I'm going to go light today. Just a thought. Jesus said, "Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matt 5:16) It's actually an odd thought. How do we do our works that causes people to glorify God? Something to think about.
But I thought of an example. You're on a worship team. You serve in the music ministry of your church. Maybe you lead worship. Good works. Now, it should go without saying that the gifts we give to the Lord should be our very best. I don't think there is an argument that can be made that God deserves boring and poorly executed gifts. So quality here is not in question. But apparently motivation is. If you are one of those music ministry folks, are you in it to bring glory to God or are you in it to perform? Are you hoping that people will notice how well you did, or are you desperately in need of pointing everyone to God? Hey, maybe a hint. Do they applaud when you finish? That might suggest it wasn't worship that they heard, but performance.
Just an example. We are supposed to be doing good works (Eph 2:10). No question. But why? Not for us. Not to win points or impress. Not to be recognized or thanked. So that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father. Always.
As one who sang in the choir, I have to say that I tried to "perform" well. Feedback that was positive and directed at my ability was appreciated and definitely sought after by me. Why not? If people think I sing like poop, I shouldn't be there, because if I do sing like poop, I doubt they're listening to the message of the lyrics.
ReplyDeleteI also admit I was keen on being given a solo. I like doing that, and it's no easy thing to separate that from the purpose of singing in church at all. A song well sung touches people in a way a poorly sung song does not. Again, singing poorly turns people away from the message. But despite my desire to be recognized for my singing, my primary purpose is to serve.
Also relevant is my response to those whose voices I find more pleasing than my own. They compel me to defer to them because they accomplish what I meant above better because of their better voice...at least for me.
In any case, I'm at a different church, when my work schedule doesn't interfere with my attendance, and I'm not in the choir, nor on stage with the others performing the songs sung there. I still sing the same way (when I know the song) and will sometimes get a sign of appreciation, which I appreciate. I love singing those songs and I like being heard singing them. It's my favorite way of giving Him praise and glory because I like to sing, despite whatever vain pleasures or attention it brings.
I hope I was clear that I do not advocate "poop" for Jesus. Songs poorly sung don't honor Him. Songs sung "for my benefit" don't either.
ReplyDeleteSo, we're on the same page regarding "poop".
ReplyDeleteI'm merely pointing out that it is not so easy to separate singing to praise and for one's own benefit. If there is none or too little of the former, then one has a problem in too much or all of the latter.
When I discovered how much trouble I was having singing praise for Him rather than for my benefit, I stopped. (Stopped the performance.) Until I could manage that, I had no business trying to lead people in worship by pointing at me. I get that it's hard. I think that too many today don't see it or, worse, don't care.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who has been part of multiple worship teams for almost 30 years, I definitely struggle with this. One the one hand, I enjoy using my limited musical ability in the service of God. I also enjoy the opportunity to play music and do ministry with people I like to spend time with. What I'm not comfortable with is being focused on, it's not something I naturally seek, and I don't want to distract people from focusing on God.
ReplyDeleteWhat's interesting is that some of the best times I and the rest of the team have had musically, were the times when people in the congregation didn't worship. Conversely, there have been times where things were really bad musically, and people were very drawn in.
I'm pretty sure God can use anything for His glory, as long as we stay out of the way.
I'd like to add that I think that there is something especially fulfilling and unique about honoring God in a group. Whether it's a choir, a worship team, or a group working on a "mission" trip or project, there is something about doing God's work with other believers that is very fulfilling. (sorry I couldn't think of another word)
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling better!
I think that the "performance" -- the quality of music, the support instruments and singers, all that -- is important especially so that it enhances and not distracts from worship. I wouldn't seek to eliminate them. I always wondered why they needed to be in front. But I suspect that's an overkill.
ReplyDeleteI used to attend a church that thought of this and decided to put its worship team behind the congregation, so that they weren't the focus.
ReplyDeleteI think that there is a distinction between the quality of the presentation, and performance. I'd suggest that we should strive to use our talents to the best of our ability so that the music is presented with high quality. Whereas I've looked at performance as bringing focus to ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI've thought about moving the worship team out of the front, it's definitely an interesting idea.