It's what every contemporary worship service leader hopes for. . . . a huge, enthusiastic congregation. . . bright lights. . . phenomenal, full-screen videos and graphics. . . inspirational speakers. . . technological brilliance. Too bad it's the Democratic National Convention. Sure, it's a spectacle that's worth observing. Sure, it's of great national importance to the American people. Sure, there is a sense in which history is being made right before our eyes. Yet, in the long run, all the hype, all the glittering lights, all the cheering, shouting, chanting and ranting will soon be a vague memory in the hearts of only the most diehard democrats.
Yes, it is good theater. Yes, it is exciting to see what our potential future leaders see as the future of our country. But here's the problem I have with the whole experience: it's ultimately still about a man. Maybea good man. Maybe even a great man. But still a man. A man who will make mistakes, a man who will still experience failure, and a man who is, in the long run, just like you and me. Frail, fragile, mortal.
Those of us who serve in worship ministries, especially in a contemporary venue, would like nothing more than to lead in a worship service that reflected the passion, excitement, and attention to detail that is represented in the DNC. Or would we?
I have to be honest here. While the idea of worshiping in a great hall with a fantastic band (our band, of course) and a fired-up audience seems very appealing, if it's not focused on Jesus Christ, it's not worth even tuning up the instruments. Here's the bottom line: I would rather be in a basement room with an out-of-tune old spinet piano, overhead projector, and a handful of people if it's a choice between giving glory to God or giving glory to man. Because it's not about the venue. It's not about the sophistication of the toys. It's not about the number of people squeezed into the room. It's not about the lights, the cameras, or the sound system. It's about a Savior.
What I'm trying to say is that we need to keep it all in perspective. There are places in this world in which we live where the only kind of worship service Christians experience is the basement and a broken piano. Yet those who worship in those conditions would never trade it for anything if it meant not be able to worship the Lord Jesus Christ.
I often get discouraged over the condition of our building, the state of our equipment, and the frustration of trying to create inspiring worship services given these circumstances. I know that you get just as discouraged. I want to encourage you to keep pressing on. What we are doing every Sunday is a thousand times more important than the DNC and RNC combined, because what we do is not just preparing people for the next four years but preparing people for the rest of eternity. So stick with me. Keep your perspective. And once in a while, remind me to do the same. . . I need it!
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3 comments:
I hope that you don't get too discouraged over the state of the facilities and equipment. By encouraged in knowing that CBC has more modern, music equipment on the shelves, not being used in the closets than most churches that I've attended. I feel very blessed to be involved with the worship team here, and that the heart of our leader is focused on the Lord and the hearts of those we minister too above what type of venue we have.
Well said, Luke. I concur!
I may be late to this party (better late than never), but I would also like to encourage us all. I was recently at Willowcreek, a megachurch outside of Chicago. And although everything was amazingly produced and slick and out of our dreams, I still longed to be in Allen Hall with feedback and who knows what else because that is where I am with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I know that we worship God here in Spirit and in Truth (not that they don't at Willowcreek, I'm just saying..we've got it here).
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