Questions About Worship, Part 1

Recently, I was asked some questions about worship, worship leading, ministry in the Church, etc. I spent some time answering those questions and thought that I would share my answers with you in the blogosphere. If you have any questions or comments throughout the journey, I would LOVE to hear them.

1. Describe your understanding of “team” or “collaboration” when it comes to worship teams.

More than most ministries in the church, the worship team requires collaboration and a team effort. None of us are capable of playing every instrument and singing every part simultaneously while mixing the sound, running the lights, and cueing the video. We must learn to work together as a team. This really goes without saying. Many times collaboration and cooperation are used interchangeably and are often confused. In my opinion, cooperation is everyone doing what they are supposed to be doing while working together to see it accomplished. However, I believe that collaboration is a different level of working together as a team. Collaboration happens when, as individuals, we are more concerned about seeing one another’s full potential being released. In a collaborative environment, as a member of the worship team, I am more concerned about everyone else than I am about myself. I am more interested in seeing others’ gifts released as opposed to my own.

2. What are your thoughts on Art in the context of the Church?

I believe that art is meant not only for the Church but also outside the Church. In my opinion, America has bought into the lie that there is a separation between the secular and the sacred. However, God’s intention is, that with the right heart, everything can be viewed as sacred. Therefore, art doesn’t have to be blatantly religious to be sacred. Nor does the absence of a cross or an angel on a painting make it secular. I feel that the Church, in general, has been very religious about their opinion of art. Those artists who truly feel called to art outside of the Church are often abandoned by the Church for their choices. Instead what the Church should do is release artists to be salt and light in a world that needs to see Jesus in the lives’ of artists not just in their art. With that in mind, I also believe that art is a powerful tool in worship to awaken people to experience God at a deeper level than if it is not used. If art is used in the context of the Church, I believe that as imitators of our Creator, we should strive to make sure that our art is just as excellent, if not more so, than that found in the world.