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Are We Worshiping God or Ourselves? Rethinking Some Common Church Phrases

Introduction 

In many modern churches, a vocabulary has emerged that seems focused on our personal experience. We often use phrases that sound spiritual but may accidentally shift the focus of worship from God to ourselves. This language can turn a sacred time of offering into a consumer-oriented event, where we evaluate the service based on our feelings. By examining some common terms, we can realign our words with the true, biblical purpose of worship, which is, to glorify God in spirit and in truth.

1. “We came to enjoy the service”

The problem with this statement is that it treats worship like a performance for our entertainment.The liturgical concern is that this turns worship into consumerism, where we are spiritual customers seeking a satisfying product. Scripture reminds us that the purpose is God’s glory, not our enjoyment: “Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; worship the Lord in the splendor of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).

2. “The worship was powerful because the music was sweet”

This is problematic because it confuses emotional excitement with spiritual power.The liturgical concern is that it makes worship about a musical performance rather than a sincere act of the heart. As Jesus taught, “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).

3. “Let’s give God a round of applause”

The issue here is that applause is a response fit for a human performer,not the sovereign God. The liturgical concern is that it replaces the biblical response of praise with an entertainment-based reaction. Scripture guides us toward a different offering: “Through Jesus… let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise” (Hebrews 13:15).

4. “The Spirit moved when the band changed key”

This statement suggests that the Holy Spirit can be manipulated by a musical technique.The liturgical concern is that it reduces God’s Spirit to a simple emotional trigger. The Bible is clear that God’s work is not dependent on our methods, “Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6).

5. “Welcome the Holy Spirit”

The problem is that this implies the Holy Spirit was absent until we invited Him.The liturgical concern is that it ignores the doctrine of God’s omnipresence, suggesting we can summon Him at will. Jesus promised His enduring presence, stating, “Where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).

6. “We invite God’s presence now”

Similar to the previous phrase, this implies God is not already present. The liturgical concern is a misunderstanding of God’s nature; He is everywhere at all times. A better prayer is for God to make us aware of the presence that is already there, as He declares, “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” (Jeremiah 23:24).

7. “The worship was boring”

This complaint evaluates worship based on entertainment value.The problem is that it judges the service by its ability to thrill us. The liturgical concern is that the true goal of worship is not excitement, but reverence and obedience: “It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve” (Deuteronomy 6:13).

Conclusion

The words we use in church matter because they shape our understanding of God and our relationship with Him. When our terminology focuses on our enjoyment, musical excellence, or emotional highs, we risk creating a self-centered worship experience. The common thread in all these phrases is a subtle shift from a God-centered offering to a human-centered activity. By choosing our words more carefully, we can refocus our collective heart. The goal is to offer a worship that acknowledges God’s constant presence, submits to His Spirit’s sovereignty, and glorifies Him alone, regardless of how we feel. This moves us from being consumers of a service to becoming true worshipers of the King.

Written by Rev. Fl. Lt. Christian Meteku