I often think back to my early years and the influence that song leaders (today...worship leaders) had on my philosophy of worship and music in the church. I had some great Christian examples growing up that made a huge impact on me and mentored me as a worship leader.
I remember, Emerson Stewart in Augusta, Hal Stowe in Chula Vista, Curtis Manor in Oxnard, Clark Rausch and Harvey Rhodes at York College. And how could I ever forget two recent men that have been my friends and mentors Carl Wheeler and Dennis Hogue. I will never have their level of music expertise or their extreme passion that shows on their face each Sunday when they lead worship.
The church today is going through a dramatic change. Worship teams and the aspect of using women in worship has been a major battle in the church. I often think back when times were simple. Getting out of the rack our song book and singing the good old songs. As much as I love that period in my life, I believe worship has improved. We spend considerable more time planning worship. Songs are selected to center around a theme or topic for that assembly. The minister usually plans with the worship leader as well as with the individual speaking at the Lord's Table. But have we really improved the heart of worship?
Only you can be the judge of that. Worship doesn't just take place on Sunday. It's a 24-7 lifestyle. We need to remember that our entire life should be a worship to God.
So on Sunday, if you have a praise team or you have old Brother Johnny picking out songs five minutes before worship, remember that we are praising the God of the Universe. He deserves our very best!
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I was listening to KLOVE this morning. The DJ's are in Nashville for the GMA Christian Music Awards (Dove Awards) this week and have had several of the artists on as guests for interviews. This morning, John and Sherry Rivers spoke with Chris Rice and Darlene Zschech. Both spoke about worship in profoundly different ways and it struck me how our worship today has evolved.
Chris Rice spoke of his song, "Untitled Hymn", and how the old Hymns shaped and forged his ideas of worship and helped strengthen his faith. He said that the old hymns were written by theologians and how their faith and beliefs were reflected in the hymns.
In contrast, Darlene Zschech, led worship on Sunday and the DJ's were commenting on the energy she showed as she "jumped around" the stage.
While the styles of worship, and the worship leaders, may have changed considerably over the years, one thing remains: We are commanded to worship our God in Spirit and Truth. Some today complain that worship has become too much "entertainment" with video presentations, praise teams, powerpoints, and even because of some of the "new songs" (newer or contemporary praise and worship songs and choruses). Others complain that worship is too "stuffy" because there is not enough "energy" in the service, or because of singing older hymns, long prayers and being too formal.
I believe that, at Central in Topeka, we have managed to blend these styles into a meaningful worship for the collective and corporate body. The best songs sung carry weighty, powerful, and profound stories of faith in and dependance on the God of grace and love. These songs convict me in my daily walk and encourage me to be a better child and servant of God. They remind me to be appreciative and grateful for all God has done for me and my family. Interestingly enough, the contemporary Christian songs on the radio do the same thing, especially those that tell a story, like "Untitled Hymn" by Chris Rice, "Voice of Truth" by Casting Crowns, "Fly Away" by FFH, "In Christ Alone" by Brian Littrell, "Live Out Loud" by Steven Curtis Chapman, and many, many others.
The important thing to remember, even in corporate worship, is that you are there to praise the God who created the universe, who walked on water, and who touched the sick and diseased. This is the same God who raised the dead, and, most importantly, promised to do the same for us.
Instead of focusing on what we think about the worship service, about how fast or slow or new or old the songs that are sung, or whether we see a video or someone prays for 10 minutes, I challenge everyone to focus on God and how we can best serve Him and reflect His glory to those around us, not just on Sunday morning, but every minute of every day.
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