Christian Living

Worship Teams

by paul hoffmaster
04/25/21
Free to Share

  Message Writer
  Hire Writer

Tweet

Many churches have adopted “worship teams” as an important part of the music program.  In fact, it is hard not to find any church “stage” filled with everything from drums, guitars, synthesizers, and musical instruments of every type.  In front of these “tools” of worship stands a line of singers who lead the assembled in songs of adoration and worship.   It almost reminds me of a Christian concert.   During these times that are defined as worship, the focus seems to be on the singers and the instrumentalist.   When that happens, it becomes more difficult to concentrate on the One who they are singing about.  It is interesting to note how many people in the congregation remember what the “team” was wearing while forgetting what songs they sang. 

Maybe I just don’t understand what the purpose of the “mini-choir” is all about.  When I worship through music, I do not need to have a collection of musicians standing between the displayed cross and myself. (If the cross is still in the church)  When I worship, I center on adoring my Savior and Lord, I do not want to be distracted from my praise and worship.   Jesus is my encouragement that causes my joy to overflow.  When I enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, I want to be free to express my love without anything distracting me.  I know I am old-fashioned and I realize many churches feel the need to “update” their worship services and become more appealing to not only their members but others that are searching for the Truth.  I am amazed how churches have copied each other when it comes to new ideas or ventures.   Whenever a nationally known Pastor/Teacher initiates a new technique, local churches jump onboard.  It seems pastors are looking to other pastors, instead of the Holy Spirit for directional guidance.

What kind of people are our churches producing?  Flesh-orientated worship will develop an emotional experience followed many times by a noncommittal attitude.  True worship is experiencing Jesus through our spirits.  True Worship is not achieved by feelings, but by Faith.  When true Believers come together to worship, they are not concerned at how long a service will last.  They are assembled to bring adoration to the One who gave His life for them.  The Believer is also cognizant of the fact that worship is also hearing and accepting the proclaimed Word.  As a deer pants for water, so the soul of the Believer pants to hear the Word. (Psalm 42:1)  Jesus met 2 men after His resurrection and shared the Word with them.  After he left they said, “Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way, and while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:32)  As Believers worship and receive the Word, they should leave their churches with their spirits on fire.   If we have only experienced a “sponge bath” and not the full “shower” of cleansing Worship and the Word, something is wrong!  I wonder what it is!

I realize there are people who need “worship teams” to help them achieve a “worship” experience, and I understand that.  I also believe there are people who can ascend the heights without visual aids.  I guess it comes down to personal choice.