In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy. [1 Timothy 2:8 (NLT)]

“Where’s the complaint box?” was the loud question as the woman angrily made her way to the information table in the back of the church. Apparently this woman didn’t like the volume or choice of music, the worship leader, the attire of the band or much else about the service. I’m sure every ounce of Christian self-control was used by the church secretary who received the brunt of her complaint.

Having homes in several locations, I worship at three different churches; each vastly different from the others. The music varies from contemporary Christian rock to traditional hymns to rock ‘n roll oldies and tropical music, often with rewritten Christian lyrics. One has a plain sanctuary, with a large window looking out at the mountains. There is no pulpit, cross or altar but there is a large baptismal pool. One church has a traditional sanctuary with pulpit, choir loft, cross, altar, stained glass windows and a small baptismal font. One has no church building at all. Services are conducted in the band shell at a city park. There are folding chairs instead of pews. Because it is public property, no cross or altar is allowed but well-behaved dogs are always welcome; the baptismal font is the ocean! One church follows a traditional liturgy and uses a hymnal while another has no prayer book and projects song lyrics on a screen. Services range from orderly and reserved to downright raucous at times. One church offers home-made cookies to first-time visitors; at another we greet each other with “You look marvelous!” One pastor wears casual street clothes, one wears vestments, and the third wears Hawaiian shirts and sandals.

Before we complain about our churches, pastors or worship leaders, let’s ask ourselves what we expect from our worship experience. Why do we go to church? Is it a place for God to serve us or a place for us to serve Him? Is it a place to offer praise and thanksgiving or a place to be praised and thanked? Is it a place to receive instruction and encouragement or a place to be entertained? Is it a place to strengthen our bond with fellow Christians or a social club? Do we want messages that shine a light on our failings and challenge us to strengthen our faith or do we want “feel good” messages that sugar-coat Christianity and make us feel “holier than thou”? Do we want to leave church feeling good about ourselves or good about God?

As dissimilar as the churches I attend are, they have one similarity: the presence of the Holy Spirit during worship. I may not always appreciate the music and I may not always like the day’s message, but I always come away renewed by the Holy Spirit.

There is a difference between going to a service “for the worship” and going to a service “to worship the Lord.” The distinction appears to be a minor one, but it may imply the difference between the worship of God and the worship of music! [Sinclair B. Ferguson, from “A Heart for God”]

Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. [Ephesians 5:18b-20 (NLT)]