09
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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27 Responses to “Rock Star Worship”
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Now here’s a rock star worship leader! (J/K Fred.)
Guess it doesn’t post images…
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrismoncus/281940370/
Chris Moncuss last blog post..Six Years Ago on Jekyll
Dang, u got me bad.
For the Kingdom,
Fred McKinnon
http://www.fredmckinnon.com
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com
Hey Fred!
Great conversation piece! My dad always told me that our goal in ministry was to be “dead men walking.” There’s definitely a culture right now in the worship music industry that doesn’t resemble that at all. Unfortunately, some of us aren’t good looking enough to ever truly be rock stars
.
Seriously though, it’s case by case. Some worship leaders I’ve met (especially in the blogosphere), are trying to build their own cult-following (not build community). It seems like it comes with the nature of being an artists – we emphasize our self-importance. I love “the look” of the mainstream worship leaders, but some do abuse it – but some old school traditionals take just as much pride in their dress and look.
It really comes down to the heart of the matter – it’s obvious that Matt Redman wants to make God famous, and that’s led to his promotion, with some other artists, they want to make themselves famous, and God just goes along for the ride. I don’t think the lights or cameras have anything more to do with it than the heart of the person…
Matthew Daniels last blog post..Greeters, Parkers, and Kiosks, Oh My!
I think it’s a trend that’s years (decades even) in the making. Look at the lines between Sacred vs. Secular music in the mainstream…oh wait the lines are starting to blur. I think as that has happened, in some ways, not only has “sacred” music crossover to the mainstream, but the mainstream has crossed over to the sacred music (so to speak).
Some defend it. Some decry it.
But if you really take time to think about what we grew up in. I remember even way back in the day the ministers of music with big hair and flashy suits. I remember the color coordinated bg singers and the mullet headed drummers and guitar players.
Because we live in a world that’s driven by image we will always be influenced by it to some degree. Whatever is “in” will eventually be “in” in the church. A lot of times it’s on a delay though.
As far as the CULTURE of worship goes though, it really doesn’t matter if a person buzz cuts their head, goes bedhead, or has dreads. At least, it shouldn’t matter. God looks at our hearts. But, if the person has a really cool hairdo, but no substance, the environment of worshiping God isn’t really happening anyways.
We have to be careful not to make rock stars out of every leader in church. Pastors, youth pastors, etc.
One of the ways that we do this (I know you do too, Fred at SSCC) is to empower MANY leaders. When our church families see a diverse leadership musically, that is done with excellence, they’re less prone to elevate one to rock star status.
Besides…I screw up way too much to be a rock star. A hip hop star? Maybe.
Great post!
Good post Fred.
I feel that pressure in my head. The pressure to succeed. That drive should push me to be a better leader. The problem is that I often look to the Worship Artist rather than a mentor.
I can’t get constructive feedback from a CD or an artist blog. All I can do is see and hear their output. So I try to make myself better by being more like that. Conversely, A mentor can and should make me better by calling me out on what I’m doing wrong, what I could do better, and what I’m really doing right.
Christopher Culvers last blog post..5 Songs I need to learn to imrpess cousin’s husband.
“All things are law-full, but not all things are profitable”. Sound familiar? I guess I’d say that the “rock star” look is just fine if that’s who you are.
“Executing” ourselves is just what we need, as long as we’re doing it for the right reason and with the right motivation. The style is great if that is who you are. But it breaks down when we “take on the look and style” in order to “fit in”. When we “execute” who we are to do this, it’s wrong.
Only the person in question can answer that question.
Robert McKinnons last blog post..Where He Judges the Living and the Dead: (What Now? cont’d)
Haha. But on the serious side, I’m not a worship leader but I somewhat get the spotlight regarding the graphics and such I make for worship times. Though I do enjoy comments (that’s the rock star in me I guess), I would really just like to hear “That helped me engage with God because it showed me _____ and helped me focus on Him.” It’s the reason why I do it and have such a passion for seeing it done right.
For worship leaders and musicians, I wonder if the comments and praises to us are at the core directed to God or if many people are missing God for the sake of the music(ians). If you take the band to a different setting and they record a CD, not many of us ever think “That producer did a great job with the band helping them tighten up. Wow that guy in the mastering studio really knew what he was doing.” Instead we all praise the frontman and forget about all the people that work behind the scenes.
It’s funny that the most behind the scenes person in musical worship is God. He doesn’t have a mic but He want’s to have our hearts. He said it himself that the first will be last and the last will be first. His behind the scenes work gets Him the glory if we as musicians step aside and let the real star take the stage. He is the unseen source of the power to worship. If we really focus on Him and not the guy singing the experience is so much better.
At the Night of Worship last Sunday night I took off my glasses and thus rendered myself blind to the world and its distractions. I was able to lean back against the wall and sing with nothing to distract me visually. When I took my eyes off of you and the band, where they never should have been, and put them on God something changed. It was like the doors to my heart got opened and He came in. It was amazing.
I learned that night once again that worship is not about singing or music. Its about God getting our hearts.
May we never ever stand in the way of that.
So how do we help our congregations get past these distractions and get God?
Good questions, Freddie-boy! I’m sure I’ve gotten the ‘rock-star’ accusation before, as I’m fairly expressive when singing, let alone when worshiping. It’s a tricky distinction to make, however: many times what makes someone a good ‘rock star’ is some of what also makes some people effective ‘worship leaders’, as well: they’re genuinely passionate, and express that passion without restraint, which can lead to one of two responses in people: 1.) looking to the ‘leader’ as someone cool, set apart, and unique and idolizing them (bad response) or 2.) looking to them as an example, giving those present permission to express themselves with equal passion and freedom (good response).
As far as clothes and hair are concerned, doing anything like that to do anything more than to express yourself is silly, but I can understand why some big-shots do it. But then again, maybe they dress that way because their wife thinks it’s hot? It’s hard to say.
I’ve found that often the ‘biggest’ stars out there – whether they be rock stars or worship leaders – seem to dress loud or bizarre not to get attention or look different, but because they don’t really care what others think, and are simply dressing how they LIKE to dress. Those individuals are lifted up simply because they have no “fear of man”.
I’m thinking back on my own life, probably the most “seeking rock-stardom” thing I’ve ever done was to take my nose-ring OUT, because I wanted acceptance, respect, and admiration, and hoped it would open doors for me. That’s all “fear of man” and not “fear of God”, when it comes down to it. Interestingly enough, most folks down here probably saw it as me “maturing”, but they’d be wrong – it’s immature to seek to please man over God, isn’t it? Anyway… much to think about.
Think I might need to repent of removing my nose-ring one day, so I can stop putting my hope in man to open doors for me…
Shannon Lewiss last blog post..Time to get a clue…
I think that we as worship leaders often hide behind our “look.” It’s a way for us to conceal our fear and insecurity. I find that this is a sad commentary on my view of my identity in Christ. How can I lead worship honestly with this kind of identity-crisis?
Great post Fred. I love your heart.
I guess the whole rock star image can be a trap for some worship leaders. They might intend that starting out, but can’t control it as people lift them up.
The whole autograph thing is weird. Do you have first-hand experience of that? What about everyone else?
If YOU were asked for your autograph, what would you do?
a) Give autograph
b) Explain you don’t do autographs in a friendly way
c) Rip the camera from off their neck and smash it before storming off
I guess for a recording artist – autographs is part of the job, but for worship leaders?? That doesn’t sit right with me.
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King David was a rock star.
It’s something that we satire from time to time, but it is serious. Last year, we made a mockumentary about our worship team called “Behind the Worship.” Quite unintentionally, it came out dealing with this very issue. It’s on my Youtube channel if you’re interested.
It’s so hard to stay away from the “rock star” mentality. We want to make a CD because people like our music and we feel it will help them worship – but is that the real reason? I think it is, but is there a part of me that likes hearing me on a car stereo?
Through my work with Rock the Sound I’ve met a bunch of these guys – nationally touring CCM artists. Some of them are just as you say – rock stars. They come in, play, get on the tourbus. Others – and David Crowder is definitely one of these guys – really gets why they are there. David is as humble as they come.
I think you and I first noticed one another around the time I wrote a blog about this issue. It’s one that will occupy worship leaders for a long time.
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Hey Gang,
Great discussion. Shannon, love your points … I’m really talking more about the attitude and “appearance” and “marketing” than I am the actual on-stage demeanor, though I often get sick at my stomach at some of the overly “look at me” stuff I’ve seen. It’s not hard to discern when someone is genuinely just performing and loving the music and God, versus trying to say “look how cool I am”.
Alastair – to get to your questions.
Oddly enough, I’ve been put in that position many times. That’s quite ironic in that I’m not a well known worship artist … but, I think it could potentially be even more of a demeaning insult to say “I won’t sign your CD” without having the opportunity to teach why.
So, in that position I have:
1. Signed the autograph.
Why did they ask for it? I assume because they were inspired, and they wanted to remember it. Maybe they saw something and they respected it, and it’s just their way (and a culturally relevant way) to say “I love what you’re doing, and this is my remembrance that I got to be a part of worship with you”.
I don’t know if an ‘autograph’ is really much different than taking a photo … you know, you wind up in the same place w/ a well known person, sometimes we say “hey, do you mind taking a picture with me to share with my friends” …
You can do so in an honoring way … and of course, it can be idolatry too. I suppose we (as artists) have a limited ability to control how that is done … but it brings up great points.
For the Kingdom,
Fred McKinnon
http://www.fredmckinnon.com
http://www.theworshipcommunity.com
I guess we should define “rock star” too…
To some it means arrogant, all about me, fame driven, etc.
To others (me included sometimes) it means somebody who is just really great at what they do. Tony Romo is a rock star on the gridiron. Joel Klampert and Chris Moncus are rock stars at graphic design. Fred McKinnon is a rock star at Worship + Web 2.0 presentations and catching bass.
I think Fred’s pic at the top of the page looks like a rock star….
Seriously, I think that this is an issue for the church at large – maybe more for pastors and teachers even than the musicians. If you allow yourself to believe that you are more important or necessary than the people in front of you, then I think you’ve got RockStar-itis.
Loved what Chris said about taking off his glasses – that is such a great metaphor for how we should worship. I’m not going to forget that…
For me, all I have to do is watch myself on DVD. Can’t dance, make weird facial expressions when I sing, etc. Any rock star illusions are quickly shattered. But am I worshiping, authentically, and hopefully leading people to be authentic themselves before their Creator.
And I pray that God would always keep me humble before him, and consider others higher than myself.
Good post, good topic.
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I think it’s just this generation. In the 90s, I remember there being a whole bunch of indie labels and “no-name” Christian artists out there playing festivals, etc. It started changing about 1997, when major labels started buying Christian labels and mass-marketing Christian music beyond it’s old niche. I think it’s led to a total blending of genres and subcultures to the point now where most worship leaders have to wrestle with the issues of image and notoriety. Until our cultural pendulum swings back to an anti-celebrity sort of anti-hero thing again(which I’m sure it will), we will deal with that. Unfortunately, that will also require a stylistic reboot for a lot of us, and it will mean ministering to Gen X part 2. I think the “tipping point” will be when this generation’s equivalent of “hair metal” becomes the “music of the day” again. So, I think the “rock star” thing is cyclical. It came in the 70s and 80s, went away in favor of art through most of the 90s, and came back with a vengeance 10 years ago. So, I think it’s about to recycle again. To sum up – it comes with the cultural shifts, and it will come and go. Best thing to do is just be defined by core principles rather than trends. I think it’s better to be a Neil Young or a Joe Satriani(both of whom pay no attention to anything else but their own artistic vision), than an artist who is only defined by the times they exist in.
John Morriss last blog post..Sunday Setlist 9/7/08
“It came in the 70s and 80s, went away in favor of art through most of the 90s, and came back with a vengeance 10 years ago.”
Yeah, but it’s the same guys! They charge more for tickets now.
OK, so you guys are just showing my age (or lack thereof) now … I was BORN in 1970 … and had just turned 10 in 1980. I don’t think I was paying attention to anything other than Fred Flintstone about then.
@russ catching bass …hahaha … didn’t you see my 10-point buck hanging in the stair hallway to my studio? Give a guy more credit, would ya!?
Great discussion firing up on “Rock Star Worship” at http://tinyurl.com/6d539t
some great conversation here! my view on this would be as long as your clothing/appearance does not distract people from worshiping God, then its all good. i’m sure there are more than enough people you can ask if that is the case …
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While I love the music this movement has created I don’t like the montra. I 100% believe it is unBiblical and unGodly to worship a worship leader. It is a sad thing to see people care more about Chris Tomlin’s new cd than they care about following Jesus. Thanks for the challenge Fred.
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@Fred, that’s right. You are indeed the venison master!
You should form a metal band called Venison Slayer. I’ve downed my share of a few (with a bow to bat) could I be your drummer?
When did the Keytar come back? That’s either (a) a sign that the Rock Star Worship Leader has gone too far or (b) a sign of the Apocalypse!
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[...] Rock Star Worship Is the whole ‘rock star’ image good or bad? Would you as a worship leader find it weird if asked for your autograph? See my comments and others over on Fred’s blog. [...]
I’m late to this conversation but as a 42 year old mother of three who is not gorgeous I couldn’t be a rock star if I wanted to. Clothing, hair, etc are not overly important to me yet I do feel a bit more comfortable leading up in front of others if I feel I simply look my best and wear something I feel is “true” to me.
That said, I am sure I would be a more anointed worship leader if my husband would just agree to the tattoo I would love to get. Am I the only one around without one? I would love to express myself in this way……
@Alistair – I’ve only been asked for my autograph in one instance – when we released a CD and my team members and I all signed one another’s CDs at our “Release Party”.
haha So no, I’ve never TRULY been asked for an autograph……except when I charge something and they make me sign for it. Oh well.