Flow: The Ancient Way to do Contemporary Worship

Worship and technology? Pre-Covid-19, it was all about projecting beautiful PowerPoint slides or playing videos on the screen. Yes, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been used in church ministries before the pandemic but the thought of having the regular Sunday services online was quite remote. It has been over a year since worship has been held online. Still, we grapple with the questions: how do we do this well? How do we engage the congregation? How do we keep the worship teams energised and enthusiastic about serving? On a deeper level, how do we discern if what we do is theologically sound?
These questions were tackled through the various segments offered at the Worship Symposium 2021 that was held from 23-26 June and organised by the Methodist School of Music. This year’s symposium was guided by the theme Flow: The Ancient Way to do Contemporary Worship. It was manifested in the Orders of Worship and in the continuity of conversations in the plenary, panel discussions, and SkillsTraining workshops. Held 100% online, the symposium presented both the organisers and the participants with an experience like none before.
“I have learned much, particularly about the essence of Worship. True worship is God-centred, Word-centred, and Spirit-led. It transcends forms, cultures, languages, and even spaces beyond church buildings. This Symposium has reinforced my understanding of true worship and given me more confidence in leading worship with Flow and Authenticity, be it in-person or online.”
– Jui Sek, Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church
The symposium opened each day with worship. The morning liturgies followed the GPRS pattern (Gathering- Proclamation-Response-Sending) but were not fixed on one template. It was enriching to have participants from overseas lead prayers in their own language or playing their traditional musical instruments. Scripture readings presented in different forms, music from both traditional and contemporary styles, or hymns play in contemporary fashion enhanced the worship experience albeit online.
We also received encouraging feedback on the symposium’s Skills Training sessions. The lectures empowered trainees in the areas of Vocals, Songwriting, Online choir ministry, Worship Leading, and Band Dynamics.
“The level of discussion by the group was good.”
“The lectures enhanced my understanding of Worship which will help me in my ministry work.”
The evening plenary sessions addressed the topics: “Free and Extemporaneous Prayer”, “Blended worship – How do we do it well?”, and “Worship in the Digital Space”, with the last one being the most popular. Sessions were given by Dr. Lester Ruth, the editor of Flow; Dr. Adam Perez, a contributor to the book; and Ms. Julie Tai from Fuller Theological Seminary. The speakers for the Chinese track were Dr. Simon Ng and Ms.Yvette Lau, both from Hong Kong.
Julie Tai shared enlightening insights about covenantal rather than a transactional commitment to online worship in the final plenary session on “Worship in the digital space”. She also emphasised the importance of participation so that engagement is heightened. Video production, whether high or low end, has to be handled with creativity, care, and discernment. In the same vein, Yvette Lau who was addressing the Chinese track said “While we need to keep our values, we also need to reflect on how we are adapting to ways of doing our services online. There is much to discern and be watchful about.”
“I attended the Chinese-Worship Leaders track and it was very informative. It broadened my perspectives and provided very creative ideas.”
Moving on, we need to continue exploring the possibilities of using technology online and be discerning of their theological implications. Conversations around this concern will have to be intentionally pursued. This is an ongoing search: a search for a robust theology for online worship. May God grant good collaboration amongst all who are involved in the worship life of the church so that online worship will be an experience that connects, nurtures, and forms the people of God to be for the people of God.
MSM looks forward to organising the 9th Worship Symposium in June 2023. Be There!
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Dr Judith Laoyan-Mosomos
Director of Worship and Church Music, Methodist School of Music