The current “charismatic” style of worship is largely a construct of the ‘baby boomer’ generation in a reaction against structured liturgical worship. It has captured the imagination of the larger church and has effectively quashed any alternative forms of worship and more importantly, creates a destructive dichotomy in the mind of the believer forcing them to live a life that is divided into that which is sacred and that which is secular.

This article will attempt to give an historical overview of worship forms in scripture and in the history of the church, and consequently suggesting a more holistic approach to worship.

There is no doubt that the “charismatic” form of worship dominates the heart, mind and imagination of the ‘Christian’ world. A quick visit to any of Melbourne’s ‘Christian Bookshops’ will quickly prove this point. One will find the shelves of the music and book sections overflowing with the latest installation of the incredibly popular “Hillsong” series of album’s or accompanying music supplements. It is literally a multi million-dollar industry that many significant Christian organisations participate in, including but not limited to Youth Alive, Vineyard and the Hosanna organisations.

The model of ‘worship’ modelled and espoused by these organisations is apparently drawn from the Old Testament Tabernacle and Temple worship.

By questioning those involved in the ‘worship’ ministry at any level, of the biblical basis for ‘contemporary charismatic worship’, one will discover that almost every response will include reference to the Old Testament or to one or two verses found in the New Testament. A number of Old Testament Scenario’s will be considered as well as the two New Testament verses discussed above in an attempt to understand the justification for ‘contemporary charismatic worship’.