Evangelical Anemic Worship - Reforming Worship #1

Last month, October, we remembered the Protestant Reformation and discussed some of the reasons why we are not Roman Catholic. But this month, I believe it is time to do some cleaning in our own house. One of the most pressing problems in the evangelical world today is its anemic worship.

People might not see it, but the COVID pandemic exposed it—how little people value worship. Yet worship is essential. The entire biblical narrative centers on worship: proper worship versus idolatry, acceptable versus unacceptable worship, false versus true worship. The whole redemptive arc is about the restoration of true worship. Salvation’s primary goal is to create a people who worship God rightly and holily.

The Bible is clear: we become what we worship. There is no way to bear the likeness and image of God without worshiping the living God rightly. Worship stands at the center of creation—it is more than essential; it is the defining factor that shapes reality. Worship is more important than food, drink, or clothing. Wrong worship dehumanizes us; true worship restores our humanity. The cosmic battle is, at its core, a battle for worship. If we hope to see renewal in our personal lives, our families, and our churches, it must begin with the renewal of worship.

Evangelicals might (or might not) hold a correct understanding of justification by faith alone—which is foundational for salvation—but many in our churches have no idea what they have been saved from or for. They are like infants who are truly born but unaware of who they are, why they exist, and what they are for. It is normal for babies to be oblivious to life—that’s why they need parents to nourish them toward maturity. Unfortunately, the evangelical church often looks like a nursery where toddlers are in charge: slightly more aware, but still too immature to care for the newborns.

Today, we have countless churches led by pastors who know much about business, marketing, public speaking, and social work—but very little about worship, sacraments, liturgy, doctrine, and all the means God uses to mature His people. Things have become so anemic that many evangelicals—even leaders—believe worship is simply a style of music or a moment in the gathering when they watch a pop band perform.

In the next posts, we will look more closely at specific issues. For today, it is enough to identify the problem and begin thinking in these categories. May God be gracious to us and make us a people who worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Nino Marques