There are so many posts, blogs, and articles by Christians complaining or bashing the praise and worship band. Although I can understand some of the viewpoints of those people, I have to respectfully disagree. As I sat in church this past Sunday morning, those posts came to mind as our song leader for the day was quoting scripture about God's power, might, and presence. How we don't come to church to sing words, but worship Him, and draw near to Him...to feel His presence.
I've read the complaints about these kinds of bands....my church's band; they're "too loud", there's lights and fog...like a "rock concert"...or the fact that the worship team seems to be worshiping and not strictly leading the congregation. See, I grew up in churches where the song service had a single song leader instead of a worship team, a simple piano in the background instead of multiple instruments, with the congregation holding hymnals singing along instead of slide shows, seated in pews instead of standing with raised hands.
Here's the thing, before you go and get defensive, let me explain that I do not have a problem with the traditional worship service, hymnals, or a single instrument during song service. I have absolutely no issues with this style. I do, however, have a problem with people judging the heart of those praising God in this way, simply because it is not what THEY prefer.
Let me give my thoughts. Growing up in the traditional song service with no raising of hands, rarely standing unless told to, and reading words from a book...I never felt a lot of emotion during our song services. I was never moved. Now those who are traditional song leaders, that is not meant to discourage or degrade the job that you do! God has called you to this position; you're there for a reason, and what you're doing is meaningful.
For me, this is a personal feeling, nothing against the job you have done.
Skip several years, and I joined a church that has a band, lights, a worship TEAM, and yes...even fog sometimes...heaven help us. I can honestly say I have learned another kind of worship.
I want you to ask yourself this: do you feel like the traditional way of worshiping is better than the modern way because it's "not how you were raised", or because you don't really understand the meaning of worship? Now, I'm not judging. Your worship experience is between you and God. Not me. Not the person sitting next to you. Not your family. You and God. I have simply realized in my own life that I previously judged these bands because I was uncomfortable ...maybe even jealous...that these people were OPENLY worshiping. They weren't afraid to lift their hands to the Lord; cry tears of joy, sadness, or gratefulness. I grew up where you stood still, like a statue, and sang words from a page. Still to this day I love hymns, especially when my family sits together and sings, or my praise and worship group leads them...but do you really think people in heaven will be praising God in seated positions, hands in their lap, reading from a book? Do you think the voices and instruments will be soft? Or do you think people will be falling to their knees, singing with a LOUD voice, praising their King singing "holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God almighty"?
If praise and worship isn't for you, that is 100% okay. If that isn't how you get close to God, that is your business. But I want to warn you...be cautious of your judgments on those who give their time and talents to the Lord by leading
these praise and worship services. Worship is a PERSONAL experience, and to judge others for worshiping one way, simply because YOU don't feel close to God in that time is a very dangerous place to be.
"Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a SHOUT of joy." -Psalm 33:3
"SHOUT joyfully to God, all the earth; Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. Say to God, “How awesome are Your works!" Psalm 66:1-3
"I will praise the name of God with song and MAGNIFY Him with thanksgiving." -Psalm 69:30
"Serve the Lord with gladness; Come before Him with JOYFUL singing."
Psalm 100:2
I can honestly say I feel closer to God through my praise and worship band, seeing their emotions, joy, gratefulness, and LOVE for their Savior than I ever did standing in a pew.
Worship is personal. If you don't like one way of worship, seek out another. Don't bash those who feel God's presence in that place.
The beautiful thing about
Christianity is that we are all 100% uniquely designed by the most loving, gifted artist there is. Use your story and time with God to touch and move other people. Not degrade their experience with their Savior.
