unique nature of our Lord, the one we worship, Jesus Christ.”

- Mike Harland

Recently, Central Worship has pivoted the efforts of this historic choir and orchestra toward worship leadership that advances the songs of the congregation. Services are planned with a primary goal of uniting the platform and the pews, and equipping the entirety of the room as full participants in the worship experience. In addition to “Choir, Orchestra, Band” the Central Worship logo includes “Congregation”. This reflects a deliberate and deeply considered commitment to an engaging worship experience for all who enter our sanctuary, and we have been experiencing growth and powerful times together in God’s presence as a result. Whether through Sunday morning worship or our monthly Nights of Worship & Prayer, the peer-leadership of an all volunteer choir and the incredible talents of our worship band and orchestra consistently cultivate an atmosphere where God’s presence is welcomed, and his people are responding in unified, active worship.

“Truth without emotion produces dead orthodoxy and a church full of artificial admirers (like people who write generic anniversary cards for a living). On the other hand, emotion without truth produces empty frenzy and cultivates shallow people who refuse the discipline of rigorous thought. But true worship comes from people who are deeply emotional and who love deep and sound doctrine. Strong affections for God rooted in truth are the bone and marrow of Biblical worship.”

- John Piper

Central Worship calls the congregation to worship through God-given emotions, but also with God-given minds. 1 Corinthians says, “I will sing praise with my spirit, but I will sing with my mind also.” To that end, Central’s worship ministry looks to balance songs of victory, petition, and lament with songs of theology that lift praise to God for who he is, and serve as reminders of his authority, supremacy, and sovereignty. From the worship responsibilities of the Levites to the songwriting of modern-day hymnists, from the Psalms of David to today’s chart-topping worship hits, God has anointed a wide variety of people throughout human history to bring talent to bear in the composing and singing of praises for his glory.

“I am not the center. God is the center. If we for a moment make ourselves the center we will distort the truth. Worship is not about the experience of the worshiper. It is about Jesus.”

- Michael Neale

Central Worship embraces variety, but not simply for the sake of variety, and—more importantly—not for the sake of mollifying preferences over praise. The songs led from the platform often become the prayers of the congregation in moments of greatest need. The publishing date of a worship song does not limit—nor enhance—it’s effectiveness as a vehicle for expressing praise and adoration. An old song can combine familiar truth with creative arrangements and soften the heart unexpectedly; a new song can be the spark that ignites a flame in our soul and gives us a fresh perspective on God’s mercy and grace. Central values the full spectrum of ages in congregational makeup. The Gospel is for all, and we are experiencing the power of a united congregation across generational lines as both young and old look with attentive eyes, serve with linked arms, and worship together with a vertical perspective.

“Authentic worship is observable in the life-change of a heart consistently moving toward alignment with God’s purposes…. humility, kindness, selflessness, compassion, personal sacrifice, self-control, empathy, love for others, and a single-minded pursuit of God’s kingdom expansion.”

- Mike Harland

So then let us continue forward as a united congregation motivated by selfless, Christ-centered, participational worship from both the platform and the pews. Let us be a congregation that hungers for truth and longs to see all generations lifting praise together. Let us desire a worship experience that is not just a filling for the week ahead, but also an overflow from a week lived in relationship with Him. When a member of our youth sees the faithful worship of an elder, may they see an ongoing dependence and a never-ending recognition of God’s provision. And when an older member observes the passionate worship of a young adult, may they be energized to see Christ revealed to each new generation. In this way, worship is forever. It is an ongoing testimony of thanksgiving, trust, submission, and adoration to the Father found in every generation of believers.

Worship Forever is an event hosted by Central Worship on July 2nd at 6:00pm. We’ll welcome members of other local choirs as they join the Central Worship Choir and Orchestra, and through the powerful and iconic music of Michael W. Smith’s “Worship” album—cinematically reimagined and arranged for choir, orchestra, and congregation—the entirety of the sanctuary will engage in an evening of God-centered corporate worship as we unite the platform and the pews. Songs include Forever, Heart of Worship, Draw Me Close, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Breathe, Let It Rain, Open The Eyes of My Heart, and more.