Adventistische Schriften über: "How would God solve the problem that, compared with music, acrobatics, crafts, and sports, the church seems so joyless, predictable, and lacking in movement?"

The quotations suggest that God would not address the perceived lack of joy merely with external spectacle: they explicitly identify monotony and formalism as problems. As remedies, they point to a living faith sustained by the Holy Spirit, committed practical service, and the congregation’s attentive participation and joyful praise. The documents do not, however, specifically recommend incorporating music, acrobatics, or sports into worship services.

Breaking monotony through committed service

»We must break the monotony of our religious work. We are doing a work in the world, but we do not show sufficient activity and zeal. […] The lukewarmness and monotony of our service to God discourage many people, who need to see a deep, earnest, sanctified zeal.«

1 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6 (6T 417.3)

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Attentive participation and joyful praise

»There is too much formality in our worship services. The Lord wants the ministers who preach the word to be strengthened by his Holy Spirit; and the hearers should not sit indifferent or look about listlessly, without responding to what is said. […] Where the church walks in the light, there will always be cheerful, heartfelt responses and words of joyful praise.«

2 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5 (5T 318.2)

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A fresh, living experience of faith

»The church needs the fresh, living experience of members who continually maintain fellowship with God. Dry, stale testimonies and prayers in which Christ is not revealed do not help people. […] Determined efforts are needed to arouse the people.«

3 - Ellen Gould White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6 (6T 64.2)

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