Spontaneous worship
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| Christian music | |
| Stylistic origins |
A variety of genres evolving from Jesus music.
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|---|---|
| Cultural origins |
1960s United States
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| Typical instruments | |
| Mainstream popularity | Continuous from 1990s |
| Subgenres | |
| Christian alternative rock · Christian bubblegum pop · Christian electronic music · Christian hardcore · Christian hip hop · Christian metal · Unblack metal · Christian punk · Christian rock · Christian soft rock | |
| Other topics | |
| Christian entertainment industry · Contemporary worship music | |
Spontaneous worship, similar to Prophetic worship, is a free form of worship, often seen in Christian Worship services. It is commonly used interchangeably with the singing of known Christian songs (referred to as prepared worship) in order to bring variety and freedom to the service. Joseph Tkach in his Beginner’s Guide to Christianity[1] describes Spontaneous worship as a picture “of exuberance, of unrestrained joy, of happiness that is expressed without inhibitions.”
On the comparison between prepared worship and spontaneous worship, Next Generation Church[2] states, “Prepared worship has been used for millennia in responsive readings, recited prayers, and common chants. Spontaneous worship is the worship of David dancing and new testament believers falling to their knees in grateful prayer.”
“The difference is this - we appoint the Holy Spirit as our song leader, and let Him run the song service. If the Song Leader is sensitive to the Holy Spirit, then at some point, he will be lead into spontaneous worship… What follows is an incredible journey of creative spontaneity and worship from the heart that springs from such freshness that no single worship service is like any other. It takes total reliance on the leading of the Holy Spirit to flow in this way, with an ability to hear His voice and courage to follow.” – (audio samples) The Secret Place[3].
Spontaneous Worship occurs in a number of forms. The most simplistic of these is “an additional line or two complementing or amplifying the theme of the song, usually done during the song itself.” - Gangai Victor[4]. This is generally done by the song leader who modifies the song as they go along. An example of this type of spontaneous worship can be seen in the Vineyard live recording of “Who is like our God?” (Brian Doerksen, Brian Thiessen & Brian Duane, Mercy/Vineyard Publishing).
Spontaneous worship can also be something that occurs between the singing of known songs and can go for extended periods including elements such as free praise and singing in tongues, otherwise known as singing in the spirit. “Wonderful Gushings of the Spirit.”[5]
At times this form of spontaneous worship may develop into a more personal expression known as the prophetic spontaneous song. “When the session moves to a point where the congregation is in silent worship, the Lord sings over His people through the worship leader or someone else in the Worship team.” – Gangai Victor[6]. Steve Kuban’s “I will fight for you” (Spirit And Truth Publishing) is a good example of this.
Spontaneous worship is exemplified in the Charismatic and Pentecostal style of worship service though not exclusively so. It has emerged as part of the Charismatic and Pentecostal revival in recent times.
