Complaints Against Worship Leaders
(4:30 Minute Read)
Three of the biggest complaints worship leaders get are that they don't truly know/understand worship, worship services are too much of a performance, and we don't sing enough hymns. Let's talk about that...
Knowledge of worship:
You are right, not every worship leader truly knows, understands, or experiences genuine worship... Some people go through the motions just to be in the spotlight. But God ultimately humbles everyone and exposes the truth - worship is about HIM, not us. However, many people accuse worship leaders of not knowing or understanding worship because of their personal style of worship. Here's my hint to you, worship is MORE than music. If you're basing a leader's knowledge based on musical taste, you are wrong. Bottom line.
Personal note on this topic... I know I am not perfect, but my life is focused on worship. I study worship religiously because it is my calling (it's what we are all were made to do). Heck... I even got a degree in worship and I am getting my masters in Christian ministry and worship. I don't say that to boast, I say that to express my passion for worship and seeing the church grow in worship. When the world sees me, on or off stage, it is my desire that they see Christ in me. May my heart for God be so on fire that the worship I experience daily is contagious.
Worship services are too much of a performance:
What are you really complaining about? The fact that the worship leader, band, and tech team seek out perfection with their talents? Or is it the fact that worship has become so mainstream that it is considered entertainment? Wait... is worship not suppose to be enjoyable????? Are you afraid of worship being so good that people get lost just watching the "show" in amazement? If Sunday morning services are truly exalting and focusing attention on Jesus, is watching a bad thing?
"I wonder if they have ever read John's account of the heavenly throne room: multicolored lights, smoke, thunder, amazingly bedazzled creatures flying around a magnificently decorated throne, antiphonal voices of angels echoing back and forth, flaming torches, and musical instruments! WHAT A SHOW!! All pointing people to the one being worshipped! Genuine worship can happen in a dirt-floored hut when two or three are gathered in Jesus name, but it can also happen in a stadium filled with people and a stage show that awakens all one's senses to that same Jesus. If it is done in spirit and in truth, then I say "on with the show"!" - Doug Oliver
Personal note on this topic... I am a performer. It is who I am, it is what I do, it is what I am good at, it's who God has called me to be. I will never lie to you and say that I am not a performer. BUT my heart and performance is centered and focused on worshipping God and leading others in worship. My performance is a reflection of my walk with Christ. What you see on stage will NEVER be different than what you see off stage when it comes to me and my worship leadership.
We don't sing enough hymns:
First and foremost, I just want to emphasize the fact that worship is more than a style of music. Worship is a lifestyle that is expressed through music. Usually, the argument of "not enough hymns" revolves around the fact that hymns are so doctrinally and theologically rich. This is not a truth that I will argue with or deny - hymns are rich in content. However, there are MANY modern worship songs that are rich in content as well. Can I just challenge you to do something real quick? Read Psalm 96.
We are CALLED to sing out new songs to the Lord. New songs refresh our souls with a new perspective of God while older songs bring comfort and peace through familiarity. I believe as the church continues to grow, so should it's music style. We should provide music that relevant and draws people closer to God at all times.
Personal note on this topic... I grew up on hymns, I love hymns! In fact, my favorite hymn is In Christ Alone. However, I also LOVE modern music. Modern worship music is my preference. I love the freedom that modern worship brings. Plus... modern music is what people will find when flipping through the radio stations. What is on the radio is what I try to bring to the table on Sunday mornings. But I occasionally throw in a hymn (even if it is modernized) because hymns are truly great as well.
So...
I've come to the conclusion that I will NEVER make everyone happy... and honestly, I'm ok with that. These are three areas that people will always complain about, but I will always remain faithful and true. Worship is my calling, and I will do everything in my power to help you experience genuine worship in your personal walk with Christ.
The church is never going to agree on everything, but lets at least agree to grow TOGETHER.
God Bless,
David Conley
PLEASE NOTE that this post was not direct at anyone. But these are topics that I have been confronted with since going into fulltime worship ministry. So why not talk about it?