There is a burden I carry. I am not trying to accuse anyone. I want to invite the Church back to the center.
The more I read Scripture, the more I come back to one simple truth:
We cannot separate worship from the Word, because we worship the One who is the Word. (John 1:1–5; John 4:23–24)
In many Christian gatherings, something subtle happens. The Word starts to feel interrupted or restricted, almost out of place. Scripture is treated as though it belongs only in a “sermon segment,” but not naturally within worship itself.
Is that what the Bible teaches?
The Word Is Not a Topic — The Word Is a Person
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1)
The Gospel of John does not introduce the Word as a book. It introduces the Word as God Himself, revealed in Jesus Christ. (John 1:14)
Revelation speaks of Jesus this way:
“He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God.” (Revelation 19:13)
So when we say, “Worship time is not Word time,” we should stop and think.
Because if we are not worshiping the Word made flesh, then who are we worshiping? (John 1:14)
A Historical Mirror We Should Learn From
History carries warnings. Not so we can attack people, but so we do not repeat old mistakes.
There were times when access to Scripture in the common language was resisted. God raised voices who believed believers should hear and read the Word plainly. One example often remembered is William Tyndale, who translated Scripture into English from the biblical languages and believed ordinary people should be able to read the Bible for themselves. (bible.peplamb.com/about)
Whatever one’s view of church history, one lesson remains clear:
When the Word is kept at a distance from ordinary believers, the Church grows weaker, not stronger. (Deuteronomy 31:11–13; Nehemiah 8:1–8)
When “No Verses” Sounds Spiritual, but Isn’t Scriptural
Many rules begin with good intentions. Order, timing, structure.
But Jesus warned that traditions can quietly drift into something harmful:
“They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.” (Matthew 15:9)
I want to say this carefully.
If the Word is treated as an interruption to worship, then we may be treating the foundation as though it were a distraction.
Worship is more than emotion. It is more than melody. It is more than atmosphere.
True worship is “in spirit and truth.” (John 4:23–24)
And Jesus defines truth plainly:
“Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
If truth is the Word, then the Word cannot be the enemy of worship.
The Word fuels worship.
What the Bible Says Should Happen When We Gather
The New Testament describes gatherings where believers do not merely observe. They participate.
“What then, brothers? When you come together, each one has a hymn, a lesson, a revelation…” (1 Corinthians 14:26)
Paul places Word and worship side by side:
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” (Colossians 3:16)
And again:
“…addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs…” (Ephesians 5:19)
The pattern is clear:
- The Word dwelling richly
- Mutual strengthening
- Singing, teaching, and exhortation
- Christ at the center
This is not disorder.
It is a living body. (1 Corinthians 12:12–27)
Shepherding That Protects People Without Silencing the Word
Leadership carries weight. Words from leaders can heal, or they can wound.
Scripture calls shepherds to lead this way:
“Shepherd the flock of God… not domineering… but being examples.” (1 Peter 5:2–3)
Jesus Himself set the pattern:
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43–45)
When correction is needed, Scripture still gives a tone:
“The Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone… correcting… with gentleness.” (2 Timothy 2:24–25)
Even correction must pass through reverence for God:
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up…” (Ephesians 4:29)
Often, what hurts most is not correction itself. It is ridicule.
Scripture is consistent:
Love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1)
Harshness tears down. (Proverbs 15:1)
When People Quietly Leave, the Church Should Quietly Listen
Many churches notice a pattern. People come, serve, grow, and then quietly disappear.
We may not always know why.
But Scripture tells us what to pursue regardless:
“Let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.” (Romans 14:19)
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love…” (Ephesians 4:1–3)
Jesus prayed for unity. Not a shallow unity, but one rooted in truth:
“…that they may all be one… so that the world may believe…” (John 17:20–23)
When people drift away, it should move us toward prayer, humility, and honest self-examination. (Psalm 139:23–24)
A Gentle Call Back: Return to the Word, Return to First Love
This is not written to shame anyone.
It is a call to remember:
- The Word saved us. (Romans 10:17)
- The Word sustains us. (Matthew 4:4)
- The Word reveals Jesus. (John 5:39)
- The Word equips the Church. (2 Timothy 3:16–17)
Many of us came to faith because someone freely shared the Word with us. May we never become those who unintentionally restrict it.
When the Church grows cold, Christ’s counsel remains simple:
“Remember… repent… and do the works you did at first.” (Revelation 2:4–5)
Let the Word come forward again. Humbly. Freely. With depth.
Because without the Word, we do not truly know the One we claim to worship. (John 1:1–5; John 17:17)
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are the Word of God. (John 1:1; Revelation 19:13)
Let Your Word dwell richly in Your Church. (Colossians 3:16)
Heal what is wounded. (Psalm 147:3)
Unite what is scattered. (John 17:21)
Teach us to worship You in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23–24)
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
Amen.
