The pastor is not feeding us

When Boston sang “More Than a Feeling” back in 1976, they weren’t talking about worship. Still, the truth applies.

When we make worship about us, we are, ultimately, looking for a feeling. Many times in my ministry, I have had people come to me, complaining about their pastor, saying “I just don’t get anything out of the service anymore. He’s not “feeding” us.

I know several dear men of God who have had their ministry come to an abrupt halt because some people in the church had these feelings, and the feelings escalated to a point where the pastor was asked to leave.

Let me tell you something you may not know. Worship is not about us. There. I’ve said it. It’s not about us.

Rick Warren, in his book, “The Purpose Driven Life,” says in the very first four words of the book, “It’s not about you.” I know that might sink your boat because you expect to go to church and sing all the songs you like. And hear a message that gives you a warm fuzzy feeling. And get a few pats on the back from the “M.A.S.” (“Mutual Admiration Society”) and walk out feeling good. But we need to understand that the Bible clearly teaches that worship is not about us.

In fact, God created us to worship Him. Worship is about God. A.W. Tozer, in his great work, “The Purpose of Man” wrote: “Worship is not confined to emotion and feelings, but is an inward attitude and a state of mind subject to degrees of perfection and intensity.

It is not possible to always worship with the same degree of wonder and love as at other times, but wonder and love always has to be there.”

If you approach worship with the attitude, “God, what do you have for me?” you’re always going to walk away empty. Instead, shift your perspective into alignment with God’s truth by asking, “God, how can I give you my very best worship? How can I praise you? How can I glorify you? How can I give you the worship you deserve?” Only then will you walk away from your time of worship deeply satisfied.

Pastor Thad Gifford is lead pastor of the Crossroads Community Church of Madison County, 62 E. Second St., London. He can be reached at (740) 852-7800, e-mail him at sermon8er@aol.com or at their website www.3c-church.org.