Hey, this is my first time to write in and I would just like to say that I appreciate your faithful theological concerns for the well-being of this campus and its members. Thank you for your encouragement and call to worship God all the time, in every aspect of our lives not just in sing-song activity. No doubt this is an ought-to-be thing in every Christian's life. It is encouraging to see how many have realized this concept! Still a ways to go it seems though. So, thanks for your efforts.

In looking at the history of the church throughout the years, one notices a series of extremes in doctrine and practice: the "pendulum swing," says Dr. Fletcher and no doubt others. Oftentimes, a belief is realized to be heretical or simply over-emphasized and then appropriate corrective measures are taken. However, care must be taken in order to not overcompensate with an equally as extreme reaction. This reaction might just be as "off" as the one it corrected.

I do not necessarily consider myself an expert on church history nor with contemporary movements. But it seems to me that it is possible that, in recovering from the recent/current high state of emotionalism and romanticism in the specific context of worship, we could throw out the importance of the experience altogether. Granted, it is wonderful to sing songs with correct and applicable theology. In getting caught up in that, however, it seems easy to lose the heart of worship - to focus more on what we're singing (important) than on Who we're singing to (the essence of importance). There must be a balance.

I'm not saying that our theology should be based on experiences, but on the Word of God. Indeed, as you know, Scripture more than encourages praising and worshiping God. So if the experience is based on the Word, let us by no means hamper it! Let us worship Him in spirit and in truth, rejoicing in the Lord always. Oh, the joy found in that state, whether it be in our daily walk, relationships, a song, a prayer, a shout, (dare we say a dance?) whatever. Hopefully in all things.

I do not think that you are misguided in your perspective of worship, I just wanted to emphasize that there is more than enough room for worshiping God through song and I wanted to encourage people not to forget that. As for Glowing Heart, I am impressed. Why is it so easy to criticize a group who has devoted itself to striving so faithfully to help lead this campus in worship - in both song and in walk? They deserve not just a break, but a handshake as well. As for all you guys here at Snipe, thanks for your guidance in theological matters and such. And to a certain individual, if you have problems with the "noise level" of chapel worship, perhaps you should bring ear plugs (oops, looked like you already did that). So maybe a ceasing of the complaints would be in order? I'd rather be focusing on what and to Who I am singing than on the precision of the notes coming from my own mouth and the lack of that from those around me. Not to mention those of us who would rather hold a catch-up conversation during the service.

Keep Watching the Sky,

Nate Hoard