Participatory Worship
Emphasising liturgy as a drama that moves from Good Friday to Easter, Bishop Musawenkosi D Biyela, ELCSA Eastern Diocese, pointed out that Pentecostals focus mostly just on Easter, rather than on how the Cross transforms suffering today.
"There is need for a good balance between structure (order, dignity) and
ecstasy. Worship needs to be participatory, not just a one-person show by the pastor."
He also cautioned against so-called miracle crusades. "Did Jesus ever advertise his miracles?"
Rev Gertrud Toensing, Lutheran Theological Institute in Pietermaritzburg, provided a critical analysis of theology in popular Pentecostal praise songs, which increasingly are used in many Lutheran churches.
In group discussions throughout the seminar, participants underscored the church's important role in addressing people's actual needs, developing more participatory worship, and honouring the diverse gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit.
"A lot of people have left Lutheran churches because they feel they were not allowed to exercise their gifts of the Spirit," remarked Grace Ufan Friday, an evangelist in the Lutheran Church of Nigeria.
While some of the African Lutheran churches have regular healing services and other charismatic practices, such as in Madagascar and Ethiopia, others are more hesitant.
"We need to change our churches," insisted Rev Faith Lugazia, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania.
For Rev Yako Galana Babusa, Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church, "It's the false testifying that I have problems with; how can this be managed?"
Namibian theologian Dr Paul John Isaak, currently teaching at the Ecumenical Institute in Bossey, Switzerland, pointed out that right belief and practice are not sufficient, but need to also include "right-heartedness" toward God and others.
All agreed that more attention should be given to teaching especially laity about the Holy Spirit and the wide array of the gifts of the Spirit.
