I have been reading in Exodus about the instructions for building the Tabernacle. Each household was to contribute what they felt stirred to in their hearts, and what they contributed--fine linen, gold, etc.--would be used in the building of God's house of worship.
This relates to my previous post about worship being a participatory act. It is not about showing up to sing along to a contemporary band and then listening to a pastor (usually a man, and therefore not at all representative of half-or-more of the congregation) who (often) likes to listen to the sound of their own voice and ideas.
Yes, there are appointed leaders who are responsible for guiding God's people. Moses was invited into private audience with God and to receive the 10 Commandments. In fact, he reflected God's glory to such a dazzling extent that he had to wear a veil over his face when he returned to the camp where the rest of the Israelites were. Clearly, there is a dimension of his spiritual experience that cannot be fully shared with the "rest of them"--the congregation.
But God still wants God's people to participate in worship, and to bring the best of what they have. Isn't that always what the invitation has been?
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