“It would seem that we are at risk of creating a church culture in which aesthetics and entertainment become the watermark for a great worship experience.” - David Ruis
Eye-Candy: lights, themed services, sacred ritualistic processions, new forms of song, classic arrangements of chorus, dressing up to dressing caz, innovative media and technology, as well as high church aesthetics to abstract visual art and design. All are chosen to customize a service, but what is the biblical intent of their use? How does a fog machine fall into its category?
Most worship styles: are helpful...maybe, yet some have tempted others to wander from the centricity of Biblical worship. Some worship styles may not be of worship to God at all - but to man. This epidemic is not just found in the contemporary church, but in traditional forms as well.
It’s hard to believe, but the Worship Wars and other preferential battles in the Church have continued since the initial writings of Paul’s letter to the Colossians - namely, back to Cain and Able. In this period of the Church, seductive philosophy, dietary restrictions, fascination of angels and new religious trends were becoming problematic. Paul wrote them to help strengthen those who were struggling from these empty and deceptive practices. These Christians were battling their own wars of the church that depended on human tradition rather depending on the supremacy of Christ (2.8).
Paul Argued: because of Christ, we have no need for man to relate to God through legalistic church rituals and/or the worship of angels. This scenario is parallel to the statements that we hear today regarding worship. Ever heard of these remarks: “worship is not worship unless I hold a hymnal and hear the organ,” or “I can’t worship unless it’s with a guitar,” also, “we need to be more contemporary in order to worship better,” and how about the famous, “it’s not the Word of God unless its read from the King James.” These examples were similar to the very point that Paul was trying to make to the Colossian church. In order to grow closer to God, or to experience a deeper sense of worship, we do not need ritualistic devices or methods. We do not need selections to worship, but rather sincerity in our worship to God.
Christ is our High Priest (Heb. 4.14-15) who has gone before us; He alone is able to lead us to experience God more deeply. Colossians 3 tells us that we are God’s special people, chosen by Him, holy and dearly beloved, who desires to clothe us in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Why would we need anything else in addition to give us a fulfilled experience of worship? This is why Paul says to “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another...as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God,” (3.16). His word alone leads our hearts and minds, while the Holy Spirit guides our confession unto God.
What We Do: use in a service of worship is to glorify God in the name of Christ. Our acts of worship by means of song, instruments, technology, liturgy, church-art and the like are simply tools. As we are guided by His word, led through the Holy Spirit and submit ourselves under Christ, the Father is well pleased with our worship and is the kind of worship He is seeking (Jn. 4.23). What other pattern of worship is there that can take the place of Christ as He unites us together as One to presents us - unblemished, holy and reconciled to the Father? May the worship in our local churches be determined by the precedence of Christ and not by the preferences of man.
“What is the pattern of worship that best conveys the richness of divine grace, faithfully interprets the gospel in our modern world and helpfully consolidates the body of Christ?” - Geoffrey W. Bromiley
Reflection: Can you worship without your preferences? In having just the bare bones of worship - His word alone - how different would this look? What does it mean to worship through the Word and how can you grow deeper on a daily basis? What does God bring to your mind to help you rid yourself of unnecessary devices in worship? What difference could this make in liberating you into a new sense of worship that pleases Almighty God?
Copyright
2012 Branon Dempsey | Worship Team Training | Administered by For His
Music. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
www.worshipteamtraining.com
Fruit is the natural outgrowth of our character. If we sow the seeds of our sinful nature, we will reap weeds of contentions and bitterness. If we sow seeds of the Spirit, we will reap the fruit of love, joy peace and eternal life. When it comes to worship, God desires fruit that is fully pleasing to Him. However, there is a choice in how each of us are to tend our vineyards: personally, do you want to grow figs, or do you want to grow leaves?
Recently, I was asked to speak/teach a second time at a church in south Florida. While traveling to their campus, I saw some orange groves along the way. I began to think about the identity of an orange tree, how it grows, why it grows and what it grows. It struck me how fruit is dependent upon its seed, as well as the Sower who planted them. In pondering this, I asked God: if I liken myself to a tree, how am I to grow? What is my purpose of growing and exactly what are You expecting for me to grow?
The memorable words of a great mentor of mine, Buddy Owens, said: “All of creation follows God’s laws of nature. Apple trees bear apples, and orange trees bear oranges. Apple trees do not grow oranges and vice versa, because each tree produces the natural fruit of their character.” Immediately, my thoughts turned to think about the natural growth of my spirit in relation to worship – ultimately my relationship with the Father.
Hebrews 13.15 tells us that the sacrifice of praise comes from the fruit of our lips – to bless His name. Question. What is fruit? If it is to be upon our lips, where does the fruit come from, and what is its condition?
When we read about the many fruits of the Spirit, we begin to understand each identity, character and purpose. According to Galatians 5.22-23, the fruit of the Spirit is defined as: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Let’s have a closer look to each of these.
What is the spiritual fruit of love? The word love is used more than 685 times out of the Bible. The condition of this word changes from passage to passage. In other words, we see the love of God, we also see the love of evil; we hear about love for one another and we also hear about the love of self. From what kind of trees are each of these fruits grown? Interestingly, Jesus said, that a good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit (Lk. 6.43). He also added that by their fruit, we will know them (v.44).
The fruit of joy and peace stem from the same branch. It’s the same kind of joy we experience in the Lord, who is our strength, the One brings his songs in the morning. The spiritual peace we come to know is found in the actions of Jesus calming the storm, who also provides peace in trouble. Joy and peace have a miraculous way of surpassing all our anxieties, while guarding our hearts and minds in Christ, which is truly known as the peace of Christ.
Other fruits of the Spirit are forbearance; this kind of fruit is grown in times of long suffering, in which we develop patience. When we think of Christ, he demonstrated this fruit in teaching his disciples, correcting the Pharisees, and most importantly, bearing His body on the cross. How can one walk in this kind of self-control? Well, the fruits of kindness and goodness help us maintain our footing. They go hand-in-hand as Colossians 4.6 exhorts us to use words full of grace that are seasoned with salt. This is personified not just the words we say, but also in the words we think inside our heads about one another and our actions that follow.
The fruit of faithfulness is a tough one. Like patience, faith feels like a status of time, a moment which seems to last forever. However, it’s not determined in how we feel, but rather what we think and know about God. So many times in my life, I forget this truth as the waves of doubt try to besiege me. Therefore, like James, we are to ask for wisdom and to know the One who illuminates our minds towards faith.
The fruit of gentleness is best expressed when we lay aside our differences, emotions reactions of the old man, as we are to put on the new man. Egos are like grave clothes that insulate selfish behaviors. Jesus calls us to remove them in application of Jn. 11.44. We are to clothe ourselves robes of His righteousness – garments of his compassion.
Lastly, but just as important as the first, we are to grow the fruit of self control. Even as we live in a world or experience places that seem out of control, the one thing we can control is the ability to allow God to have hold of us. I find that when I’m walking in the grove of patience, I am able to enjoy the fruit of self control. At times, this can be difficult to do, but when we yield to this kind faith-testing, God truly does reveal the peaceable fruit of wisdom.
So what is the total sum of all these fruits? I believe John Piper and the puritan sermons of old said it best: “Man's chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.” The fruit of our spiritual and all-encompassing life is found in our worship to God, our enjoyment of Him as He delights in our praises. Simply, He is the recipient of our fruit of worship – daily.
In the vineyard of our souls, fruit grows from branches grafted in Christ, from the soil of our hearts, planted by the streams of the Holy Spirit and produced from the seed of His Word. We are the bounty of the Father’s harvest, from vineyards cultivated for His glory. As we delight ourselves in the riches of His grace, we are able to live a life in response to God – fully pleasing to Him. Our blessed Hope, will return to claim what is rightfully His. When the Gardener of the Harvest does come, what will He find on your tree - figs or leaves?
Copyright
2012 Branon Dempsey | Worship Team Training | Administered by For His
Music. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
www.worshipteamtraining.com
Do words matter? Whether sung, prayed or heard, do people really focus on the words during worship? There is no doubt that worship services have their own distractions and interruptions. For other reasons, some people have a difficult time focusing during worship. At the core of the worshipper, when they are able to focus, what are the elements that cause them connect? In our attempts to connect with the congregation and God, do the words we use help engage or disconnect? It may be the coolest sounding song, but if our words are empty, we are only a clanging cymbal.
When was the last time you really looked at the lyrics of the songs you sing? As you pick songs to sing, are your choices based on the lyrics or on the groove? Some people say that contemporary music lacks sound theology, while hymns provide a more solid foundation of Scripture. In our teams, we may lean toward choosing contemporary songs because hymns are not as user-band friendly to play. Both these view points have their own merit in choosing songs. Finding the right choice of songs and those that work well with contemporary bands is a challenge within itself. A greater challenge is to plan services that rightly honor God.
There are lots of hymns and contemporary songs with poor theology and great theology. All you need to do is line up the songs' lyrics according to Scripture. Not just our songs, but our prayers, readings, sermons, videos and drama messages. When we present our words in a worship service, what kind of signals are we sending to our congregations? Do we show care into worship as being a service, or to serve ourselves? We may seek different types of programming elements and creative means, but are we truly seeking Him first and honoring him by our art.
In the Old Testament, Amos was deeply concerned about the integrity of worship and words. Israel continued to turn their backs on God. They worshipped idols, riches and power. They rejected every divine effort to provoke repentance. Instead of using their words to honor God, they used words to honor evil. No matter how many times God extended his hand of mercy, the people rebelled and would not return to Him.
In Amos, the Lord challenges the Church to "seek Me and live," (5.4). To seek God is to turn away from sin and return to His covenant faithfulness. No matter how great we put together a worship service, we must remember that the service is His. God wants all our heart and worship to be genuine as an act of obedience.
You may have heard me say before: service of worship. Most people say the term: worship service. It is my opinion and belief in a cooperate gathering as the Church, we are to serve the Lord through worship. This kind of service employs the association of a king. This comes from an Eastern mindset as it relates to the worship of God. From outside His courts, we prepare to meet him. We honor the King outside his doors and are invited into his presence. As we humbly approach Him, we bestow our offerings and gifts. He receives our praise and showers us with his gifts, mercy and forgiveness. We worship Him as a response according to how He is revealed (according to Scripture). We then celebrate His presence over the Meal and Baptism. Respond again to his glorious grace, as we are ushered back into the mission field. Hence my thinking on why I refer to the term: service of worship.
Romans 12.1 says: " Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship." Here we see this offering of a service of worship to God. This was not the case in the times of Amos. The people were resistant to God; He despised their worship because it lacked heartfelt intimacy. In this scenario, their bodies were present, but their minds and hearts were elsewhere.
Think about having coffee with your spouse or a dear friend. If you are not genuinely engaged in conversation or if there are no words to exchange at all, the true fellowship you can experience will be left void and empty. In fact, your meeting would soon render itself pointless. In true fellowship, there is a knowing and an exchange. In worship, to know God is to know His word. The exchange is listening to the Word proclaimed by God and we respond accordingly. God is the initiator, we are the respondents. Read the first four words of Genesis 1.1 "In the beginning God…"
God takes his service and our words very seriously. There are times when words are not enough, we stand in awe. In humility and reverence our silence speaks volumes to Him. Ecclesiastes 5:2 says: "Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few."
Based on our words in worship, what kinds of messages are we sending to people in general? Western culture and philosophies have infiltrated the Church, even when it comes to worship. As a result, many in the Church have watered-down sermons, songs, drama and film for the sake of being relevant. I agree with not using old-style and out-dated language, as it does not connect with the present day generation. I do disagree with the acts of shunning the Word of God, quenching the Spirit and sweeping sound theology under the rug.
There is a difference between being churchy and being biblically relevant. Singing “are you washed in the blood?” may have worked 50 years ago, but today, only a small majority may be aware of the hymn's context. A biblically relevant song that comes to mind is Charlie Hall’s “Marvelous Light,” which says: "into marvelous light I'm running, out of darkness, out of shame." This song both musically and biblically connects with people and with God. Another biblically relevant song comes from Stuart Townend in his contemporary hymn "How Deep The Father's Love For Us," which says in the second half of the first verse: How great the pain of searing loss The Father turns His face away As wounds which mar the Chosen One Bring many sons to glory
These lyrics are both relevant and biblical. Most people can relate to a searing loss, the loss of a child, loved one or something close to the heart. How deep a Father's love for us, speaks of God's relentless mercy in pursuing mankind. Based on it's inerrancy, I believe this contemporary hymn will be here to stay a long time.
As sung by billions, "Amazing Grace," is one of those hymns that has stood the test of time. It has become a famous mainstay because its accessibility in the lyrical doctrine and relevance. Whether traditional or contemporary, a great congregational song will always have a strong biblical message that communicates to people as it honors God. It should be one that has accessibility and relevance. Finding good songs for worship begins in the origin of Scripture.
When we choose our words for worship, in song and in message they need to shine. Jesus said in Mark 4.21-22 "...Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand? For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." Jesus was referring to the message of the Gospel. As we sing the words of the Gospel and the Old Testament, may they be lifted high for all to hear.
When we hide behind our words, it gives the impression that we really don't mean what we believe. This connotes a disinterest to those seeking Christ and hinders the congregation's ability to connect biblically. More importantly, we fail as our words to God are without meaning and significance. He is Almighty God and is deserving of our worship. Our words are to declare His worth, to lift him up and to celebrate his goodness spoken by our ability to praise Him rightly. We are also told, that when we remain silent, the rocks will cry out!
It's great to find songs that have a cool groove and/or a catchy chorus line. May our choosing be stemmed by the words and content - not by the sound of the song alone. Take the old Gospel tune “I’ll Fly Away.” Don’t get me wrong, it’s a real toe tapper. Many people love it. In my opinion, biblically, the song is meant more to be presentational rather than for worship. The song does not speak directly to God; it speaks more to an audience. There is nothing wrong with this song, instead of choosing it for worship, I would select it for another occasion.
In today's contemporary genre, there is a plethora of Christian-like philosophies that are secularly based. In essence, worship music programming has found itself in a pick and choose song-doctrine buffet and/or flavor of the month. What kind of words and messages are we really conveying to a non-believers, to the Church and to Holy God?
Through the changes of time and culture, a myriad of Christian authors, writers and promoters have evolved. The gap is blurred between theology, music and marketing. Today, with the help of the internet, songs are so easily accessed. I am glad to live in these times. The technology is fabulous to download songs instantly and to connect with your team online. The concern: people get busier everyday. Less and less effort and time is spent on planning. The easiest solution seems to be finding the coolest song, programing it and hoping that it works on Sunday - all in the stroke of 5 keys.
Time and time again, I have heard these spoken words: "we gotta play this song on Sunday because Johnny's church down the street does it" – or – "I heard this tune off the Christian radio station and we must play it!!" Ok, so the songs are cool. But what about the words? Do they derive biblical meaning and reference of Almighty God? Do the lyrics speak of His character, nature and Personhood? Do the words point to the human need for divine salvation, mercy and forgiveness? Where is the priority of our time in honoring God for planning his services?
Does it mean we spend every waking hour in our OCD's? No. Does it mean that we have to find songs that sound as if we are preaching a sermon? No. Not exactly. What it does mean, is that we are the Church and should consider our time and words rightfully. Our basis of worship comes from the Word of God. As the Bible clearly articulates the praise and truth of God - so should we.
Songwriters have a great potential in fanning the flame in people’s hearts for biblical and authentic worship. The level of their Biblical understanding and spiritual growth is pertinent to the songs they write for congregations. When good use of Scripture, melody and relevance intersect in the heart of the worshipper, a fire erupts that cannot be quenched.
As leaders and artists in the church, we have a higher calling to accountability. We are to be mindful of our words in worship and its preparation. This was Amos’ plea for Israel because the people were not taking God and his words seriously. They were merely facilitating hollowed offerings of numbed utterances through meaningless motions. God became angry his people and their worship. In absolute disgust, He condemned their actions through Amos the prophet. Anytime in Scripture when God denounces the actions and behaviors of a nation or people, it is often referred to as a Sermon of Woes. God says here in Amos 5.23: “Take away from Me the noise of your songs, For I will not hear the melody of your stringed instruments.” - A Sermon Woe of Amos Amos 5:23, KNIV.
It is hard work, but we as the Church need to safe guard our services of worship from becoming meaningless motions and/or noise. There is nothing joyful in the noise above. We create for ourselves a false sense of meaning and empty offerings to God when our services are poorly planned or misguided. The woes from God spoken through the prophet Amos addressed God’s displeasure of Israel’s meaningless and unacceptable worship. How do these lessons of past generations serve as models for today’s worship life? May we find them in the words of Joel: Joel 2:12-14 (New International Version)
Rend Your Heart 12 "Even now," declares the LORD, "return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning."
13 Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
In our planning of services and in our words of worship, may we be reminded of our rightful response to Holy God. From childlike prayers to the lifting of holy hands, He desires to engage with his people. He created us to respond back to him in praise. Let's use the time we have to forge words that are deserving of His worship. May we sing along with the Psalm writer in these words that proclaim: "I will sing of the mercies of the LORD forever: with my mouth will I make known your faithfulness to all generation." - Ps. 89.1
Copyright 2011 Branon Dempsey | Worship Team Training | Administered by For His Music. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. www.worshipteamtraining.com
For the past four months, The Texas Wildfires have ripped across the state and headlined the news. The heat alone is not to blame, but the long extended periods of dryness became the perfect combination for a tender box of uncontrollable infernos. Water became the deepest need in a land that seemed to be unquenchable.
Spiritually speaking, when we enter times of dryness or even a desert, the heat and pressure builds and eventually we burn. We've become so thirsty that are bones have long lost the essence of moisture, and we may have forgotten the sensation of true spiritual replenishment.
One of the most desperate times in a Christian's life is being found in a desert. But just what is a desert? A desert is an arid land and climate, not measured by heat, but by precipitation. Any area that gets less than 10 inches per year of rainfall is considered a desert. There is a new myth going around saying that the Mexican climate is sweeping upwards to Texas. Literally, the winds have changed patterns, along with the La Nina warmer temperatures, transforming the environment to desert-like conditions. The news is saying that this trend may stay for the next 10 years. My grandfather in-law said that Texas as a whole may be one with the Mexican desert.
I've been through many times of experiencing the desert. The problem with deserts, is that you don't know you're in one until it's too late. I've found there to be 3 kinds of desert seasons: How did I get here? What do I do know? When do I get out of here?
Season 1, how do we get here? Maybe we took on too much, said yes to most things and people, doing too many activities for the sake of "ministry," or begrudgingly involve ourselves out of the fear of expectations. We give out more than we take in. Saying yes too many times. When we are able to get still for one moment, we're still preoccupied by so many thoughts that we can't even hear God speak. It's as if our bones have become both dry and numb.
Season 2, what do we do know? In my experience, searching for this answer often leads me into circles. Poor Israelites, there's a reason why they too wandered for 40 years. We too have grown deaf to God's commands. But there's something good about being in a desert. What? Did I actually say this out loud? Well, let's examine those in the Bible who also found themselves in a desert: Abraham, Jacob, David, Elijah and even Jesus. So what was the good? God was there.
Sometimes it takes a desert experience not just to hear God, but to learn something of value. Why is this so important? There's something funny about times of desperation, that compel us to hold on to things tightly. How is this possible if we've already exhausted our physical/emotional resources? One word: passion. If you didn't care about anything, you wouldn't be desperate about anything. The fact that you are concerned/desperate in hearing from God, is because you are truly passionate of Him.
In my life, I've found that it may take a desert for God to call me away so that he may find me. A desert is desolate, so I may prioritize what's truly important. In most cases, it's water. It's a place where I can hear Him, because it's silent. A desert is also a good place I can receive from God, because I am empty and aware of my need.
The Bible often tells us that God gives, (lavishes - Eph. 1.8) His love, grace and mercy upon us. We are promised that when we simply draw near to God, He responds by drawing near to us with His glorious presence: "Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded." - Js. 4.8
Season 3, When do I get out of here? Maybe this is you in the moment. But maybe we are not to ask "how long," but rather ask "how deep" or "how fertile" is God wanting to go? He desires to cultivate the soil of our hearts, for the process of being rooted into His vine (Jn 15.5). Specifically, how far does God have to dig in order to break through the outer crust, dry layers and thick walls of rock before the water can enter the heart - all so that we become like clay?
Time is a factor in the interactions for developing soil. Science says tt takes about 800 to 1000 years for a 2.5 cm thick layer of fertile soil to be formed in nature. This should tell us that God is not as concerned with time as we are. Therefore, let time take its toll. God has already outlined our lifespan, our time is in His hands. As the book of Jeremiah calls out to us: seek Me and live. Be found in the desert, let the rain fall and allow God's timing to saturate the bedrock.
Ok, so how do we meet with God? We see a great example in the Psalms concerning David in chapter 63.1: "You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water." In another place, Psalm 145.18 says: "The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth." Proverbs 2.3 says: "indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding." Here we see the closeness of God is to all who call upon Him.
The closeness of God led Abraham in the desert. It's where God made His Covenant with man. In another scene, Moses received the Law and deep fellowship with God. Elijah sought refuge in the desert and received God's strength. It was also in the desert where God provided his power as Jesus was tested and overcame temptation. In every snap shot, we see God present, setting man apart for Himself. We can say in all of these scenarios, they have one commonality: God used the desert as a means to purify.
If you are in a desert, don't look at your experience as something iscolated. Neither have you caused any form of judgment or punishment. Rather, look at this as a process as God coming near, leading you to the well and calling you to drink (Isa. 43.19-20). Take the time to soak up the streams of water (Ps. 1). Allow God to re-plug you back into the Vine (Jn. 15.5). Commit your ways to the Lord and He will direct your paths (Prov. 3).
As Ezekiel encountered God, he saw a vision of God redeeming His exiled people "breathe upon these slain, that they may live," (Ezk. 37.9-14). The Lord is the Good Shepherd of his sheep, giving new life to dead and dry bones. He is the one who seeks the lost, bringing all back who have strayed. Praise be to the God that he did not leave us alone. Even in on mountain tops to deep desert experiences, our worship centers in gratitude for God's mercy to seek and to save us. May we continually drink from the fountains of His faithfulness, while being found in his righteousness.
Copyright 2011 Branon Dempsey | Worship Team Training | Administered by For His Music. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. www.worshipteamtraining.com
We see it in magazines, tv, youtube, what's trending and in what people hire for. Is there such a thing in having the X Factor for being a leader of worship? Don't be fooled by the outward appearance, even if others wear skinny jeans and a scarf.
Not long ago, I recall hearing those statements from church leaders. "These people are like bumps on a log, they stand still and sing. BORING. There's nothing impressive about them."
Are you serious?! When EVER did our services of worship turn into the X Factor and its judges? Ok, I do admit, in the leading of worship, we are to be engaged, focused, awake not lethargic, unhygienic or oblivious. However, to say that any worship leader or team member is boring or unappealing, suggest that the person's aim of those statements is more directed at receiving the praises of man instead of rendering the praises of God.
It's just plain modeling after the world and we look pretty ridiculous doing it. Why is the thought of creating an appeal to the masses more important than curating a spirit of worship unto Christ? Unfortunatley, I feel that most services today are to sell and not serve.
1 Sam. 16.7 says: "But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
When we are to lead worship, it begins with the heart, not the coffee press. God knows our hearts. Ps. 139 says that even before a word is on my tongue, He knows it all. There is a great quote that says: "worship begins before it begins." I believe this is true. Before leading anyone in worship, we must be led ourselves. How does this happen? Following, responding to God in His word by honest confessions of a grateful heart. Being in tune with our emotions towards the Scriptures are to help set our pace to lead. Our relationship with God is to be an outflow of our leading to others.
In an unpopular view, I believe that the most timid or melancholy musicians/singers are actually the best kind of worship leaders. When I say timid, I do not mean that they tremble and sweat bullets. They are collected, but frail, spiritual, but human. In reference to being melancholy, I am referring to individuals that do not have the energy level of a game show host. It means that they are consistent, authentic and deeply in-tune with God, themselves and with others. They don't pump it up, they simply tell it like it is.
It becomes more about the manner of the heart - the inward condition. Samuel understood that it's not about having the X Factor, it's more about being the person that God has already created you to be. Take David for another example. When he was being considered as becoming the next king, he was reduced and ridiculed in being young, ruddy, inexperienced and weak. In what his brothers and everyone else saw as an unimpressive shepherd boy, God saw him as worthy for kingship to rule the nation of Israel, by knowing the condition of his heart, and not by any other factor.
Copyright 2011 Branon Dempsey | Worship Team Training | Administered by For His Music. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. www.worshipteamtraining.com
You may hear it just after the worship service. The pastor may mention it. Congregation members will say it. Even your team will make a comment. It's nice to receive compliments. It's good to have the "atta-boys." But when does the validation that we receive become a measuring stick unto ourselves?
In times of leading worship, we can be so trapped up into how we may appear to people, that our attention is fixed on man and not God. Thoughts may shift into negative self-talk such as: "what if this Sunday's worship is not great? What if there's only 248 people in worship this morning? What if no one raises a hand? What if they don't sing." These scenarios can make things tough and weigh heavy on our minds. Especially, when negative comments are made, they may only reemphasize our fears or leave wandering doubts about our position.
Jesus faced his own challenges. After he would teach, heal or feed the people, his leadership was often questioned and/or despised. How did Jesus deal with these scenarios? Look at John 7.16, He says: "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me." Here, Jesus takes no authority of himself nor does he kowtow to others. Simply, He directs his praise back to the Father and recognizes his significance, found only in God.
Our calling to lead worship is dependent upon God. Our abilities and effectiveness is dependant on following Christ. The Holy Spirit guides our development and growth as we seek to serve Him through worship. God desires us to produce the kind of fruit that honors/blesses His name. He must become greater, and we must become less (Jn. 3.30). Good friend and mentor, Scotty Smith, once said: "God doesn't look for great worship, He looks for great worshipers." I firmly believe if we rightly fix our eyes and thoughts on the Triune God - in His worship, our services will not look great, because they will look more and more like Christ Himself.
Copyright 2011 Branon Dempsey | Worship Team Training | Administered by For His Music. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. www.worshipteamtraining.com
“The way leaders engage in the worship experience will send a huge message to the church community about the value and expectation placed on the worship time.” — David Ruis
Does your leader ever check-out during worship? Do you? As a worship leader myself for over 18 years, I have seen and experienced this disconnect more often than I’m afraid to admit. I’m not sure what other people think, but I shiver at the thought of what God thinks.
How does a leader check-out in worship? Well you know, it could be the pastor glancing at their speaking notes during the music (or finishing the sermon :) ), it could be a musician or singer noodling or staring at the floor, it could be a staff member talking to one another during the prayer time, or it could be one of the other ministers rushing in late to make their announcement. It could even be the person leading worship, who does not appear focused nor prepared.
You know the worship time is important, but you may even find yourself fidgeting or drifting into La La Land with visions of chocolate-coated candy cups of caffeine. At least, that would be my dream. In my own experience, I have been distracted in both leading and engaging in worship. How can this be reversed?
Checking out in worship is due to a variety of things, tasks and to-do’s of what’s on the brain, what’s coming next, where you’ve been or where you’re going, and/or what you want to eat afterwards. If you are continually bothered, the worship time just becomes another background event. This is not limited to the music time alone. I’ve also witnessed another disconnect when the music set is over and the worship leader and band hits the doughnuts and coffee while the pastor is preaching. Even worse, I’ve seen the band get into the car to make a Starbuck’s run! They make it back in time just to play the song response at the closing service. This alone is subjected to a negative respect issue and sends a strong uncaring message to the leadership and the congregation. Even more so, our praises to God show as void and empty offerings.
What can remedy this problem? I believe it’s found in communing with God before the service - before the entire day. Taking time to read, acknowledge, praise, sing, confess, request and honor God helps us form a foundation of sincere worship. It does not mean that we will be free from any distractions from this point forward, it means that we have a defense to fall back on when we are tempted.
In looking at the life of David, he was not just the worship leader, but he was also the chief commander of the army (1 Chron 25.1). He was committed to worship as a means of national security. David knew about the importance of worship preparation to fend off spiritual distractions. Have you ever considered that our prayers, songs and spoken words to be strategic weapons of war against the enemy? Read 2 Cor. 10.3-4 in application to the service of worship.
God desires our worship to be prepared, undistracted and fully connected with Him. In fact, we are commanded not to worship anything other than the LORD, for He is a jealous God (Ex. 34.14). We see how David unapologetically declares the importance of undistracted worship.
Psalm 29:2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
Psalm 86:9 All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
Psalm 95:6 Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;
Ps. 96.9 Worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness; tremble before him, all the earth.
Psalm 97:7 All who worship images are put to shame, those who boast in idols— worship him, all you gods!
Psalm 99:5 Exalt the LORD our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy.
In the verses above, who is David speaking to? What is the tone of his words? Does he seem distracted or unfocused? There’s no evidence of David checking-out here. Far the opposite. The people took David seriously as a leader because David took the prominence and worship of God seriously.
I believe Daivd Ruiz is right on. As leaders and people in general, the way we engage the Lord in worship, speaks of the importance of His worship - His worth-ship. We give worth to God, how we give that worth, speaks of our sincerity and intention. This is self revealing to our congregation and community based on our behavior and response in public worship. However, I am afraid of another self-revealing truth: when our actions show an indifference to worship, for any reason, we undercut the praise of God of which we are commanded, while denying our spiritual priority that is found in Rom. 12.1, which says: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”
In public worship, does God find your attention to be the kind that is pure, connected and undistracted? What steps can you take to build a foundation of unhindered praise? As you model what it means to worship in community, is your behavior the kind that helps others engage in worship? Is it the kind of worship the Father is seeking?
The Critical Need of Transcendence in Worship
Response to: The Critical Need of Transcendence in Worship Original Article By Jeff Ling
Response: Jeff, I firmly support your stance on the need of sound biblical theology to support the foundation of sound cooperate worship. You mentioned a few of my faves: good friend Dr. Marva Dawn and the late Dr. Robert Webber. Both Dawn and Webber as well as your sources, all stress the deep need for substance over style, particularly responding to the call for a return to the Word of God. This is integral to our services and the overall awareness and strengthening of theological renewal in each congregant.
In my opinion, I believe we spend too much time programming services to wow people. Our worship to God is replaced by self-indulgent praise of man. In fact, I am often reminded by the words of Amos, when God was angry with Israel in how they removed the praise of the Creator to elevate the praise of the created. It would shock the skin right off our bones if we were to audibly hear God say today as in he did in Amos in 5.23: Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps.”
It is my belief that we are to train the saints for both the work of ministry, and even more so, for the work of theology. Marva Dawn expresses this concern in her book, “The Sense of the Call.” She highlighted the imperative duty that calling, service and worship ought to flow seamlessly as they are grounded in strong faithful theology.
She went on to say, that the world of absolute relativism has cocooned our churches, only to produce a numbness to Scripture and void of biblical formation in our services of worship. Dawn refers to this as having one foot on the banana peel and the other foot on a banana peel. When our footing is shaken, we cannot build genuine community in worship on slippery doctrinal slopes. This concern should compel us to take a hard look at our words in worship, our songs in worship, our graphics, our sermons, aesthetics and technology. Is there a biblical point and purpose for the tools we employ for worship, or are they simply items of which we worship?
I am not saying that technology, tools or style is wrong, in deed, we are to use them for edifying the church. They become important tools to connect the senses to the spirit; but yet, they are as such: tools. We must first ask the question, how will God be honored in what we employ? It seems to me that the emphasis of creating services for God, is becoming less and less of a priority as it falls short of the top 20 gear items to buy as well as the top 20 countdown songs to sing.
I hi-five Jeff for his article as he said: “...if we help our people to understand the responsibility of bringing to the corporate worship a heart overflowing from private worship, we would see a greater depth of God-centered worship and less of a need to be pumped or propped up.”
Worship leaders want people to sing and pastors want people to worship. But what is the real need for the people of God in a service? Why do we seem to be less concerned with developing a better biblical understanding of why we worship versus what our itching ears want to hear? Can this be learned from singing a song or hearing a slick message on the average of 60m per week? What about what we hear from the pulpit and how often is worship taught in our churches?
To this question above, I have asked many pastors and worship leaders on the frequency of their teaching of worship. 8 out of 10 pastors have confessed to only teaching on the topic of worship once or twice every three years. At this rate, how well-informed is our congregation on the biblical importance of worship? Especially, when 1.5 hours tops is spent on campus; out of which, 1 hour is spent in service, 30 minutes is spent listening and 20 minutes is spent singing. Not to mention 10 minutes or more is gossiping in the parking lot. Compare this to the time spent by ministry staff members on campus, this gap is quite cavernous.
The senior pastor is both shepherd and worship leader of the flock. But we cannot expect this responsibility to be solely weighed on the worship ministry leader. Each person in ministry staff has an interdependent responsibility to equip our congregation. This is also why we have many teaching and involvement ministries on campus. The pastor is to teach the ardent principles of worship as well as the Gospel, as we as members and staff are to study and practice them. This equipping should flow from staff members, to ministries and to the congregation and back into the community.
If the Church is to develop a greater depth and understanding of biblical worship, it needs to begin with our leaders of worship in paving the way. Each Christian (congregant) is commissioned to grow daily in the Scriptures and communion with the Triune God. When we meet together for service, the blank starred arms folded passiveness will diminish as the praises of God increase. More importantly, our emphasis will turn to the One being worshipped and away from things that distract us in worship. I firmly believe that as our congregations grow theologically, the Lord will gain a richer response as the Church resounds in an authentic expression as one voice - as one Body.
This
article was triggered by a couple of things. First, Trevin Wax released
a post on his blog entitled “Steak on a Paper Plate: A Reflection on
Worship” (http://trevinwax.com/2010/08/17/steak-on-a-paper-plate-a-reflection-on-worship/_).
In it, Trevin questioned the forms of our worship and whether or not
those forms (i.e. paper plates) were appropriate for celebrating and
acknowledging the glory of God. It was a great analogy and a fresh one
for a discussion that has been going on for quite some time. Content
and form, style and substance. One statement by Trevin especially caught
my eye:
But in worship today, there is a tendency toward
casualness. The emphasis on feeling God’s closeness in worship may
short-circuit the possibility of being transformed by a glimpse of the
Transcendent One. There’s hardly any room for feeling awe in worship,
and I can’t help but think that part of our problem is the form.
(emphasis mine)
Reading Trevin’s article reminded me of
some other things I had read in my studies, particularly arguments put
forward by Marva J. Dawn, Michael Horton, Robert Webber and others. A
work by Dr. Allen P. Ross is what I feature here and base my comments
on. In his book: Recalling the Hope of Glory, Dr. Ross discusses the
danger of our worship becoming “imbalanced if not deformed.” How does
that happen? By ignoring what he refers to as the “four basic senses of
the human spirit as it responds to God.
”What are those four basic senses?"
The
Intellectual Sense. This relates to our fundamental need of
understanding what we do and the reasons for it. We have a huge
responsibility as worship leaders to prepare carefully and present with
clarity. Dr. Ross suggests that the effect of understanding is
two-fold: First, it keeps the acts of worship safe from the stagnation
of routine and or the infusion of superstition. Secondly, it helps to
ensure that the worship experience does not come untethered from the
everyday of living.
The Aesthetic Sense. We were created
in the context of beauty and have the capacity for creating beautiful,
although flawed, offerings. The wide variety of artistic expressions
that exist should serve the purpose not only of adding color to the
world as a measure of common grace but extol and magnify the glory of
God before the world. The fact is that there is very little creating
that goes on in most worship settings. We often allot people the role of
marginally involved observers who may sing a few songs (when not just
watching the band) and little else. Ross points to the fact that worship
is intended to be a dramatic reenactment of the gospel each week that
invites people to participate by song, symbol, prayer, gestures,
responses, etc.. This serves not only to draw the heart of the
worshipper to God but into a deeper sense of community by shared acts of
praise.
The Corporate Sense. Ross stresses that “ private
worship or personal devotions, which are essential for the spiritual
life, must lead into and find full expression in the assembly of the
righteous, for private meditations must benefit others. “ In other
words, our individual experience of worship is intended to fuel the
worship of the community and help it take flight. It is a sad reality
that multitudes of worship leaders look into the eyes of empty people
each week; people who are relying on the band, the music, the charisma
of the leader, to drag them from the grip of empty devotional lives into
a momentary experience that caters more to the needs of people than
magnifying the glory of God. Am I suggesting that our worship times
should not bring comfort and encouragement to those attending? Certainly
not. What I do mean to say is that if we help our people to understand
the responsibility of bringing to the corporate worship a heart
overflowing from private worship, we would see a greater depth of
God-centered worship and less of a need to be pumped or propped up.
The
Moral Sense. Frankly, I was disappointed that Dr. Ross used the word
moral to describe this. I do understand his point: worship that is
genuine should lead to transformed living. Our ethic should reflect the
righteousness of the One whose face we behold. That said, I would have
preferred the term the transcendent sense. My reason for this is that I
firmly believe that our goal should not be to become more moral or
ethical. I don’t believe that our goal in worship should be the
transformation of people into a more virtuous morality. Where that has
been emphasized, legalism tends to rule the day. Our deepest need is to
be touched by the transcendent display of His holiness as we worship
Him. When we worship “in the beauty of holiness” and behold “as in a
mirror, the glory of God.” We find that the holiness we long for and the
hatred of sin we experience is the genuine transformative work of the
Spirit in our lives. Worship births love and love is the motivation we
need to live out of. I think Dr. Ross would agree with that and I
certainly agree with his assessment of what happens when Holy God is not
the focal point of our worship:
“Worship must develop
this sense otherwise the intellectual sense will become arrogance, the
aesthetic sense will be entertainment, and the corporate sense an
unguided assembly.
“I don’t think any other statement
captures so perfectly the dangers we face today if not humbled by God’s
holiness. It is no secret that the reformed that have an emphasis on the
intellectual sense are often found to be arrogant, that everyone from
the seekers to the charismatics often fall head long into the lure of
entertainment, and that emergents and house churches take the form of
unguided assemblies in the name of community.
The question
I face is the same one that Ralph Martin asks at the end of his
masterful treatment of worship in The International Standard Bible
Encyclopedia (Edited by Geoffrey W. Bromiley):“What is the pattern of
worship that best conveys the richness of divine grace, faithfully
interprets the gospel in our modern world and helpfully consolidates the
body of Christ?”Unless we are asking all of those questions then the
warning of Dr. Ross concerning entertainment, arrogance and unguided
assemblies is what we will contend with.
As you worship among the congregation, are your thoughts, words and
expressions bridled or authentic before Holy God? Join us for another
"On The Road," as Branon Dempsey meets with worship teams to share some
insights on engaging and being engaged by God.
From The Road - Teaching Series Worship Team Training Copyright 2010, Administered by For His Music
“Worship is an active response to God whereby we declare His worth.” “Worship is not simply a mood; it is a response. Worship is not just a feeling; it is a declaration.” – Ronald Allen
This statement resonates with Scripture and also my heart. When we read verses that say:
My protector is praiseworthy! The God who delivers me is exalted as king! The one true God completely vindicates me;
Give thanks to the LORD with the harp! Sing to him to the accompaniment of a ten-stringed instrument! Sing to him a new song!
Come! Let's bow down and worship! Let's kneel before the LORD, our creator!
These statements made by the Psalmist point to the meaning of worship. They tell us who God is and what He has done. The writer is declaring to the reader/hearer what we are to do in response of who He is and His acts of love. The writer calls God his protector, therefore He "is praiseworthy," God who delivers is exalted "as king." He completely vindicates our lives as the "one true God." We give thanks to Him and respond by our acts of praise "we sing to Him a new song!" We come, bow down, worship and kneel before him out of humble submission because He is the "LORD, our creator!"
When we see the Lord through Scripture, we learn who God is. We begin to know God according to His Word. We see the splendor of His glory and the majesty of His loving nature - His nature is love. Scripture helps us bear in mind God's fullness at best, as well as His character and wisdom.
The Bible is the very breath of God; these words are God breathed written through the hands of man. 2 Tim. 3.16 declares: "Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness." When we worship, we resound with Scripture in one voice declaring Who He is and what He has done accordingly. This happens in the songs we sing, prayers we pray, messages we hear/see, offerings we give and services we provide as they anchor to Scripture.
When you worship, has it occurred to you that you are responding back to God? When you sing, have you considered your songs to be sung-prayers? When you hear/see the message, does your heart resonate with the spoken Word of God? When you study art, do you identify images of the Savior? When you are found in silence, are you listening to the whisper and movement of the Holy Spirit? When you posture your heart, hands, feet and head, are you filled with emotions that confess your need for the Father?
God initiates, we react. He calls, we respond. He draws, we embrace. He speaks, we listen. He asks, we answer. He is Alpha and Omega. He is Beginning and the End. He is Genesis and Revelations. Worship simply begins and ends with God. We respond.
About
a few weeks ago I led worship on a Thursday night. The evening began
with a great reunion of seeing old and new friends. The song set was
just right for those who came to worship. The lighting had a great
ambiance and mood. The audio team was very accommodating and adaptive.
I arrived early to set up my gear. The speaker and I went over our
notes and everything was cool. I met with the sound team, tested the
mic and all seemed fine. I got a really nice sound. Then the problem
hit. I just plugged in my guitar, strummed a few notes and there was
nothing. We checked the cable, DI box and patching, all seemed to be
correct. Still nothing. Our next resolve, was to completely change out
the cable and DI. In addition, we tried patching into different
channels. Again, nothing.
At
this point, the clock was ticking at 10 minutes till the service. Think
fast. The audio team ran to the sound storage room (the youth worship
center) and grabbed a couple of acoustic mics. We figured that I can
survive by simply miking my guitar while singing through a separate
vocal mic. Sounds simple, right? It was time for the service to begin.
A vocal singing group took the stage to open with a few songs.
Afterward, it was time for me to lead. I began playing. Everything
sounded great through the acoustic mic. In fact, it had a really nice
and rich sound. The lights came up on my face as I moved towards the
mic. The congregation was beginning to engage with eyes closed. I
began to sing. All the sudden, my vocal mic went completely out.
Has
this ever happened to you? So, what do you do in a situation like this?
Keep playing. I continued to play through the song, while ad-libbing a
bit. The congregation was not even aware of the problem. My mind was
racing of what to do. Ah, yes. I got it. My acoustic mic was aiming
between my guitar and upper body. I figured if I backed off a little
space, the mic could catch both my guitar and voice. In a subtle
gesture, to the sound engineer, I motioned to turn up my mike. He was
aware of the problem and adjusted the volume. Success. I was playing
and singing through the one mic with no problem. Then guess what? No,
the mike continued to work. However, I noticed a sudden drop in volume
when I pushed my dynamics. Problem? My trusty acoustic mic turned out
to be a condenser mic.
A
condenser is known for limiting loud peaks and sudden changes that
occur in the overall volume. Every time I tried to push a note, the mic
would drop out. It was almost like playing the game, no you hear me, no
you don’t. So what did I do? I backed off a bit and continued. What
happened to the congregation? Nothing as well. They continued to focus
on the words. I realized something in that moment. What became
important was being at the feet of Jesus. We choose the better part.
When we do, perspective comes and everything else fades away.
Interestingly, the song we were singing, was one I had written called
“Have Your Way.” Never stop the flow of worship. Let God have His way
in every and all circumstances. I will always remember this night as
being the most challenging by logistics, but the most worshipful by the
Spirit.
“Now
as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named
Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister called Mary, who
was seated at the Lord's feet, listening to His word. But Martha was
distracted with all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said,
"Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving
alone? Then tell her to help me." But the Lord answered and said to
her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many
things; but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good
part, which shall not be taken away from her."” (Matt. 10:38-42)
4.26.09 Post: Racmm Singing
songs of powerful worship and praise to God is part of our worship to
God but of course isn't the only way to worship our Lord. Worship is
also living our lives daily the way God called us to live our lives;
God calls us to live our lives staying away from sin. We need to stop
giving in to the devil's temptations. What we do, how we act, and what
we say to our families, friends, co-workers and others during the week
is just as important, if not more so, as singing worship songs to our
Lord on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Worshipping God is a
24/7 awesome, glorious, beautiful, and fantastic responsibility!
Worship is also going to God in prayer and thanking Him for who He is:
Our Glorious And Magnificent God! Our Heavenly Father And Creator! 2.13.09 Post: Shane Thank
you so much for this perspective. I think too often worship leaders
get caught up in the details and forget to "just praise." As important
as it is to bring our "A" game to worship, it can only be matched by
our full hearted praise and adoration of the One who Created us.
4.26.09 Post: Racmm