EXPRESSIONS OF FAITH
Diversity blends into worship
By Carolynn Bell
Scripture states, "The meek shall inherit the earth." Meek in this case doesn't mean quiet and obedient but rather moldable and changeable.
In fact, a human's greatest ability is the ability to adapt and adjust.
A successful organization mirrors this quality. Therefore, a successful church is moldable and adaptive toward the ever-changing needs of its members. Many Christians are leaving the traditional church structure to meet in school cafeterias and gyms.
There are various reasons for this. The one I have most heard is that the traditional church structure is limiting to worshippers and their needs.
I'm fortunate to belong to a church that expanded its program offerings to add a contemporary service of worship, successfully shaping itself to align with the voice of members who want to worship in a more contemporary style. This allows me to worship at the church that my grandparents and parents attended, making me a third-generation member of Central Union Church.
The contemporary service starts at about 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. People of all races and socioeconomic groups, from slippers to high heels, gather to worship God. Oftentimes during the service, I look around at the mixture of people and imagine that this is how heaven will be.
The music is led by a worship team whose musicians, vocalist and occasional dancers are some of the best on O'ahu. The music is contemporary Christian with an occasional Sting or James Taylor cover added — if the lyrics correspond with the sermon.
Though different in their approaches, they complement one another, forming a chemistry only God could have imagined or made work.
One is an African American fellow, emotionally filled to overflowing by the spirit of God. The other is intellectually gifted in his abilities to analyze the scriptures and present them in an organized manner.
I nicknamed them "the tag team." Often, one will start an idea, threading it throughout the worship yet leaving the full design for the other to finish and complete.
These tandem ministers weave the quilt of God's word, demonstrating that in joined relationship we are greater than the sum of our parts.
I moved back to Hawai'i two years ago after living my college and early adult years on the East Coast. The one sure homecoming I had was my heartfelt commitment of where to attend church. Perhaps this was because of family ties, but more realistically the decision was made from feeling spiritually anorexic.
Being part of Central Union's contemporary service feeds me in a way that only God through the Holy Spirit can and will if we let him.
This active participation has molded me. Thus, the change is inclusive and bidirectional.
Carolynn Bell, a resident of Niu Valley, attends Central Union Church. Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8035. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.
