What is the state of worship in the church today? Is it vibrant? Holding its own? (What do those terms even mean?)
Well, I'm wondering if worship is confident, expressive, alive. And if there are musicians and singers who "stand by night in the house of the Lord" (Could there be a more prophetic picture for our times?)

One trend I observed in 2008, and probably starting a little before was that of charging money to worship. From large stadium sized events, which might present a good case for the need to cover expenses, to small and intimate gatherings pre-paying to attend a worship time has raised its head. That head, if not out and out ugly, is surely at least a little unsavoury. Perhaps I'll be accused of being idealistic. Yes, I guess I do have ideals. To me this seems to fit in the same category as charging for prayer, blessings, favours from God and dispensations as in days of old. Personally I'd rather go with "Freely you have received, freely give" and take my chances with the generosity of God's people in supporting ministry. Or not take that which is given reluctantly. After all, the worship is not for the ticket purchaser anyway, but for the Lord who is worthy of it all.

Another thing that seems to be happening in some parts of the church is a lack of singers and musicians. I know congregations in two countries which worship with CDs or minimal live musical accompaniment. A far cry from the recommended "Davidic Praise" style of a couple of decades ago and from churchh worship presented often in the media.Its not that there aren't talented people out there, surely. Seems that either the talented and the experienced are not playing and singing as they used to, or that those who could are not interested, or disqualified by their lifestyle. (Yes, people can disqualify themselves from ministry, of course. Perhaps that's another topic).

In this present situation, I can't be sure that it isn't God Himself simply teaching us to worship with our own hearts and will, instead of relying on a performance from the front to carry us into the courts of Heaven. For sure it is essential that we continue to worship in Spirit and Truth. Each believer standing in his or her place to minister before God. Corporately, individually, accompanied or alone. Let God arise.