To Be Silent
Here is the first ever book about the place of silence in today’s church services. Little real attention is given to silence during corporate worship in most churches, though the Bible is replete with admonitions to be quiet or still or silent before the Lord. Many Christians practice quieting themselves before the Lord in their private devotions but silence seems to have gone missing from corporate worship. It is important to keep things moving along in a church service, so silence can be a tough call for pastors who are trying to lead their congregation into a place of hearing from the Lord. The temptation, freely acknowledged by the author, is to err on the side of maintaining good tempo. Awkward Silence, gently written by a senior pastor, is intended to help church congregations listen for God’s “still small voice” (1Kings19:12) without interrupting but enhancing services in a most godly way. Included are “how to do it” suggestions from dozens of other pastors and worship leaders.
| ISBN10: | 0997921110 |
| ISBN13: | 9780997921113 |
| Number Of Pages: | 175 |
| Publication Date: | 20190228 |
| Publisher: | Midpoint Trade Books |
| Binding: | Paperback |
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The author argues from Scripture that God speaks to us when we are silent. But silence has largely gone missing in corporate worship. Silence is a tough call for the clergy. Leading a congregation in silence (even just a bit of it) during Sunday worship isn’t likely to please the people, not when they first experience it. Pastors may become facilitators or even entertainers rather than prophetic leaders of their congregation when what is most needed is face time with the Lord where he speaks and we listen. Even a little silence practiced here and there in corporate worship brings a communion with the Lord far greater than words.
The author argues that Christians are generally a clattery, boisterous people who have been taught to make a joyful noise, and sometimes just to settle on making noise. Churches are active doing many edifying things, as they should. Members sing praises and boldly declare our status in Christ. They may exhort the Lord with prophecies and tongues. Most pastors preach the word authoritatively; they declare the promises of God correctly. Many congregations go outside themselves and engage in hands-on outreach. These are all good things. Christians have been taught, “Let the Redeemed of the Lord say so!” (Psalm 107:2) These activities are often Spirit-led and they are necessary. As the author elaborates, silence is meant to complement these things and even be a source of inspiration and empowerment for their fruitfulness. The reader will experience the challenge of accepting the love and calling of the Lord – love and calling that includes rebuke, discipline, excitement, eagerness, equipping, counsel, and edification born of silence before the Lord. Importantly, dozens of pastors and worship leaders have contributed to this book their experience of how to enliven corporate worship with the joys of corporate silence.
