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Rock Star Worship
Posted on September 9th, 2008 in Church Life, Worship Leadership by Fred McKinnon
DISCLAIMER: The use of David Crowder‘s picture here in no way is meant to reflect that I feel he’s a “Rock Star Worship Leader”. I love Crowder’s music, enjoy his creativity, and even rode next to him on the Nemo Ride @ Disney. This image is only used because I found it here when searching images.google.com for “rock star worship”.
I think it’s easy to say that times have changed, and the “look” of modern worship has certainly changed. Not only do we see more churches presenting worship with a “concert vibe”, complete with lighting, big sound, hip clothes, and $50 haircuts … we see so many worship leaders (young and old) trying to keep up with that look. Many are even changing their appearance to keep up. Most of the well-known CCM artists are now packaging themselves as Worship Artists, complete with CD/DVD covers with full blown photo shoots, head shots, and poses.
It’s a trend that I’ve followed, one that I’ve not participated in fully, though I did get some stuff put in my hair a few times and even wore “product” for a few days. Where I grew up, if a man put “product” in his hair, he’d be beaten up in the Piggly Wiggly parking lot shortly thereafter.
Culturally, there are some pros to this trend. Some of the X-Y Generation seem to be drawn to this vibe. It can be attractive to those Seekers in the world who can somehow relate to this look.
At the same time, there are plenty of cons. Do we create an environment where people are more apt to watch than participate? There was an amazing discussion about that a while back on a blog I wrote called “I Thought We Were *SUPPOSED* to Sing“. Do we elevate our worship ministers into performing artists who gain such notoriety that they need security and are overwhelmed with autograph requests?
Let’s take a step back into everyday, corporate, local church life. Is this the scene we need for the local church?
I’m asking lots of questions. For me, I am in a position where my job is NOT to be a rock star. My job is to “create a culture of worship”. That means leading others, and enabling others to lead. That means doing my best to make sure the spotlight is on God, and not on me. That means giving up my own agenda and giving into the needs of the Church and others.
This morning during our first week of “Men’s Fraternity – Winning at Work and Home” Robert Lewis said something regarding this paradox principle that hit me smack between the eyes. He said “to execute something noble and great, you have to execute yourself”. Execute – as in … kill yourself. Die to yourself.
How does that look in the local church, especially in leading ministry? How are you “executing yourself”. How are you setting up others to lead. How are you taking the attention off of YOU, and putting it onto God?
Can’t wait to hear what you have to say.
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