One of the greatest theologians and authorities on worship of the 20th into the 21st century is Robert Webber. He did much to biblically inform worship as we move into the postmodern world and culture.
He indicated that the church would be a worship-driven church in response to biblical principle and postmodern culture. There would be a great concern for Biblical truth. A respect and connection to the history of the whole church would be more important. And at the same time, there would be obligation to contemporary context. There are several propositions that are understood in the worship-driven church that make it viable and relevant in a postmodern world.
First and foremost, worship is the primary work of the church and is a worshipping community. The mission of the church in evangelism, missions, social action - all the work of the church - is a natural outgrowth of its worship.
Second, the worship-driven church notes that worship and truth are one and the same. Worship must be scripturally driven with the Word read, sung, preached, and reflected upon in worship. Worship must be biblical and not just need-driven. "In worship the Father is praised, the redeeming work of God the Son is thankfully remembered, the Spirit is invoked to gather us, instruct us, touch us, and heal us." (R. Webber)
Third, the worship-driven church admits that worship hands down truth from generation to generation. We are connected to some 2000 years of history with brothers and sisters in Christ from whom we learn. We are like a tree with many branches all sharing the same trunk and roots.
Fourth, the worship-driven church experiences transformation of life in worship. It is God's action and our response with our lips and work of praise by living transformed lives that become a witness to God's saving grace experienced in worship.
We are saints before God who find our identity in worship where God's great mission of salvation for the whole world is proclaimed and enacted to God's glory! mjm
