©Arlene R. Taylor PhD

altTo some degree, worship style preferences can be generalized based on a person's brain lead, although it is understood that many people choose to worship outside a building or body of theology.

In addition, individuals do not always follow their innate preferences. There can be many reasons for this, such as:

  • A strong need to meet the expectations of others
  • Living in an altered brain state
  • Subconsciously absorbed attitudes and beliefs, often from early childhood
  • A perceived need to conform to friendship groups
  • Self-esteem issues involving a need to be right or to be in control
  • A desire to obtain a perceived reward
  • The need to meet expectations of religiously-affiliated employers or community
  • The lack of opportunity within driving distances
  • A desire to avoid punishment
  • Et cetera

altPrioritizing Division

altEnvisioning Division

 

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division tend to gravitate toward a hierarchical and somewhat formal worship style

  • Attend services to lead, be in charge, or make presentations
  • Tend to emphasize:
    • Conscience
    • Willpower
    • Theology
    • Public prayer
    • Debate
    • Goal setting and achievement
    • Formal participation
  • Exhibit prioritizing energy

 

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division tend to gravitate toward an innovative and unusual or non-traditional worship style

  • Attend services selectively and sporadically
  • Tend to emphasize:
    • Innovation
    • Drama
    • Meditation
    • Non-traditionalism
    • Openness
    • Individual participation and retreats
  • Exhibit envisioning energy

 

altMaintaining Division

altHarmonizing Division

 

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division tend to gravitate toward a typical and traditional worship style

  • Attend services regularly per routines and as taught or chosen in adulthood
  • Emphasize:
    • Memorizing
    • Group study
    • Conservatism
    • Maintaining the status quo
    • Rituals and rites
    • Traditional participation
  • Exhibit maintaining energy

 

Individuals with an energy advantage in this division tend to gravitate toward a collegial and somewhat informal worship style

  • Attend services to connect with others and with a higher power
  • Emphasize:
    • Group retreats
    • Private prayer
    • Giving gifts
    • Nurturing
    • Collaborating and encouraging
    • Music and drama
  • Exhibit harmonizing energy