On the Worship Movement

Up until the time I was introduced to the Charismatic Movement, I had always been a Christian. On an intellectual level, I was convinced that the claims of Christianity were true. However, there was also something missing from my faith. It lacked enthusiasm, vibrancy, and there was a real danger that my faith might become merely a theoretical acknowledgment rather than a living, breathing relationship with a loving God and Father.

The Charismatic Experience

In the setting of the Charismatic Renewal, and often in the context of contemporary worship, all the foundational truths and good deposits of faith that had been instilled in me were suddenly brought to life. It was as if the intellectual truths I had held began to resonate with me at a much deeper, and spiritual level too. In a mysterious way, the God I knew to be true universally became real to me personally. During a time when I was stepping into adulthood and at risk of drifting away from my faith, I was instead enveloped by new waves of God's goodness, deeply marked by His love and compassion.

Criticism of the Movement

I can empathise with those who have never experienced this movement firsthand or those who view it from the outside. It might seem hard to appreciate, and one might even be tempted to critique it as superficial or entertainment-focused. Within a liturgical context, the movement's expressions could appear irreverent or inappropriate. As a convert to Catholicism, I fully acknowledge these concerns and am not someone who advocates for a transformation in the Church's liturgical music practices. My departure from Protestantism was partly due to its loss of the sense of the sacred and its lack of liturgical depth.

With that said, it is also worth pointing out that the essence of the Worship Movement transcends its outward appearances. It is not a matter of mere emotionalism and millions of Christians testify to profound spiritual encounters and life-altering experiences with God within this setting. These experiences, while subjective, have proven to be significant for many, filling gaps in their spiritual lives. For me, the Worship Movement was the spark that reignited my faith and spurred me to deepen my faith, which ultimately led me to the Catholic Church.

Broader Christian Unity and the Movement

It is also worth pointing out that it's not particularly helpful to pit the expressions of the worship movement against other expressions of Christianity. Instead, we should embrace all the good things that God is doing. This all-encompassing approach was another factor that led me to the Catholic Church. In Protestant settings, the Christian life is often limited to one particular genre of religious expression whereas the Catholic Church unapologetically lays claim to all and every facet of Christian manifestation. If God is in it, it is ours, is rather the Catholic stance and thus also holds the largest Charismatic movement of Christians with at least 150 million people to date.

The Worship Movement also plays a crucial role in fostering unity across denominational lines. When Christians encounter the Lord in such a profound way, it creates a bond and mutual recognition that can transcend traditional divisions. For many from younger branches of Christianity, these experiences can act as bridges to the historical churches, recognising similar mystical experiences among saints like Padre Pio or Teresa of Ávila that they themselves have had within the Charismatic setting.

The Role of the Worship Movement in Ecumenism and Renewal

In a time when we as Christians are in desperate need of the miracle of Ecumenism and of spiritual renewal, the Worship Movement offers a unique place for both. The Worship Movement is not merely a space for personal spiritual refreshment or a few moments of uplifting music; it is a place where the hearts of Christians are reignited with God’s love. It equips us to be the hands and feet of Jesus, carrying His love and compassion into a hurting and dying world and sends us out as living witnesses to serve, heal, and bring light to the darkest places.

One can also argue that if the message of the Christian faith indeed are true, it is only fitting that we who have discovered these wonders would dance, shout and sing for joy. If I can get on my feet and shout with excitement when my football team scores a goal, how much more should I not rejoice over the fact that I have a loving Father in heaven who sent His Son to die for me and who conquered sin and death for the sake of my soul.

O sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvellous works among all the peoples.