I came across something yesterday that concerned me. It was a blog post written about some things that this particular author doesn’t like about worship music in our churches. She meant well… but in a way, her well-meaning words came across as criticism to worship leaders. Then the comments just added to the fire, as others started to add their “pet peeves.” (But let me emphasize this… I really like this author and I guarantee that her intent was positive.)
The post (and the comments) gave me a desire to talk about something that has been on my heart for a long time. Criticism of leadership decisions is one of the greatest problems in our churches today. The “I” syndrome. We all think we know the answers to why people aren’t connecting with God during the services. “We need to add more hymns.” “It’s TOO LOUD!” “It’s not loud enough.” “Too contemporary.” “Too much tradition.” “Too much repetition.” Etc… etc… etc…
And we all do it. We all judge. We all critique. The question is… Are we spending more time critiquing than focusing on our Creator God?
If we believe we are serving in the church where God has called us, we’ve got to let go of our criticisms of the “stuff” (what I lovingly call the tools we use) and just worship. Trust that the person on that stage leading us is who God has placed in our lives. And by the way, that worship leader (who is not perfect… just like the rest of us) is listening to God, trying to lead the way God is calling him to lead. He could use some encouragement for being willing to serve in the way God has called them. Too often our worship leaders hear what people don’t like… but they never hear a positive word.
Maybe our fix-it mentality comes from a trust issue deep down. Or maybe we would just rather have some control. What do you think?
Back to the blog post I was talking about… one comment stuck with me: “The only ‘bad’ worship services I’ve ever been in are the ones I enter critical, resentful, or sinful. Every time I seek God’s face and hallow His name, the worship service is good!” Amen. And the same is true for me. Before we can have any concept of what worship at church “should be” we must be spending time in genuine private worship. I’ll be talking more about private vs. corporate worship in weeks to come.
So for this week, just think about this: Do you spend more time actually worshiping? Or critiquing how worship is done in your church? My challenge to all of us is that we will seek God’s face this week and find His leading in our own private worship. Wouldn’t it be amazing if every person on the worship team and in the congregation worshiped so much during the week… that when we all came together on Sunday, it was truly all about Him?
Here’s a great song reminding us that it’s all about Him:
Want to start a conversation about what God is teaching you about worship? Join us!
Acts 4:32 And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
We definitely need to work more at coming together to worship God.
Amen!! So true!
What a terrific post!! Made me look at how I worship. {and} come to think of it… I am in deep worship… no time to criticize. Ok.. except for when our Pastor gets so into his word that he starts sounding like a lamb! LOL!! No but seriously … who has time to criticize when I am so touched by his words. Bless you!!
Exactly! 🙂 When we are completely focused on Him, there is no room for criticism. Thanks Carla!
Oh Amen!!! No one can define worship for us. It’s within us. I strive not to let anyone distract me from where my heart needs to linger.
So proud of you for talking about it!
Absolutely! Thanks, Nikki! 🙂
I can not echo your comments enough, Paula. My husband is the COO (Executive Pastor) of our church. Not a week goes by that he doesn’t get a lengthy email from a likely well-meaning church member wanting to tell him how to run the church. Many of what is brought to his attention is so petty and truly just a matter of taste or opinion. No wonder Jesus’ prayer for the future church was unity!
Yes, and it’s so sad… that the people who have dedicated their lives to leading us to Jesus are hit with more negativity than encouragement. So grateful for your husband’s service! I so desire to see God’s people learn to really worship and trust.
What a wonderful post. Sure makes us think about not only worship, but how we behave day-to-day. There is so much more to life than critizing. Just think how wonderful everyday could be! Thank you!
Thanks, Dawn! Yes… and the most important worship is what happens between us and our Savior throughout the day-to-day! 🙂
we hold worship every saturday… He really put it upon my heart to do a stop and worship so now we do it every single saturday…. it is a sacrifice in a family this big… and some weeks it is hard to get musicians… but there is a very good reason worship always goes first in battle.
T
Love it, T! I so enjoyed reading your post! Thanks so much for linking up. 🙂