|
What is it about percussion that appeals to worshipers in so many cultures? How does drumming together help Christians build community?
Below is the article written by the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship regarding Pastor Meulendyk's views on the value of Zion's African Drumming.
_________________________________________________
John Meulendyk, Co-Pastor at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, could plainly see the problems facing Ferndale, Michigan. Like many inner-ring suburbs of Detroit, Ferndale is losing people, jobs, and income. Pastor Meulendyk gathered five women at his church to pray and discern how to address these changes.
"We wanted to do a worship renewal project that would be ecumenical, something to unite the congregations in our community. We sat in prayer. We thought about this question: If we put aside all the theology, what unites us?
"It's our heart beat. We all have that in common. And 90 percent of cultures have a drum beat," says Meulendyk, who has degrees in divinity, pastoral ministry, osteopathic medicine, public health administration, and dental surgery.
So Zion invited local congregations to join them for a worship drumming project. Its results continue to resound in worship services and new relationships. More. . . . .
|