Comments on: Worship Service Faux Pas – Part 2

By: Troy

Troy — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 04:44:39 +0000

Although I can’t put my finger on it, something isn’t right about your Worship Service Faux. What’s funny is I agree with a lot of what you are saying, it’s how you are presenting it that I disagree.

By: Donnie Todd

Donnie Todd — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 15:10:54 +0000

Daniel… first off I want to say that I am really glad to hear that you are thinking about some really deep issues here. Navigating the tumultuous waters of the “worship” gathering is tough and sometimes lonely. I want to encourage you to keep asking questions…yet continue temper your questions with wisdom from those who have been leading worship for many years. Your questions are extremely valid. Something that has helped me through the years is having mentors who are in the same line of “work”. Asking questions is great… but where do you find you answers. I have been able to temper many questions with this quote, “In the way the story of Israel’s past is told, nothing takes precedence over worship in nurturing and protecting our identity as a people of God–not politics, not economics, not family life, not art. And nothing in the preparation for and conduct of worship is too small to be left to whim or chance–nothing in architecture, personnel, music, or theology.” What does this say to me (not to be too postmodern or self centered…)? Really, it causes me to ask myself a question. “Is what I have designed/planned for this time leading people to ‘worship’? ” Are all the elements included in the gathering time enhancing the ability for people to recognize there is a God… understand what He has done for us through His Son Jesus Christ…and allow His Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of the people who have assembled to worship Him.” I may not have answered any questions… but I have at least added one more. May God give you more and more grace and peace as you continue to grow in the knowledge of Jesus our Savior. To Him be the glory.

By: Allan White

Allan White — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 06:10:16 +0000

Gary M., I have to disagree with that application of Mt. 5:16 – it’s not about letting your talent shine, but about a changed heart being an example to others. I think we have to be super careful around this issue with our celebrity-crazed culture.

Reading this discussion gives me the warm fuzzies when I think about my heritage – congregational a capella singing (you laugh! =). Don’t get me wrong; I do love quality instrumental worship. But the issue of worship being about performance is sidestepped somewhat, simply because the whole body is performing.

Of course, those with instrumental gifts are completely ignored, too, which isn’t good. I’d love to be part of a body that used both, judiciously. Balance is hard to achieve.

By: Daniel Darnell

Daniel Darnell — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 18:38:56 +0000

I’ve loved reading everyone’s comments on this subject. I figured that the guitar solo/performance pieces would bother people.

Matt and Gary, I agree with you guys on the fact that the Lord gives us talents and that we should use them for His glory. I think where I’m coming from is that I’ve participated in too many church services that focus more on the performance aspect of things rather than on the fact that they are leading a congregation in worship. It really comes down to your intent and your heart. I’ve just been disillusioned by churches that abuse guitar solos and performances pieces. Churches need to redeem these things, or at least check their motives. For me, Hillsong is a great example of this.

Again, the whole point of this post was to get worship leaders and churches to question their motives on the performance aspect of church services. When I go to church I want to participate in something way larger than myself, “Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs,” not just sitting back and being entertained.

Thanks everyone for your comments!

By: Gary Molander

Gary Molander — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:55:32 +0000

I’m with Matt on this one. You’ve given some great advice to worship leaders Daniel, but I gotta disagree on the solo opinion. If the guitarist (or sax player, or whoever) is a Christian who is talented, then I think it falls under the principle Jesus spoke of in Matthew 5:16… “…let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

There is something beautiful about an artist letting his good deeds (talents, abilities, etc.) shine before MEN (people), not for his own glory, but so that these people praise the Father in heaven. I’ve often heard worship leaders pray that they would just “disappear” on the stage, so that people would only see God. But God uses people’s talents and abilities to point us to Himself. If we want something to disappear, let it be any glory we receive from doing a great solo.

Just my thoughts.

By: Kevin Mattison

Kevin Mattison — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 01:46:24 +0000

Thanks for these posts! It’s great to read these thoughts about how to make our worship services better…I’m not a worship leader but in staff settings we find ourselves constantly critiquing the service (timing, transitions etc.) but never the emotional babble!

Thanks!

By: Jonathan Malm

Jonathan Malm — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 20:09:43 +0000

Ahhh…now this one hit the spot.
Worship leaders (including me)…Stop talking…you sound like an idiot! What makes you/me think that my on-the-spot emotional babble will be as valuable as the pastor’s hours of studying…?

Then…yes…if you MUST use capos…have the decency to get REALLY good at taking them on and off without the dead silence…let your band finish the song while you switch.

And yes…nothing rips me out of worship than when I hear a Vanessa Carlton song being sung to God…

Ahhh….thank you Daniel…this song really fed my soap-box aches…I feel that someone shares my passions…good thing to feel…I think I can make it now.

By: matt

matt — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:39:54 +0000

I’m with you in spirit on a lot of these things, but something I have to disagree with is the guitar solos/performance pieces. There are always times where a solo can be obnoxiously long, but personally I don’t see a guitar solo as any different than a solo vocalist. They’re both leading everyone in worship by displaying the talent God has given them. “Performance piece” when done correctly is a misnomer, in my opinion. Just because the congregation isn’t singing along (“officially”) doesn’t mean the song/piece has no spiritual value. Look at it this way: why are graphic artists so highly coveted and (hopefully) paid? Because their art enhances worship. I would argue art, when done with excellence, honors God…even if it’s not congregation inclusive. I believe seeing church leaders (paid and lay) using their gifts in worship enriches and encourages the body.

But to be fair, all these things can certainly be abused or be made distracting. And there are things like interpretive movement that just don’t speak to me, personally…but that just depends on the DNA of your local body.

But all in all, some great discernment. Just remember to pad it around the edges with grace.

By: Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 15:23:16 +0000

These have been some great thoughts and I really appreciate this, esepcially coming from a “culturally-driven” magazine/site. I’m all about engaging culture but sometimes we can get a little too compromising when we try too hard. These thoughts are a fantastic balance of still engaging culture yet doing it while honoring God and not distracting people who are worshiping. Thanks for this!