Worshiping and welcoming

Darryl Dash has noticed a trend: Christians increasingly begin worship services with a welcome, as opposed to a more traditional "call to worship." That trend, he notes, has consequences:

There’s a subtle shift going on here. It’s hard to argue against making people feel welcome. But everything in a worship service communicates something. The Call to Worship emphasizes God’s invitation to us to approach and worship him. The Invocation focuses on God’s presence within the worshiping community. Both begin with God.

In contrast, beginning with a Welcome shifts the focus to us. It puts us in the driver’s seat. We subtly communicate that it’s our goal to make the guest satisfied. This may be subtle, but it’s a huge shift in focus. Rather than coming in response to God’s invitation, and focusing on his presence, we assume God’s presence and want to make sure everyone in the congregation is happy.

I hadn't really thought of this before, but I think Darryl's right.