EXTRA! Ideas for Adults – Being an Authentic Church – Session 4

2 weeks ago 30

Date: May 5, 2024

Worshiping God

The Point: When we worship God together, we experience joy in His presence.

Get Into the Study

Share the following after discussing the opening question.

For war-torn Ukraine, soccer has been a bright spot of national unity. That was evident last month when the Ukrainian men’s national soccer team qualified for the European Championship with a dramatic 2-1 victory in Poland over Iceland. After falling behind early, Ukraine scored the go-ahead goal late in the second half. The victory set off celebrations, with chants of “Ukraine, Ukraine” and blue and yellow flags across the stadium—where many Ukrainian refugees were in attendance. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky posted on X, “Thank you, guys! Thank you, team! For [such] emotions for the entire country. For the important victory and making it to Euro. For proving once again: whenever Ukrainians face difficulties but do not give up and continue to fight, Ukrainians certainly win.”

The national team has not played an official match in its home country since 2021. Trips to Ukraine pose too much danger for visiting teams. Instead, Ukraine has established temporary homebases in Poland and Romania for European competition. Still, the nation’s eyes have been on their team, a national rallying point as Russian bombs and missiles rain down. “Making the Euros,” midfielder Volodymyr Brazhko said, “will help the world to not forget about Ukraine.”

If watching soccer together can help unify a nation, how much more can worshiping the Lord together unify and empower God’s people?

https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/ukraine-euros-russia-iceland-zelensky-ab29b093

https://www.reuters.com/sports/soccer/ukraine-reach-euro-2024-finals-with-iceland-win-2024-03-26/#:~:text=Chants%20of%20%22Ukraine%2C%20Ukraine%22,the%20game%20was%20in%20Kyiv

Study the Bible

As you discuss question 2 (point 1 on p. 106 of the Daily Discipleship Guide), share the following.

A music professor soon could publish one of the most comprehensive studies of Southern Baptist worship in decades. Jonathan Rodgers, assistant professor of music and worship at Samford University in Homewood, Alabama, plans to survey 10-15 percent of Southern Baptist churches in his state (some 226-340 congregations) during the month of May. His plan is to determine the elements present in worship services and who leads them. The survey will ask approximately 50 questions.

The study “could be encouraging in some ways and also informative in other ways,” Rodgers said. It “helps us know the landscape of churches, especially Southern Baptist churches.”

The research could be groundbreaking. The last large-scale survey of Southern Baptist worship occurred in 1938 and was conducted by the Baptist Sunday School Board (Lifeway’s original name). That research focused on practical concerns like music budgets and the composition of musical ensembles. A 2022 study found Chris Tomlin is the most common composer of songs sung in Southern Baptist churches, followed by Fanny Crosby at number two. But the sample size of that study was too small to be representative. Results of the new study will vary from church to church, with different churches holding different worship preferences. Yet all congregations experience joy in God’s presence when they worship Him together.

thealabamabaptist.org/church-worship-practices-are-focus-of-samford-professors-research

The week’s writer for Extra is David Roach. David is pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Saraland, Alabama. He and his wife Erin have three children.

Live It Out [Option from Adult Leader Guide]

In advance, play a worship song about God’s presence. Invite a volunteer to lead the group in singing together. Then close in prayer.

Additional Questions

Icebreaker

What are some community groups that meet in our town, and what do they focus on?
When have you heard an orchestra or symphony and what emotions did it evoke?
What instruments have you tried to learn to play?
What is one activity that is always better with a crowd?
What’s an experience you enjoy but enjoy even more with a group?

Psalm 34:1-3

What do you really enjoy about your church’s worship service?
How can believers praise God together in settings other than a worship service?
What are some ways that other believers have caused you to praise God more?
How have you seen the greatness of God in the last few weeks
Why must believers praise God during both good times and bad times?
When have another’s praises to God been an encouragement to you?
When have you found it difficult to worship in a group?
How does corporate worship benefit you?

Psalm 34:8-10

Why is gratitude an important component of corporate worship?
When has God’s provision humbled you personally?
What is a way God has provided refuge for you in life?
How do corporate prayers of thanksgiving to God enhance the life of each believer in the group?
What are some ways we show thanks to God as a church?
How have you seen God provide for our church or group?

Psalm 34:15-18

When have you experienced the nearness of God during corporate worship?
How should God’s posture toward those who are needy prod us to greater levels of prayer together?
How can praying alongside other Christians enhance a believer’s prayer life?
What stands out or encourages you in these verses? Why?
How has technology influenced our ability to meet, worship, and minister together?