What do we mean when we say that we want people to “come as you are” to church? Do we mean only on the surface, as in whatever clothes they feel comfortable in, or do we also mean in deeper ways, as in whatever emotions and feelings they are carrying with them? Shane Hipps, pastor of Trinity Mennonite Church in Arizona in an article in Leadership magazine, helps us think about the hospitality aspect of planning our worship to include people wherever they are at emotionally. What follows are his words.

            Authenticity and integrity in worship means expressing both lament and praise. Each element completes the other. Without lament, praise is little more than shallow sentimentality and a denial of life’s struggles and sin. Without praise, lament is a denial of hope and grace, both of which are central to our life of faith and to God’s promises. 

           To value one over the other is like suggesting that breathing in is more important than breathing out.

            This is not only an issue of authenticity and integrity. It cuts to the heart of hospitality and sensitivity. For those coming to a worship service immersed in pain, celebratory praise takes on a mocking tone that excludes them.  They are unable to join honestly in these choruses.

           By incorporating expressions of sorrow, pain, and grief into our worship, as the psalms do, the hurting are ushered into God's presence with honesty.  At the same time, the rest of the congregation is reminded of the suffering community gathered in their midst.  They are invited to weep with those who are weeping.  By honoring their pain, we acknowledge those who are suffering and affirm them in their grief.

           Yet worship is not complete without turning to praise.  When pain has been acknowledged, those who suffer are invited beyond their pain to consider God's faithfulness in the midst of suffering and even to rejoice with those who are rejoicing.

           These opportunities for lament and praise are not simply about meeting personal needs.  They are missional practices of authenticity, hospitality, and care.

            May we continue to grow in our sensitivity and in our honesty with one another. May we be real enough with each other to bring all of our life’s experiences into the community of faith in order to receive God’s hope-producing touch of healing.

 Pastor Carl