PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

demonstrated in that miracles are often associated with celebration in song. There were songs as
Israel went out to fight major battles and songs at times of spiritual breakthroughs such as the
crossing of the Red Sea and the bringing of the gospel to Europe.
The Scriptures show music and singing as prominent in the life of the early church. The
importance of singing is emphasized in that it is closely linked with prayer (1 Cor. 14:15).
Worship in song is also described as the normal expression of a life saturated with the Word of
God (Col. 3:16) and the fullness of the Holy Spirit (Eph. 5:18)
EXPECTATIONS AND ROLES IN THE RENEWAL CHURCH
The role of the pastor in the Renewal Church is significantly different from that in other
church ministry paradigms. The pastor is often the primary worship leader in the Renewal
Church. It is not uncommon to find pastors with as much training in music as Bible and
theology. Most Renewal Church pastors view themselves as exhorters who encourage a
congregation of worshipping priests to worship their God. They approach the worship service
with an enthusiastic attitude about entering the privilege of entering God's presence. One
renewal pastor describes himself as the choir leader, the congregation as the choir, and God as
the audience.
Those who attend the Renewal Church tend to agree with their pastor's view of the
church. They come to church expecting to participate in the worship of God. They anticipate the
worship team will create a good feel experience during the service. Most congregational
members in Renewal Churches expect a non-judgmental, positive attitude in the church where
they are free to raise their hands, bow in prayer, or worship God through some other means.
Church has not been church if they do not "feel" as though they experienced God as they worship
in song during the service.
There is more to the Renewal Church service than an extended time of worship in song.
The worship time is unquestionably the focus of the service. This time is usually followed by an
opportunity for the pastor to share from the Scriptures, but that is clearly not greater in both the
minds of the pastors and congregation. If "the Spirit is moving" in the worship time, it is
generally considered in bad taste to interrupt worship to make time for preaching. Some pastors
of Renewal Churches view not having preached for several weeks as an evidence of the moving
of God in their church.
THE BONDING AGENT OF THE RENEWAL CHURCH
In light of the uplifting and encouraging spirit which characterizes many Renewal Church
services, it is not surprising that Renewal Churches often resemble gift colonies for those gifted
in exhortation. Exhortation is the spiritual gift that glues many of these churches together.
People gather week by week to encourage one another and "stir up love and good works" (Heb.
10:24). They come together for a time of renewal in preparation for the challenges they will face
between Sundays.
Exhortation is urging others to act on the basis of their faith in God, advising others how
to accomplish specific goals in life and/or ministry, cautioning others against actions that are