the trinitarian aspect of convergence worship

[DeanZF]

We have yet to scratch the surface of what Dr. Chan referred to as trinitarian worship, and I'm champing at the bit to start. He clearly defined what most churches do, where many sing "Jesus Only" songs, and there are lots of songs that dwell on the Holy Spirit as well. Christomonistic and Pneumatomonistic (not sure of the spelling on the latter) worship, focusing only on Christ or the Holy Spirit. I'll correct spelling when Dr Chan's notes become available.



I personally can think of very few songs that speak exclusively to the Father. There are many from early Charismatic Renewall days that have three verses, addressing each member of the Trinity and there are the ever-present, ever-useful doxologies that talk to or about all three. A few CCM songs made strong references to Father (e.g., My Father's Eyes by Amy Grant), but I still must admit that I'm a bit at sea when it comes to this concept that Dr. Chan threw in our laps at the Convo plenary sessions.



If you're reading the entire thread, you'll probably figure out that this is a hot-button issue for both Helena & me. We've heard the quote, "Words MEANS something" a lot in the last few months, even from certain US presidential candidates. What we say and what we sing is as important as what we preach and how we share Christ. If we use our own thoughts and feelings and communicate those loosely, with inaccurate language, what do we communicate? On the other hand, if we use Scriptural phrases, Scriptural images, Scriptural names and labels, we can rely on the power that Father vested in those words. Remember that He told us that HIS WORDS would not return to Him void and purposeless.



Remember that there is power in just using Messiah's given name. Yes, there is power in the blood, but even more in His Word! When we employ Scriptural lyrics or even close paraphrases of Scripture, it's as though we are serving as bows for His "word arrows", launching them toward targets known and suspected, launching them with expectation that they will accomplish their eternal tasks.



There is a time for "I" songs and "we" songs, but usually not within the context of worship. Worship is about HIM/THEM. That's a crucial point. Songs of intercession, repentence, rejoicing, thanksgiving, and others have a stronger dose of "I" and "we" included in their lyrics, as well they should. That's where they belong!



When folks choose music for services, it needs to fit the form of the service. In a communion setting, what sorts of songs and words would YOU use? I will come and bow down (I is used only twice in that song, the bulk of the lyric talks about how unique our God is, that there is nothing and no one that compares), Holy, Holy, Holy songs, blood & bread songs, "Commune with Me" by the Dearmans (with GOD singing to US!!), and other songs focused on meeting with Him. Would you use a song of repentence? I would not, since we have already repented and were forgiven just a short time ago. Would we use a thanksgiving song? Possibly, but would that not be better AFTER communion as we recall how He has just stooped down to be with us and in us through the sacrament? Would we be using an evangelistic song or a call to worship? Or a "don't worry be happy" song? There are better fits, IMO.



Just offering a little as fuel for discussion. Yup, I'm opinionated, but not inflexible. Well, most of the time.