In the face of chaos and change, how one town is coming together.
Conway City Council recently held a meeting about America’s changing cultural norms. Many in Conway were initially upset and some rightfully so.
Conway is finding a unique and organic pathway of overcoming today’s divisive issues, however.
The transformation first began among a few small churches in and around the town.
The concept is simple, but has been effective since time immortal.
RECENT PAST CHAPTER
In the 1960’s (as the video above explains), the Old Gunn Church located in the Pee Dee along the road that runs from Conway to Georgetown was abandoned and closed.
Most Conway area traditional, white churches are largely empty on any given Sunday.
Losing faith in the systems of government, however, Conway residents began going to an inner place where they could find hope and life.
As can be seen in the video above, these young, mixed cultured Americans found true worship. As they draw near to God, they are being transformed and transforming a city.
“It’s my heart, this empty space…. it’s not a building you want to fill,” the young Americans can be heard worshiping in the video above.
HOPE: Worship is changing Conway, S.C. and its residents
What is worship? It’s a question that has been asked for centuries, and yet the answer remains elusive. Worship goes beyond mere religious rituals or songs sung at a half empty church service. At its core, worship is an act of reverence and adoration towards God and his son Jesus Christ.
The easily offended find these constructs vile, yet these are the practices that are transforming individual lives and the community of the town.
Worship has little to do with long held, traditional values.
Worship is also not confined to a specific location or time; it is happening anywhere and anytime in the Conway area.
Paul Hardwick says, “It’s about aligning our hearts and minds with something greater than ourselves, to God, to nature, connected to our own inner being. It’s an intimate connection that transcends words and reaches into the depths of our souls.“
In essence, worship is an expression of love and gratitude towards the divine. It involves surrendering ourselves completely to something beyond our understanding and finding solace in its presence. Worship can take many forms – from singing hymns to engaging in silent meditation – but what matters most is the sincerity behind it.
The black church in Conway is one with white congregations as they unite on this principle.
As many churches are now integrating, the sons and daughters of slaves embrace sons and daughters of rebels, all bowing down before one almighty King.
Worship is about cultivating a relationship with the divine and allowing ourselves to be transformed by its power. It reminds us of our inherent connection to something greater than ourselves and invites us to experience profound joy, peace, and fulfillment.
What is the purpose of worship?
What is the purpose of worship? Worship serves as a powerful way for believers to express their love, gratitude, and devotion to God. Conway has discovered that worship is an opportunity for individuals and communities to come together in unity and reverence toward our Creator.
One purpose of worship is to acknowledge God’s greatness and sovereignty. Through praise, we recognize that He is worthy of all honor, glory, and adoration. This act of humility also helps us understand our place in relation to Him.
Worship can also serve as a form of spiritual nourishment. As we engage in worship, whether through song, prayer, or scripture reading, we are reminded of God’s character and promises. This reminder strengthens our faith and encourages us on our journey with Him.
Moreover, worship allows us to experience intimacy with God. When we wholeheartedly seek His presence during times of worship, we open ourselves up to encounter His love and grace in a profound way. In these moments, walls are broken down as we surrender ourselves completely before the Lord.
Furthermore, worship has the power to transform us from the inside out. As we focus on God’s goodness and meditate on His truth during times of corporate or personal worship,
our hearts become aligned with His will.
Through this alignment, we are transformed into more Christlike individuals who reflect His love, compassion, and mercy to those around us.
Progressives continue to strive for change. Conway is discovering the God that changes everything.