I had to write a post about the International Facebook Revival, it started life as a private video on Facebook, attracting 204 comments and 79 likes, it then became a Facebook Group which has 126 members. So, what is it?
Basically, it is a tongue-in-cheek look at the way the older generation worship by the “now” generation. And, have they been watching our parents closely!* It was created to promote an event the church was putting on, I spoke with the creator Andre Simms and he confirmed that as a result of the clip they had a lot of young people come to their event.
I can’t deny this video makes me laugh when I watch it, it is one of the best bits of “black” comedy since The Real McCoy was aired in the UK in the 90’s. I shared it with an older person who had never been on Facebook before and they did not recognise it was a joke. That’s how good of an imitation the clip was! There’s still something though that makes me feel a little uneasy about imitation worship, but I get what is being done. As I said though, there is something in this that makes me a bit unsettled… I think it is the dangerous line being trodden of bordering on sneering at the sacred.
So, by now you’ve probably watched the clip. It is so loaded with cultural “in jokes” that you might not have got it. However, if you did what did you think? Do you think it shows the need to throw off some of our ways and move with the times, or do you think it captures all that is good and distinct about Carribean Apostolic praise and worship? I’m of the view that its highlighting a generational shift. The way we experience God will no doubt change as different generations rise up with different styles of expression unique to their cultural setting.
However, the old generation have THE ANOINTING. The singing, clapping, dancing, shouting, skipping is always power packed. Lucid, unstructured worship that is “subject to change” is also good because that is what Pentecost is all about. It is about being led by the Spirit.
So, as we develop and as we worship God “our way”, let’s keep it anointed, keep it pure, keep it lively, keep it so that sinners will run from off the street and yeild their life to God.
*spot the mistake when he introduces them as “apostolic, catholic” – what?!?! Apostolic is not Catholic!
Posted by Mr D on July 10, 2009 at 4:36 am
I may be incorrect but I think the reason for the Catholic part refers to the very rigid structure and predictable order of service. As Oneness Apostolics we ought not to be likened to Catholism but if our worship and our services are not led by the Holy Ghost than they will be nothing but empty tradition and religion.