Stewards of Worship

How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. What? came the word of God out from you? or came it unto you only? If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:26-40 KJV)

Paul gives instruction to the Corinthian church so that all can be edified. After the opening verse of the passage, the rest of the text seems to stress the need for and manner of evaluating the use of spiritual gifts. That, too, is crucial to Christian stewardship. Early church father Justin Martyr (c. 100-c. 165) provides a portrait of the early church service that is characterized by order, inclusivity and generosity.

The memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits. Then when the reader ceases, the president in a discourse admonishes and urges the imitation of those good things. Next we all rise together and send up prayers. And, as I said before, when we cease from our prayer, bread is presented and wine and water. The president in the same manner sends up prayers and thanksgiving according to his ability, and the people sing out their assent saying the 'Amen.' A distribution and participation of the elements for which thanks have been given is made to each person, and to those who are present it is sent by the deacons. Those who have means and are willing, each according to his own choice, gives what he wills and what is collected is deposited with the president. He provides for the orphans and widows, those who are in want on account of sickness or some other causes, those who are in bonds and strangers who are sojourning, and in a word he becomes the protector of all who are in need.

The stewardship of our life together in community is centered in our worship services. Stewardship theologian Helge Brattrg��rd (1920-2007) asserts that the good stewards of worship is active.

A good steward knows that he, as a good participant in the church service, has something important over which to be steward. Therefore he wants to take part actively in the prayers, the psalms, the texts and the proclamation. This, his activity, expresses itself not only in regular participation in the church service or church life, but also in faithful preparation!

This responsibility toward the worship service can, among other things, express itself in hospitality within the Lord's house!If unchurched people do not feel welcome at our worship services, then we have shown poor stewardship in this regard. In the monastic rule of St. Benedict there are some words worthy of our thought: hospites tamquam Christus suspiciantur - Guests must be received as if they were Christ himself.

People have come to realize that they must offer all their resources, their time, and their money, in order to help others come to the point of a regular participation in the divine services. When Jesus caught Peter, he got his boat also.

As you reflect on today's reading ask yourself how might you better steward your part in the church service?