Center Appointment Supports Worship Diversity

 

By David S. Luecke

     The Center for United States Missions, associated with the LCMS Board for Mission Services and Concordia University Irvine , recently announced the appointment of Rev. Michael J. Zehnder to their newly established position of National Worship Consultant. Jesus First  interviewed the Center Director, Rev. Michael R. Ruhl.

JF: What do you hope your new consultant will accomplish?

Ruhl: He will coach and equip congregations for responsible diversity of expression in Christian worship. This will take place through on-site worship consultation and linkage to diversity-expanding worship resources. The development of diverse (cultural heart-language) and authentic worship materials will impact congregations in three ways: (1) it will inspire congregations toward greater missional energy and effectiveness; (2) it will revitalize some congregations in mission and ministry; and (3) it will empower congregations to share the Gospel with new people groups and generations of both native and immigrant origin.

JF: Why is Mike Zehnder an appropriate choice?

Ruhl: Pastor Michael Zehnder of Gilbert, Arizona has been called to this new position for several reasons: (1) he is dedicated to the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions; (2) he is a gifted musician with diverse vocal and instrumental experience and credentials; (3) he is an experienced church planter; (4) he engages in cross-cultural evangelism as well as missionary training and activity in other nations; (5) he appreciates and employs the full range of worship styles in the congregational setting; (6) he understands Lutheran ecclesiology and the role of the pastor in Lutheran worship; (7) he is a dynamic facilitator / teacher with strong relational skills; and (8) he is “in touch” with qualified worship and music personnel and resources.

JF: Why was this position developed?

Ruhl: The position of National Worship Consultant was developed because of (1) encouragement from LCMS national leaders; (2) encouragement from LCMS lay leaders; (3) encouragement from LCMS mission executives; (4) the growing diversity (ethnic, worldview and generational) of the United States mission field and (5) the difficulty many congregations encounter in their efforts to incorporate diversity into their local worship expression.

     Worship is the response we make to God within the relationship that God initiates with us in Christ. Worship is not a “means to something else.” In practical America we try to make everything “useful”--even our worship. Some “use” worship to make new converts (seeker worship), others to teach the Word (pedagogical worship) or to build attendance (entertainment worship). But people yearn for a worship experience that is pure and simple worship and not just a means to promote building the church and its programs, attracting prospective members or even promoting specific ministries. People hunger for worship that is focused on God and is expressed in the heart-language of their culture. Such biblical, authentic worship in Spirit and in truth,  rich in diverse expression, will then “fuel” the church in its mission of making disciples in the mission field. 

JF: How is Zehnder’s position being funded?

Ruhl: The position will be funded for three years (2006-2008) by designated contributions from LCMS congregations to the Synod, which the Synod in turn will channel to the Center for United States Missions. It is our intention that this position will be self-supporting by the end of the three-year period.

JF: What synodical authorization exists for developing this position?

Ruhl: The 2004 LCMS Convention passed Resolution 2-04, To Affirm Responsible Use of Freedom of Worship, affirming respect for diversity and directing Synod’s Commission on Worship to initiate a process leading to the development of diverse worship resources. The Center has been in regular communication with the Commission on Worship.

JF: How can congregations utilize this ministry?

Ruhl: Optimum utilization of this ministry can take place by engaging Mike Zehnder to come alongside the congregation’s worship team (the pastor, any additional worship staff and Elders) for discovery, learning, appreciation and implementation of biblical, God-honoring worship materials, expressed with the richness of diversity.                                                                          

     Information about the Worship Diversity Consultation Ministry is available on the Center for United States Missions web site: www.centerformissions.org