What's more important? Worship or Teaching?

[JAS4Yeshua]

Some comments in another thread have spawned the idea for this topic. What is more important in a church service? Is it the worship or is it the teaching?

In a perfect world, we can find a church that has great worship and teaching. But let's say you move to a new area, and while searching for churches, you don't find one that has good worship and teaching. Which would you put a priority in, when looking?

For me, I think it would be the solid Scriptural teaching. Even if the worship isn't the greatest, I am still getting fed the Word. I can put in a worship/praise CD and praise the Lord with my wife.

What about you? What would you place as a higher importance in your search?

[Redheadedstepchild]

Interesting...I've attended two vastly different churches this year, both of which I love. The common denominator of the two is the wonderful teaching present...I'd say that's what I respond to the most.

[cyberlizard]

i think for me, it is the worship, communal worship. I do not mind not having strong teaching, as i can find that on the net from my messianic sites. But nothing is better than worshipping together (except when the 'worship leader' gets carried away with himself).

i tell you what i do miss though (i'm nearly forty now) is the weekend and week long youth events which i used to go on. Really do miss those. It was at one of those where I met catrin at a Methodist bible college in the peak district in the UK around 16 years ago. and if I had the time, i would do exactly the same again....

a good wife who can find, she is worth more than rubies.

[ANM29]

I would say Teaching and Worship. :) My best worship is usually alone anyway. I still feel the house of God should be about worship. I think the church has gotten away from that. We were created to worship. :) ..

There is not enough worship in his house. It is through worship a lot of times that yokes are broken over people lives. ( The annointing breaks yokes )

We are not allowing the "Holy Spirit" to have his way anymore. We are too busy wanting to keep up with our own schedule.

[JAS4Yeshua]

I agree with you, ANM, but I was wondering, if you couldn't find a church that had both, and had to choose one over the other, which would you choose? ;)

[zaksmummy]

I'd have to go with the worship, or maybe the teaching, its difficult isnt it?

The church we used to go to had excellent teaching, but the worship sucked, the one I go to now has much better worship and I'm happy with the teaching when I get to hear it, I'm often with small child downstairs in the cold, playing and keeping him occupied. For everything there is a season.

Catrin xx

[he4rty]

I'm going to take a stab at worship, as this helps open you up to the lord ready to receive the teaching, else we would do it the other way round but never heard of a church that has a sermon first then worship.:scratch:

[JAS4Yeshua]

It definately is a hard choice, that I do admit. ;)

[Redheadedstepchild]

Ya know, I'm thinking that to really understand and appreciate worship takes spiritual maturity...maybe that's why I lean towards teaching.

Just a random late night thought...

[ARBITER01]

They are both on equal footing according to scripture,..


26 ¶ (ASV) What is it then, brethren? When ye come together, each one hath a psalm, hath a teaching, hath a revelation, hath a tongue, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying.


I've seen churches that had great praise and worship but fell short in the preaching and teaching catagory. I found that I could not live just off of the praise and worship alone, that I needed growth from strong preaching and teaching also.

[Alpine]

After thinking about it more, I think that teaching is more important. It's difficult to find a church that goes deep into the bible and teaches it well. There is a reason that teachers who are good at what they do tend to have bigger congregations.

[JK]

I say both Worship and teaching there seems to be a lack of Bible Teaching in some churches today. I miss weekly Bible studies.

[onelamb]

Worship-for me, that's the thing! Getting good teaching is so available on the net, on the tv and on the radio-lot's of good books too. But worship with His body-there's just something about it. Don't get me wrong-I want both! If I had to choose one or the other-I'd pic worship every time.

[Tamara224]

I'm sick of having to compartmentalize and choose between one or another: preaching, teaching, worship, Sunday School, Children's church, this program that program. Like church is a buffet.

I've come to the conclusion that questions like these are begging the question: Why are we to the place with "church" that we choose options like it were a menu? Why do we view church in this manner? And is it right?

IMO, we lost the point a long time ago. Choosing between a church with good teaching and a church with good worship is like choosing between a shampoo with vitamin E and a shampoo with aloe. It's an illusion created to make us feel like we've made a decision, when really there is no difference.

Neither church is really Church. Both are missing the point. Choosing one over the other is an exercise in futility created by the overwhelmingly consumer-oriented culture in which we live.


I know a lot of people will have no clue what I'm talking about. But a lifetime of trying to choose between the lesser of two evils in "church" has brought me to the conclusion that the whole things is a construct of illusion. We're missing the point.

[jeolmstead]

I believe that if we really have one of either we will have both.

How can “teaching” be defined as good if that teaching does not teach the importance of worship and provide the congregation opportunity to exercise it?

How do we know what real worship is unless we are taught?

It’s like asking the question:

On which leg do you rely on most when you walk?

(You will fall down without both)


John O.

[JAS4Yeshua]

I understand what you are saying, Tamara, but that wasn't the point of my OP. ;)

I agree, we need all these things in a church, in order to grow and mature. The most important thing is glorifying God, not satisfying our own carnal nature. But my OP wasn't about our carnal nature, but trying to find a church.

You move to a new area, what do you look for? You look at all those items you mentioned. But there is no such thing as the "perfect" church. I liked the saying of an old pastor of mine. "If you find the 'perfect' church, don't join it, because you'll ruin it." The idea is finding where the Lord wants us.

Now, you move to an area that has a church with ok worship, but great teaching and another church with great worship and ok teaching. Would you forget both churches and stay home, or choose one of the two? Which would you choose? ;)

[Tamara224]

I understand what you are saying, Tamara, but that wasn't the point of my OP. ;)

I agree, we need all these things in a church, in order to grow and mature. The most important thing is glorifying God, not satisfying our own carnal nature. But my OP wasn't about our carnal nature, but trying to find a church.

You move to a new area, what do you look for? You look at all those items you mentioned. But there is no such thing as the "perfect" church. I liked the saying of an old pastor of mine. "If you find the 'perfect' church, don't join it, because you'll ruin it." The idea is finding where the Lord wants us.

Now, you move to an area that has a church with ok worship, but great teaching and another church with great worship and ok teaching. Would you forget both churches and stay home, or choose one of the two? Which would you choose? ;)

LOL, if you're still asking the same question then you didn't understand my point at all. You're asking the wrong question, IMO. The real question is: Is this Church?

But, practically speaking, I guess I choose neither. Because, IMO, there is no real difference between the two.

[JAS4Yeshua]

The wrong question? It is just a question. :D

The church I attend has great worship and teaching, IMO. Another person here had mentioned attending a church and really enjoying the teaching, but wasn't keen on the worship, because she didn't feel fully free to worship, yet she liked the teaching, so still she attends.

As for your "real question," that is a valid question, but not in the scope of this discussion, IMO. :P

[Tamara224]

The wrong question? It is just a question. :D

The church I attend has great worship and teaching, IMO. Another person here had mentioned attending a church and really enjoying the teaching, but wasn't keen on the worship, because she didn't feel fully free to worship, yet she liked the teaching, so still she attends.

As for your "real question," that is a valid question, but not in the scope of this discussion, IMO. :P


Well, then I'll bow out. But IMO, you're wasting your time over a decision that's not a real decision. That's what I'm trying to say.

Until we answer the real question, the rest is vanity. IMHO.

[JAS4Yeshua]

Tamara, it is just a question. An attempt to get people to think, and get to know one another. This is a type of fellowship thread, not a teaching thread, with no right or wrong answers. I think you may possibly be misconstruing the intent of the question and the thread. ;)

[Tamara224]

Tamara, it is just a question. An attempt to get people to think, and get to know one another. This is a type of fellowship thread, not a teaching thread, with no right or wrong answers. I think you may possibly be misconstruing the intent of the question and the thread. ;)


No, I don't think I misconstrued the intent. I know what you're asking and why.

But that doesn't change the fact that I believe what I do about it. I think the question you pose is indicative of a deeper problem. The fact that the question is asked at all indicates that perhaps there are underlying problems that need to be explored and questioned.

I'm sorry if you see it as a derailment. But if you want to get people to think... Well, I think I've offered more to think about.:wave:

[JAS4Yeshua]

No it isn't a derailment, nor am I trying to change your opinion. As I said, this thread, as far as I'm concerned, has no right or wrong answers. I started this thread after the discussion with another person in another thread regarding worship and teaching. Nothing deeper than that. ;)

[Simon_Templar]

Part of the problem here is that most people only attend church once a week. The main point of the original sunday service was worship. There was scripture reading of course and some teaching, but the bulk of the teaching was accomplished in smaller meetings through out the week.

Today we are trying to cram everything into a tiny service compared to what is really necessary.

The truth is that if you devote 30 minutes a week to learning something as vast and complex as the bible, nothing really qualifies as "good teaching". Which is one of the reasons that much of the church is so bad off in its understandings of scripture and doctrine.

The point of the corperate service is two fold, #1 for the peolpe to minister to God in worship, #2 for the body to be edified by God ministering to the people as a whole. This is accomplished through the gifts of the spirit, through teaching, and dare I say it.. through 'sacraments'.

In the grand scheme I would say that worship has a slight edge on teaching, but really any model that forces you to choose between them is flawed from the get go (which I think is Tamara's point).

[Redheadedstepchild]

I think too that great worship is a matter of personal preference or familiarity. For example, I love the litergical worship at the local Lutheran church but someone else might not. I was really out of my element during the praise and worship portion of the service at the IPHC because it was so unlike anything I had ever experienced before, but that doesn't mean that it wasn't "great" worship.
Also sometimes I lack the humility to appreciate worship for what it is...I tend to pick the music apart or the singer - whatever. In that case the problem is with me, not the church.

[ANM29]

I agree with you, ANM, but I was wondering, if you couldn't find a church that had both, and had to choose one over the other, which would you choose? ;)

I prefer worship..;) :)

[heron]

I listen to teaching during the week, so I like to be at a place where I know the teaching is sound, but then get involved in SS or something where I'm not just sitting taking in weekly sermons while others need their kids watched. We have bounty, others do not.

Worship, on the other hand, is something I always find is better at church than at home. (-; I need other people around praying and praising to get that solid refreshing sense of God's involvement with us.

In my head, I would still prefer better teaching, but worship is what I personally need out of church.

[probinson]

LOL, if you're still asking the same question then you didn't understand my point at all.
Forgive the intrusion, but this talk of missing the point made me want to try out this image I found yesterday;

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/petesarah/missingthepoint.png

That is all...

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h128/petesarah/Smilies/bolt.gif

[JAS4Yeshua]

:D Nice image, Pete.

[PaladinGirl]

I believe that worship is more important than teaching.

[Godslilgurlalways]

Hard to stay I think it sometimes depends for each person like there is no wrong or right answer for me I need both but I think the teaching pushes me even futher.

[dayhiker]

I'd really hate to choose between worship and teaching. But If I had to, I'd choose worship. Teaching can puff up with the knowledge but good worship always leaves me thankful and in awe of God.
I actaully get most of my teaching from reading books now as most sermons I've aleady thought thru the topic myself to a greater extent than the sermon gives.

So give me worship .... :)
dayhiker

[Mathetes the kerux]

Some comments in another thread have spawned the idea for this topic. What is more important in a church service? Is it the worship or is it the teaching?

In a perfect world, we can find a church that has great worship and teaching. But let's say you move to a new area, and while searching for churches, you don't find one that has good worship and teaching. Which would you put a priority in, when looking?

For me, I think it would be the solid Scriptural teaching. Even if the worship isn't the greatest, I am still getting fed the Word. I can put in a worship/praise CD and praise the Lord with my wife.

What about you? What would you place as a higher importance in your search?
Perhaps you should ask "demonstrative music" and teaching vs. WORSHIP and teaching . . . for teaching is an aspect of worship.

[Mathetes the kerux]

But I would have to take teaching.

The scripture always exhorts sound doctrine and the primacy of it . . . but never puts "music" in the same category.

If I am missing the expressive music that helps facilitate an atmosphere of praise and reverance . . . then I can pop on any number of CD's in my morning devotions.

But me thinks this whole exercise comes from the wrong direction anyways . . . worship is about GOD . . . not us or our desires.

[mourningsdove]

. . . worship is about GOD . . . not us or our desires.

Amen.

[cyberlizard]

its an awkward question its like asking which side of a coin is most important! I have never seen a one sided coin.

[Adammi]

Some comments in another thread have spawned the idea for this topic. What is more important in a church service? Is it the worship or is it the teaching?

In a perfect world, we can find a church that has great worship and teaching. But let's say you move to a new area, and while searching for churches, you don't find one that has good worship and teaching. Which would you put a priority in, when looking?

For me, I think it would be the solid Scriptural teaching. Even if the worship isn't the greatest, I am still getting fed the Word. I can put in a worship/praise CD and praise the Lord with my wife.

What about you? What would you place as a higher importance in your search?
I would say that everything done by a spiritually mindful person is worship. Teaching is worship. Singing is worship. Praying is worship. Smiling is worship. Laughing is worship. Working is worship. Driving is worship. Eating is worship. Reading is worship. Watching TV is worship. Shopping is worship. Sleeping is worship. Swimming is worship. Mowing the lawn is worship. Everything is worship. To the Christian, there is no clear distinction between what is and what is not worship. If one thinks that worship is defined as singing songs at the beginning of a church service, then one needs to reevaluate their definition of worship.

[BenAdam]

What is more important eating or breathing?

[Alpine]

What is more important eating or breathing?

Breathing. You can go weeks without food, but you won't be long for this earth if you cannot breathe.

[Svt4Him]

Ì`m pretty sure that the highest form of worship is to teach about God. The Jewish people would sit when they read God`s word because it was so Holy and they didn`t want to try and be above it.. And they considered the teaching as being the highest worship to God. I will try and get a reference to this.

[Svt4Him]

Part of the problem here is that most people only attend church once a week. The main point of the original sunday service was worship.

Can you cite this as I don't see that anywhere in the Bible, unless you define worship other than singing.

[Simon_Templar]

Can you cite this as I don't see that anywhere in the Bible, unless you define worship other than singing.
I do, in fact, define worship as something other than singing.

I realize that most people think of worship and singing as synonymous, however, this is a very narrow, modern, evangelical mindset.

In the bible, worship is most often equated with offering sacrifice, or things like prostrating yourself before God. It is also equated with actions that we take in life, such as God says that his acceptable worship is helping poor people and widows, James says that this is true religion.

Song in scripture is more often ascociated with praise, but we have lumped "praise and worship" into one thing, and in the process sort of forgotten what worship really is. Worship is fundamentally about a heart attitude of submission and sacrifice before God. Worship is when a person devotes himself to ministering to God, doing as God desires, offering up what is pleasing to God.

Several places through out the New testament it describes the meeting of the believers with the phrase that they "ministered unto God". Somewhat ironically, the term translated "minister" is the greek word from which we get the word "liturgy". It was a rather unique word that described a group of people basically putting on a show to entertain the audience. Specifically the term derived from the greek practice that in times of war or trial the nobility would sponsor plays and entertainment for the populace to raise morale.

The point being that the services described in the bible were about the believers ministering to God, doing what was pleasing to him, offering up the sacrifice of worship.

From what we know of the first Church historically, the sunday service consisted of praise, and scripture reading, and teaching, and a good deal of prayer but the central point of it was communion which was viewed as an offering of worship and thanksgiving to God. It was seen as a continuation of the Old Testament 'todah' offering of bread, which means the thank offering. This is why communion was called "eucharist" which means "thanksgiving".

The New Testament, as well as the writings of the first Christians tell us that they met together in smaller groups all through out the week, and in those meetings they had more teaching, and study. The main sunday meeting, while it did have teaching, was primarily about corperate worship. Ministering to God as a body.

[Svt4Him]

I do, in fact, define worship as something other than singing.

I realize that most people think of worship and singing as synonymous, however, this is a very narrow, modern, evangelical mindset.

In the bible, worship is most often equated with offering sacrifice, or things like prostrating yourself before God. It is also equated with actions that we take in life, such as God says that his acceptable worship is helping poor people and widows, James says that this is true religion.

Song in scripture is more often ascociated with praise, but we have lumped "praise and worship" into one thing, and in the process sort of forgotten what worship really is. Worship is fundamentally about a heart attitude of submission and sacrifice before God. Worship is when a person devotes himself to ministering to God, doing as God desires, offering up what is pleasing to God.

Several places through out the New testament it describes the meeting of the believers with the phrase that they "ministered unto God". Somewhat ironically, the term translated "minister" is the greek word from which we get the word "liturgy". It was a rather unique word that described a group of people basically putting on a show to entertain the audience. Specifically the term derived from the greek practice that in times of war or trial the nobility would sponsor plays and entertainment for the populace to raise morale.

The point being that the services described in the bible were about the believers ministering to God, doing what was pleasing to him, offering up the sacrifice of worship.

From what we know of the first Church historically, the sunday service consisted of praise, and scripture reading, and teaching, and a good deal of prayer but the central point of it was communion which was viewed as an offering of worship and thanksgiving to God. It was seen as a continuation of the Old Testament 'todah' offering of bread, which means the thank offering. This is why communion was called "eucharist" which means "thanksgiving".

The New Testament, as well as the writings of the first Christians tell us that they met together in smaller groups all through out the week, and in those meetings they had more teaching, and study. The main sunday meeting, while it did have teaching, was primarily about corperate worship. Ministering to God as a body.


Great, but when using terms like worship you have to realize most think of it as singing, although I could be wrong. And I think that it has lost its true meaning.

[Simon_Templar]

Great, but when using terms like worship you have to realize most think of it as singing, although I could be wrong. And I think that it has lost its true meaning.
I realize that, and I agree with you, it has lost its true meaning.