We've just added a new facet to the ministry of The Gathering: podcasts. Originally we wanted to post the audio for the full services online, but copyright issues prevented us from doing so. We have been able to put up the messages, however. You can check out our podcasts at The Gathering's website .
While I've got your attention, I must say I'm of mixed feelings on doing this. One part of me does not like what putting only sermons on the web communicates theologically about the nature of worship. Is the sermon the most important thing? This is certainly a hallmark of the whole "contemporary worship" thing, but The Gathering is emergent, and we are trying to get away from that.
On the other hand, The Gathering is designed to be a communal experience that engages the senses and provides a group encounter with God. One can not get the full experience without being present, and the message is the most portable aspect of the service and the only part that really translates in the podcasting format.
What do you all think? Is there something I haven't thought of here? I'd also love any feedback about the site, the podcasts, or whatever. Have a blessed Holy Week.
Matt...
1 comment:
Matt,
No shame in sharing this kind of thing at all. That's why this blog is here! Keep sharing!
One thought I had... rather than podcasting the service as such (you're absolutely right about the copyright issues that might be involved!), how about podcasting folks talking about their experience of being part of The Gathering? Maybe a different featured person each week-- talking not just about what they're "getting" (consumerist model, eh?) but more importantly about how The Gathering helps them "give" meaningfully and powerfully and in a corporate way.
Or maybe to talk about their sense of giftedness from God... what it is they sense God calling them to be and do, and how The Gathering is part of that.
One thing I always do in the trainings I lead on "This Holy Mystery" is to remind folks there that worship-- liturgy-- is the work of the people, NOT the folks "up front"-- but that the power is with the people, the whole people, and that thus what worship leaders need to do is help direct that power, not dominate attention or act in any way as if the power were theirs primarily or alone. Seems to me that having folks who attend talk along these lines makes that point well... and that this has been very much one of the missional pieces that emerging forms of the Church in NA, England, and New Zealand have been about.
My two cents... and no more!
Peace in Christ,
Taylor Burton-Edwards
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