Lead Worshiper

I don't think I've pulled a specific associate position to pray about prior to this morning, but a conversation over the weekend got me thinking yesterday, that perhaps I should write specifically.

I love music. I can't play anything, but I could listen all day. I remember the conversation I had with my Dad, during my teen years about why he listened to Classic Rock. My brother, a significant number of years older than I, grew up listening to the pioneer bands of Christian Rock... who laid the foundation for the mass appeal of the genre we know today, not to mention its acceptance within the church.

There's been a trend in some churches, for some worship bands to play secular music. Sometimes putting a Christian aspect on it, as it relates to the message or during offering, which I can understand to a point. Of course, some bands pull it off better than others.

The line in the conversatoin that bothered me, though, was the thinking that any music is okay to be used if it relates to that mornings' sermon. Covering Taylor Swift seems a little much and if a worship band covered a rap song, simply because it related... I'm having a hard time processing that one.

I understand the appeal for music that grabs attention though. Many a times, I've listened to sermons in my own church and either during service or upon exiting, I've thought of many great Christian bands who've recorded songs and lyrics would have been incredible tie-ins to integrate into the service. And not just newer stuff; but moreso, the stuff I grew up listening too... back in the days of opening the inserts and seeing Scripture references that the song writers used as inspiration for their music.

Perhaps that is why, even to this day, there seems to be a power and anointing when listening to those bands. The words feel relevant and timely because they were grounded in Scripture. There are many talented musicians across all genres, musically and lyrically. While putting a Christian spin on secular music is interesting to hear; one doesn't attend church to hear a Christian spin on a secular message.

The Church's message is the Gospel of Christ. It is truth. For the music that is used that would contradict that message seesms like dangerous territory to me. I can't help but wonder if it isn't more of a deterrent than it is a trendy attraction piece.

Pray, this #associatePastorTuesday, for worship leaders. May God guide and direct them, as the prepare to usher us in to the presence of God. Pray that God would use them as they lead worship... not to be the worship leader, but to be the lead worshiper. Pray for churches to find the balance, in that worship be God-focused rather performance-based. May there be an anointing upon them; a powerful compliment to the message of the Gospel that is to be brought forth for the changing of lives through the work of the Word.

Worship
As it's all about Him
Not so much, about us.

- PNC