Niwa (庭) is the Japanese word for 'garden' and this ministry is intended to be a 'watering' ministry for the church in Japan (as 'God's field - 1 Cor. 3:6-9). Our mission is to raise up true worshipers in the body of Christ in Japan who understand the importance, value and privilege of praising and worshiping our Creator. There are two issues in the church we hope to tackle by encouraging and exho
rting in the worship arts. First, and foremost, is to emphasize the relational nature of worship, to God, personally and corporately and with each other (Col 3:12-17), and how this (along with prayer and knowing the scriptures) can deepen relationships between believers by breaking down some of the cultural norms in Japanese society that keep people from truly walking in fellowship (koinonia) with one another, as the Gospel makes possible. We pray that when the church in Japan starts to understand and live out true community and love for one another in Christ through the context of authentic worship that God will begin adding to their numbers daily (Acts 2:42-27). Secondly, we hope that by raising up worshipers, connecting creatives within the church and encouraging all believers to work together to create indigenous art for the glory of God in the church that the worship culture of the church will begin to transform into a truly Japanese expression of praise to God. Over-westernization of the church in Japan creates a cultural bubble around many congregations, in which believers often feel they have to conform to a completely foreign way of worship and have difficulty walking out their faith when they step back into Japanese society. The other issue with this is that seekers and unbelievers view the church as something they could never take part in unless they become westernized and see God as the "God of the Americans", when in fact He is the God of every nation. This is why we put such importance on the times of fellowship and worship that happen around the table, in the living room and beyond Sunday morning where people have the freedom to open up to one another. Our approach to these problems is not to just be another specialized ministry aimed only at the artists in the church, but to, again, emphasize the communal aspects of worship in order to bridge the gap between the worship leaders/musicians/artists and the congregation (as we are all created to be worshipers). So, we invite anyone, whether they are right brain or left brain, creatively gifted or gifted in other areas, to take part in our times of fellowship, worship, prayer, Bible studies, workshops, retreats and conferences so that we can all learn how to become true worshipers for God's glory in Japan. Most of all, we aim to see true and meaningful relationships developed between Japanese believers that they may grow to become a powerful representation of Christ to a nation that is seeking hope and love.
