The Power of Worship

Andy Crouch, renowned Christian writer, editor, worship leader and thinker, presented a unique and moving lecture at Calvin College earlier today. He spoke about the word power, and defined it in both its coercive and creative capacities. We learned that true power, “Is the ability to speak goodness into being,” and abuses of this creative power stem from the creation of an idol and lead to injustice when people attempt to "play God" in the lives of others.

Before he ever reached the material of his lecture, however, Andy sat down at a grand piano, and began singing George Herbert’s hymn “Come my Way my Truth my Life.” The passion in his voice as he invited God to come into the auditorium of the CFAC was very evident, and moved me as I listened and worshipped with him. Mr. Crouch also closed his lecture with the singing of the Herbert hymn, as well as the hymn “To Mock Your Reign, O Dearest Lord,” and “Thank You Lord,” by Don Moen. It is incredible the pure power that flowed from his simple expressions of worship. The room seemed nearly to bulge with the awareness of the presence of God and the audience was captivated by its overwhelming peace. I realize that I can only speak for my own experience, but it was not difficult to feel the outpouring of Crouch’s sense of creative power as he shared his ability to lead in worship, bringing goodness and empowering the entire room to worship their creator as well. This movement of God’s spirit was a singularly unique feature of Andy Crouch’s presentation, and separates him in my mind from many of the excellent speakers that have already presented because Crouch was able to create in the audience the form of change he advocated through his intellect. Andy Crouch, unlike other speakers, brought his topic of creative and cultural power to life within his one hour presentation, and delivered true power to his audience. Crouch said that one of the indicators that true creative power has been exercised is when it leads to the worship of the true God. I can personally testify that because of Andy Crouch’s exercise of creative power today, I was encouraged to worship God in my own creative capacities.

When I came to the January Series today, I did not expect to experience a worship service. In reflection, however, I have realized that this is exactly what Andy Crouch’s presentation was - it was an expression of his worship to God through the exercise of his personal creative power, which thereby brought this sense of worship to life in the hearts of his listeners. I am thankful that I was able to be a part of this incredible experience, and I hope to be able to bring the type of power which Andy Crouch lectured about and demonstrated today into all of the spaces in which I find myself.