Bhopal Worship (Sunday: Rob)

When we arrived at the church in Bhopal, we could tell it was different from the start. We all removed our shoes in the entry hall and proceeded to the front of the room where we sat in the chancel area. Nearly all of the women in the room kept their heads covered for the service (especially during prayer). Much of the service had liturgical/high church elements – Lord’s prayer, multiple verses of hymns, two separate scripture readings (by women). Ben preached about contentment, joy and peace in Christ out of Philippians. That was a change of plan from the night before (he said he felt led to go the other direction). It turns out the senior pastor’s son (also one of their key preachers) died 10 days ago of a heart attack, so the shift in focus of the message was definitely spirit-led.

When it came time for communion, the congregation moved forward to the altar in groups and knelt along the chancel rail. The elders moved across the front placing a communion wafer and cup of juice in each pair of hands. Then they instructed them to partake in unison. Finally, the elder prayed over each group. It was striking to hear the Hindu mantras blaring over the loudspeakers from the temple across the street while we celebrated the cross. In the Muslim and Hindu faiths, thousands of people work overtime trying to earn their way into God’s favor, and here were these truly counter-cultural believers simply kneeling at the altar acknowledging that they had no hope other than the grace provided through the cross. It was humbling, and one of the most moving moments that I can recall, to watch wave after wave of Indians approach the altar and kneel to share in the body and blood of Christ. As I held the bread and cup myself, I was overwhelmed with God’s grace for me as well.

Rob and India Team