Participative Worship in the Avondale College Church

Abstract

Problem: The passive and spectator-oriented worship of many who attend the church service is of great concern to worshippers and worship leaders who are aware of the importance of active participation. The purpose of this research is to assess the concepts and attitudes of a sample of Seventh-day Adventist worshippers in the Avondale College Church to participative worship and to achieve a positive modification of those concepts and attitudes. Method: A study was given to the Biblical principles of worship in relation to participation and action. Further study considered selected findings of business management and educational psychology theory in regard to the development of positive attitudes. Three church services, three seminars, and two surveys were planned and implemented over a four week period. The three services were designed to provide information to the congregation, and to demonstrate alternative styles of worship that facilitate congregational participation. The seminars were to provide further informaion to members of a Subject Group. The surveys provided information for assessing concepts and attitudes to participative worship, and to determine whether a change in understanding and attitude had been achieved. Results: At the conclusion of the series, the members of the Subject Group gave evidence of achieving a clearer understanding of the meaning and purpose of participative worship. A favourable shift in attitude towards participation in the service was achieved in several areas. Conclusion: Worship that is characterized by passivity and spectator-type attitudes can be changed and modified. An understanding of the principles of participative worship will provide a basis for the development of positive attitudes to worship, and help to facilitate an active, worship experience.