Better ways to understand church talk...

Part of the 'language' of my calling sounds really technical. What I have come to appreciate of some of the theologians I have read is their attempts to give a down to earth definition of some of the technical languages. There are two definitions which I have encountered over the last couple of months which I want to remember.

Theology - "God Talk" (Phylis Tickle) Which is great because everyone can talk about God therefore everyone is a theologian.

Liturgy - "Talking to God without getting killed" (Paraphrase of Annie Dillard) This is reminds me of the power of God and how, when I really think about it, when I really encounter God I become scared. For instance, when I really read the words of Jesus (lets say the Sermon on the Plain in Luke), I really become scared because, well lets face it, I am part of the cursed group. And so, "the set pieces of liturgy are certain words which people have successfully addressed to God without their getting killed." I am not too clear on this I know but I do not want to forget it.

Just another white stiff in worship... me.

I am sitting in worship and we are singing a song titled "Soon, and Very Soon." (Although not like this exactly here is the song for reference).



All we sang was the chorus three or four times. I was next to Nancy Allen and as the congregation sang along I had this deep feeling to stand up and clap. I was actually jumping at the bit to get the congregation to stand, clap and sing along in order to get a new feeling/emotion/energy into the life of the community. But I just sat there. Why??? I am one of the worship leaders and am I not called to give the community permission to worship in countless ways? Why would I reserve myself?

Is it a personal image thing?
Do I not want to 'look' like an idiot?
Do I not embrace my pastoral authority?
Am I afraid I will anger those whom I feel are "in charge"?

I turned to Nancy and told her my feeling of wanting to stand and clap, she said she felt the same thing! We vowed to each other we would not allow that to happen again and if we feel like standing and clapping, damn it, we are going to stand and clap!

Worshipful Art Walks

Episodes 24 and 25 on the Praxis Podcast there is an hour long discussion on what some do as worship - Art walks. These groups read the scripture for the day (Lectino Divina style) then walk through an art museum. After the hour long walk the group comes back together and with the use of their journals (which they used to write or sketch something while on the walk) and talk about what just happened to them.

Can there be people in my communites which might be interested in doing this?