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Recap, I Thought We Were *SUPPOSED* To Sing
Posted on July 31st, 2008 in Church Life, Faith, Worship Leadership by Fred McKinnon
Hey Everybody!
(special thanks to Steve Lowe for the image idea!)
So I never thought this week’s blog material would turn into a series. But did it ever. The response from you all has been incredible, and obviously – I’ve touched on something that we’re eager to discuss.
It all started with a recap of my experience this past Sunday morning as a “worshiper” in the congregation, as opposed to the Worship Leader, or someone running sound, producing, etc.
I followed up with a recap and incredible perspective from a former college professor, Dr. Michael Braz. He had some thoughts that really made us think.
As promised, I’m coming back today to close it up. I’d hoped to get this thing out first thing this morning; however I had lots of last-minute things to complete for SSCC before leaving town … that’s right … leaving town – we (the family) are headed up to Gainesville for some family time on Lake Lanier. We’re turning the McKinnon Manor here on St. Simons Island into a party home for house-sitting pals, Jay and Brooke.
In summary, I think there are tons of reasons that people aren’t singing in our churches.
- maybe the music isn’t loud enough, and their self conscious about their voice
- maybe the songs are too contemporary, too new, or in a key they aren’t comfortable with
- maybe they’ve been “trained” by our entertainment culture to watch instead of participate
- maybe they are engaged in worship, but they are overwhelmed by God’s Presence and can’t sing
- maybe they just don’t care … they aren’t being drawn in
- maybe they haven’t been taught enough
- maybe they’ve been “taught wrong”
and on, and on, and on.
I believe all of these could have some huge impacts on our corporate participation (or lack thereof).
However, as I prayed about this a while back, I felt like the Holy Spirit gave me this thought. It’s simple, yet profound:
“Without revelation, there won’t be much participation”.
Did you get that?
You see, when we get a revelation of God … how awesome He is, how huge He is, how loving He is, how compassionate He is, and all the amazing things that He has selflessly done FOR US … we can’t help but respond and participate.
So, if that’s the case – how do we see our people get a better revelation of “God”. Pray, certainly. Teach, absolutely.
I’ll be doing my best to publish tomorrow’s “FreePlay Friday” by morning … in the meantime, closing thoughts?
Fred
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9 Responses to “Recap, I Thought We Were *SUPPOSED* To Sing”
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Thanks for you open heart and ears, Brother. I felt the Lord speak that to me as I read it. I know my planning is done for Sunday. I felt Him telling me to trust Him, and to seek revelation this week. I will be praying that with our group this week.
Looking forward to posting this week’s ‘Confessional’ already.
Have a blessed time with the fam’In the Potter’s Hand,
JW
JonWesleys last blog post..Worship Confessional- July 27, 2008
I think your thought on “revelation must come before participation” is right on. For sure. And participation without revelation is fake. That being said, I would go back to your original list to see how we (as worship leaders led by the Holy Spirit) can foster an environment that reeks of revelation. How can we make the main thing the main thing and make that evident to the average Joe in the congregation? I think that is the next step here.
Tylers last blog post..Crazy Love .2 of 3
Judging by the photo in this post, worship isn’t just for Sundays anymore – it’s also perfect during warm ups for flag football!
Good post, I’ll be posting soon on a theory I have about this. I think I’ve figured out the second most important factor but the primary factor is simply a lack of quality practical instruction on how to worship in a congregational setting. It’s hard for us, as worship leaders, to cover this area as we can’t really do it in 45 seconds or less! It really takes a commitment from the senior pastor to keep worship a priority in the minds of the congregation and help them understand the “why”.
The Bible commands us to “sing to the Lord” more than ANY OTHER COMMAND IN THE BIBLE! I heard my pastor say this and I’ve never heard anyone else mention it – it’s the best-kept secret of the Bible!
I’ve heard two prominent arguments about why people don’t sing out more:
- The music is too loud, and I can’t hear myself.
- The music is too quiet, and I can hear myself.
I’ve even heard these two complaints SIMULTANEOUSLY. At that point, it becomes obvious that SOMETHING else is at play, something that has nothing to do at all with the volume of the music. And I think you’re onto something with your assertion, “Without revelation, there won’t be much participation.” It’s the worship analogy to, “Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” How can someone without the revelation of who God is truly worship Him?
I like the idea of educating the congregation of what worship is, how to do it, etc. However, that’s really only part of the problem; a bigger part of the problem, IMO, is a lack of passion in American Christianity… passion for ANYTHING truly of God. We’ll get all riled up over politics — what “those gays” or “those abortionists” are doing — but we won’t give God enough of ourselves to make a peep on Sunday morning. We’ll cheer like mad at a Angels game, but won’t get our hands anywhere near each other for fear of accidentally clapping (and, who knows, introducing discord into the service!).
This is an epidemic in American Christianity, and comes out in many ways, including (especially?) worship. Even beyond worship, my experience is that most American Christians cannot defend even the most rudimentary elements of the Christian faith, much less even offer Biblical approaches to trickier issues about God allowing suffering and evil in the world.
We are not passionate about anything in the church today. I think revelation is part of it, but to be clear: God has revealed himself. We have failed to be inspired by Him, and that’s 100% on our laziness and complacency.
pcgs last blog post..Sunday Worship Set List :: 03 Aug 2008
In a college town, I have access to (& spoke 8 times last year at) a variety of college fellowships. I sit in the back and watch “worship”, pray over the students and about my talk, and wait on the Lord. I’ve watched a lot of worship bands over the years.
Why don’t people engage? They can’t. Two things are happening:
1. much contemporary music is lyrically and musically asymmetrical – it is not easily picked up by ear. People can’t get it and they drop out. It is just impossible with their lack of experience with the song and lack of musical inclination. You could sing out from the back because you are talented, and you knew the song.
2. Worship leaders are not leading, they are worshiping. When you are a worship leader, your job is not to worship, but to lead others into the Presence. You have to put yourself on hold to insure they are engaged. I have witnessed with alarming consistency a practice of “worship leaders” getting “lost” in worship, vocally or instrumentally, and leaving the congregation behind. People stand with their hands in their pockets hoping something will come along that they can sing with. This should never happen!!
The current landscape is music that is personal, not corporate, and an inadequate theology of service through worship leading.
It’s a shame, because there is so much talent out there, and so many people desperate for an encounter.
’nuff for now
Pastor Steve,
Good thoughts … I’m a bit behind replying to comments on this post – but allow me to say that I agree with the whole “leading” thing … I often make it a point to counter the “just get lost and lead by demonstration” theory!