Fair Haven Ministries
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Fueling a Passion for God

Seeking God's Heart


life-giving worship at fair haven
 
define worship. For many, it is difficult to define. We can describe it, but how can we really define it? From praise to prayer, from singing to communion, from drama to preaching -- all are a part of the worship experience at Fair Haven. Most often, people choose to attend a particular church based on a preferred worship style, but stay because of the personal relationships. The disparity and disagreement around the subject of worship is what has led church consultant and author, Lyle Schaller, to observe: "Music has replaced doctrine as the most divisive issue in the church today."
 
At Fair Haven, church leaders -- elders, deacons, staff, pastors -- as well as church members and regular attenders, have invested much prayer, Biblical reflection, and dicsussion to help discern how we seek God's heart and worship together as a congregation. This process of discernment, guided by the Holy Spirit, has produced greater discovery, definition, and direction for how we can worship God in spirit and in truth as we express our love relationship with Him.
 
The following guiding principles desire to bring clarification and consensus for how we live out our call to worship as the body of Christ at Fair Haven. Areas have been identified to help articulate clearly our assumptions and expectations.
 
 
defining worship
 Our worship experience seeks to be authentic, intentional, diverse, and relevant as we epxress freely our love to God and reach out to those without Christ.
 
key concepts
  • "Therefore, I urge you brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God -- this is your spiritual act of worship.  Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is -- His good, pleasing, and perfect will."  (Romans 12:1-2)
  • Worship is reflected in expressing our love toward God and others
  • Worship is active and participatory
  • We value authentic, real, and genuine worship
  • Worship is a 24/7 experience as we live out our relationship with God wherever we go
  • It's not about us -- it's about God and our relationship with Him and our worship of Him
 
body life
 Worship is a love relationship -- it is our expression of love to God. Worship is not exclusively a vertical relationship, but also horizontal in living out the life we share as the body of Christ. Body life experiences are appropriate in corporate worship as they are part of living out our faith in community and reflect our love relationship with God and each other.
 
key concepts
  • Sharing how God is working in us, actively involved in our lives, and healing us can enhance/deepen the worship experience and strengthen our faith
  • Stories of our live together bring encouragement in the journey
 
we value
  • Testimonies
  • Baptisms
  • Communion
  • Laying on of hands and prayer for each other
  • Young Seekers presentations and affirmation
  • Receiving new members
  • Greeting one another opportunities
  • Children's participation in worship through singing and dance
  • Sharing prayer concerns
  • Updates on how God is working in the life and ministries of Fair Haven
 
facility use
 We intentionally seek to use our facilities as a tool for outreach in our community, while supporting the importance of ongoing ministry.
 
key concepts
  • We desire to have a servant attitude that welcomes and serves our guests -- especially for non-church activities
  • We desire to use our facility as a ministry opportunity to the community
  • Our desire is to create a welcoming environment for all
 
outreach factor
 We are committed to aligning all aspects of our ministry to effectively reach those who are apart from God or the body of Christ.
 
key concepts
  • The worship experience should be understandable for all participants
  • Biblically relevant preaching that touches all aspects of life is valued
  • Thematically designed worship that can use creativity, innovation, and a variety of media forms is important
  • A welcoming worship experience for guests starts in the parking lot and increases as one moves into the Worship Center
  • We believe the Holy Spirit is active in drawing people to the worship of God -- we pray expectantly and obediently for the Holy Spirit to be at work
 
worship style
 Because style includes the use of music, drama, preaching, media and more, and because people appreciate each differently, it is not uncommon for varying opinions on worship style to conflict with one another. Fair Haven recognizes that worship is not limited to a style or to a specific element of it. Rather, at Fair Haven, we desire for our worship experience to lead all people to express freely their love to God and to encourage others to do the same.
 
key concepts
  • Worship that offers praise, reflection, expresses emotion, and is loving
  • Worship that is fresh in style, diverse, relevant, accepting of differences and preferences
 
worship options
 Recognizing our changing community and world, we need to be responsive in reaching out in relevant ways in order to draw people deeper in authentic worship. Our commitment is to be constantly evaluating and retooling the worship experience to most effectively help people express their love to God.

key concepts
  • Ongoing evaluation may lead us to offer alternative options and styles of worship
  • A commitment to help people grow deeper in worship may find other venues -- times, places, and focus -- these may include:
    • A more contemporary format
    • An outreach-focused experience
    • Worship that is more emotionally expressive and intimate
    • Or other options
 
the value of equipping
We commit to create an environment in which our community identifies and develops their gifts, skills, talents, and passions and is equipped and empowered to utilize them in ministry.
 
key concepts
  • Belief in the priesthood of all believers (I Peter 2:9-10)
  • An Ephesians 4:11-13 model of ministry in which "saints are equipped for works of service"
  • The practice that authentically encourages all people to participate in serving and using their gifts
  • An ongoing commitment to glorify God to the best of our ability in ministry that honors Him