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Using Space in Worship

Using Space in Worship

Editorial Team

The space in which we offer our worship is critically important and can shape the ways in which we are spiritually formed. Worshiping in a large cathedral has the potential of enhancing the idea that God is Sovereign. Worshiping under the covering of trees in a mountain setting may enhance the idea that God is Creator. Worshiping in a small traditional chapel may enhance the idea that we have an opportunity to have an intimate relationship with God. Our setting, or space, can definitely shape the way we view God, thereby shaping the way in which we worship. The architecture of our churches as well as the way in which we set up our worship space says a lot about what we consider to be the most important element of worship. For instance, the church that has the baptistery front and center highly values baptism.

The church that has the communion table front and center highly values the Eucharist. The church that places the pulpit front and center highly values the sermon. And the church that places the musical instruments at the center highly values musical worship. This is not to say that the church that places the baptistery in the center does not highly value the sermon or musical worship. The placement of elements in the worship space does however express what is considered the most valued element of worship.

There are also places in which God seems more present than others. These places have recently been termed “thin places.” These are places where God’s presence seems stronger than any other place. Since the beginning of recorded history, people have been fascinated and drawn to places where the veil between this world and the eternal world is thin – a meeting of heaven and earth. The dividing line between the holy and the ordinary are thin in these places. For some it may be the beach. Others may find God’s presence strongest in the mountains. For others, it may be in a backyard garden.

Now the Bible makes it clear that God is everywhere: Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there. If I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. Psalm 139:7-10 Theologians call this omnipresence, being everywhere at once. And though God is omnipresent, the Bible also teaches that God is present in a special way in certain locations.

We see this to be true throughout Scripture as followers of God built altars in special places of worship. Later, the tabernacle replaced the altar as the primary location where God revealed His presence to His people. Sacred space is critical in worship but it is not mandatory. We remember that Jesus shattered the preconceived what, where, when and how of worship as he talked with the woman at the well. It is not the place that makes worship it is He whom we worship.

Yet God understands that as human beings, our surroundings shape us and within our worship experience, can either enhance or detract. Thus, God shows that sacred space is valuable as He gives detailed directions for the building of the worship space known as the tabernacle. When reading the book of Exodus, one cannot help but see the importance of sacred space. Of the three important topics of the entire book – the other two being the Exodus and the law – the vast majority of the book deals with the tabernacle. Thus, we see that sacred space is an important aspect in our spiritual formation as we worship God.

Consider this… Have you ever considered the importance of sacred space to your worship? Does the church you regularly attend consider sacred space important? Based on the design of the worship space, which element of worship would you say is most valued at your church? Is there a “thin place” where God seems most present to you? The beach…the mountains…a backyard garden? How can you make that place special in your worship?

Steven is a Worship Pastor and Professor of Worship at Azusa Pacific University. He holds a Doctor of Worship Studies from The Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies and lives in Southern California with his wife and two sons.

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