PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

3. The expressions of worship are not hierarchical, but express a range of emotions
and understanding in the heart of the worshipper. Hierarchical implies an organization of rank;
each subordinate to the one above. In such a case the one who would rank the types of worship
would say that the first is the best, or re-considering the perspective; they might say that the last
is best. Obviously, some would think that the "twang" of a guitar and the Southern gospel
quartet on Sunday morning is "corny" or superficial at best, because it reflects a type of culture
they think is not as civilized as the music of Bach, Chopin or some of the other classics. There
are some condescending Christians who would accept Southern gospel music in worship as
infantile, wanting the people to have their taste in music uplifted and their enlightened
understanding. Their opinion is that the more operatic the voice, i.e. the more the music sounds
like an Italian tenor, the more pure music is; hence, God is magnified in a greater way. However,
the quality of one's voice is measured by the hearer. Some think the best opera is Grand Ol'
Opry. One's perception of quality does not determine the legitimacy of worship. Also included
is skill, understanding of music, type of music and expression of art form. The validity of
worship is measured by the expression of the heart, for they that worship God must worship Him
in "Spirit', i.e. with their whole being, and in "truth," i.e. according to biblical principles.
Therefore, there is no hierarchy in quality expressions of worship, and one is not better than
another, nor does worship become more effective as one ascends or descends the six paradigms.
Some would claim that one form of worship is better because of numerical growth of the
worshippers, the life of the worshipper becomes more holy, or some other form of empirical
measurement, claiming their worship is better because their results are better.
Still others would claim that worship must express a type or system of biblical doctrine.
Hence, they would apply a theological standard to determine a hierarchy of worship. Just
because one can connect his worship experience with proper biblical terminology, does not
necessarily mean that the worship experience is deeper or richer; or more biblical. The person of
Jesus Christ can be just as real to the worshipper in The Renewal Church as He is to the
worshipper in The Congregational Church. The system of theology and one's knowledge of
theology may or may not determine the rank of worship to the worshipper or to God. The
hierarchical question is not one of doctrinal purity, but the issue is the experiential indwelling
presence of Jesus Christ in the life. Does Jesus dwell in the life of the worshipper? Does the
worshipper magnify the Lord Jesus Christ with his life and lips? Is God being magnified with
His worship?
However, doctrinal elasticity has its limits. There is a point of no return beyond which
God can or cannot bless, and beyond which the person of Jesus Christ will, or will not indwell a
person. This is the essential or fundamentals of the faith. Just as one cannot take away the
essentials of an automobile and still have an automobile that functions, so, a person cannot take
away the essential truths of Christianity and still have valid faith. Those who deny the essentials
of Christianity, or are ignorant of them; that person cannot worship God in any valid way. Each
person must examine his own doctrine and experience in light of Scripture.