Alternative worship
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Alternative Worship is "what happens when people create worship for themselves," according to Steve Collins ([1]). As a phenomenon it began mainly in Europe in the early to mid 1990s. It is practiced mainly by Gen-X'ers and teenagers more than older generations.
Groups have formed around this form of worship, and others are attached to traditional churches with existing more traditional services.
Alternative Worship is defined by its planning method and approach rather than its format, as the format will be different each time. Alternative worship is very different to Contemporary Christian worship movement or "Youth" services. In fact it is (arguably) in part a reaction against evangelical or charismatic forms of worship. It tends to use popular (secular) music forms in place of hymns, and more casual talks in place of the traditional sermon. Alternative Worship often does not have an obvious leader or stage, and may not involve singing or lecture-style presentations at all.
One form of alt worship uses a hybrid of ancient forms with postmodern/future elements. For example liturgy mixed with projected visuals and techno music. Using a labyrinth with visual, audio and tactile elements at stations along the way.
Alternative worship tends to be decentralized and participatory in its form. There is no stage with a preacher. People moving about involved in doing and experiencing physical elements which are designed to bring them closer to God.
It is called Alternative as a parallel to the use of the word with non-mainstream music and culture.
Terms that are more appropriate to the approach used in these services would be Holistic Worship, Multisensory Worship or Creative Worship.
Alt worship is often associated with the Emerging Church.
[edit] References
The Book of Uncommon Prayer by Steven L Case (Zondervan 2002) ISBN 0-310-24142-1
Alternative Worship by Jonny Baker and Doug Gay ISBN 0-8010-9170-5
Multi-Sensory Church - Ready-to-use ideas for creative worship using, art, liturgies, rituals Sue Wallace . Scripture Union ISBN 1-85999-667-1
Multi-Sensory Prayer - Creative prayer ideas using, art, the body, the senses Sue Wallace . Scripture Union ISBN 1-85999-465-2
Multi-Sensory Scripture Sue Wallace Creative Bible confessions, Creative Bible intercessions, Creative Bible learning, Creatively praying for ourselves, and meditations to help you explore God's purpose in your life. ISBN 1-84427-166-8
