At Heaven's Gate

Worship can be a duty rather than a joy, a gathering of the likeminded rather than an encounter with the living God. For those who lead worship, the liturgy can be reduced to a steady progression through a service book, instead of a drawing forth of gifts and ministries from an expectant assembly engaged in an enterprise that joins earth to heaven. This book attempts to answer the question 'What makes really good worship?' by examining the chief components of worship, that engages, inspires and transforms. It recalls us to the wonder of worship, and reminds us that when the people of God gather, we come to the very gate of heaven, touching the eternal mystery. How does a visit to the local gate of heaven appear to many people today? Is the welcome warm and genuine? Is there a sense of expectancy? Do the surroundings speak of transcendence or are they full of clutter? Is every minute taken up with words and music or are there spaces when we can listen for God? Is the coffee afterwards worth staying for? Here are simple and good ideas for making worship the transformative experience it should be.