Inspired by such artists as Tim Hughes, Matt Redman, Brian Johnson, Hillsong, and the influences of IHOP (International House of Prayer), the FUMC Worship Team brings a modern musical sound to a new generation of believers. Our contemporary Sunday morning service combines aspects of flag-waving and dance with an up-tempo style of music in an effort to tap into a "celebratory" side of worshipping Jesus.
One might ask, what purpose does flags and dance serve in the modern praise and worship service?
The idea of using flags or dancing in worship dates back to some of the earliest Old Testament stories of worship, including Miriam after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20) and David dancing before the ark of the covenant (2 Samuel 6:14). The Psalms also have continual references to "lifting up a banner in the name of the Lord." And, Jesus, prophesying His own death, proclaimed to the disciples, "I will be lifted up as a standard (also translated as 'banner') for the nations to draw all men unto me."
In modern worship, flags have two basic purposes for use:
| 1) | Outward expression of an inner devotion - we lift our hands, voices, and banners to God as an act of worship. We use our bodies to express that which we feel deepest within our spirits; using flags to worship allows us to express the depth of our love for God. |
| 2) | Spiritual Warfare - the Word calls Satan the "Prince of the Air;" we need to meet him there and drive him from our midst using flags, which are weapons of the Lord. Just as troops carry a banner before their armies to let everyone know who they are, we wave our banners in the air to do battle with the enemy. |
