Does Performance Have a Place in Worship?
January 26, 2010 by Kevin Pauls
Filed under Worship Teams
If I was smart enough, I would love to be able to coin a brand new phrase. In fact, that is my goal – to find another term that says performance without saying performance! Confused? Here is what I mean…
In the church, we have been taught that performance is wrong. That it’s arrogant, it is self-centred, and there is no room for it in leading worship! Well, I have a slightly different take on that.
We tend to look self-conscious on the platform. We often appear a little timid while we lead or sing in a church because we know we are not to draw attention to ourselves. The entire reason we act the way we do on stage is to deflect the attention to God.
However, the exact opposite happens. When we do not act as though we have authority on stage – when we act as though we are “too timid” – we appear nervous. Therefore, we cause the entire congregation to stop worshipping and start praying for us because we look so uncomfortable! (OK, I am being a little dramatic, but you get the idea!)
One of the definitions of “performance” in the dictionary says “the act of presenting a piece of music.” So how should we present our music? A few ideas come to mind…
1. Authority. Tom talks about authority a lot! Bono = authority on stage. Now, I know you are saying under your breath “…but I am leading worship.” Exactly! If Bono can have authority in a rock show, and Sting can have authority in a rock show…how much more authority should we have, as we attempt to lead the congregation into the Holy of Holies!
We stand in the authority of the One who created everything. The One who gives you breath has called you to lead your group of people into His presence. Now that is authority! We need to allow ourselves to act in HIS authority and actually lead the congregation.
2. Humility. True humility is taking on the authority given by God and standing in it! The tough part of leading worship is not singing well or playing well or picking the right songs. The tough part is acting in His authority. Being what He has called you to be is the difficult part. It’s easy and comfortable to stand and sing…it is not so easy to act in authority and lead!
3. Faith. It is a huge step of faith to act on the authority given to you. It is uncomfortable, it makes you feel uneasy, there is a little fear involved as well…but when you allow yourself to take risks and act on faith, not fear, you will be amazed at how the “singing of songs” is transformed into a time of worship.
By the way, another definition of the word “performance” is this: “the act of doing something successfully.” And, after all, isn’t that what we want – to successfully lead worshippers to God’s throne?
Kevin Pauls, Live Music Producer
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Very good point about authority v/s humility. Jesus is the perfect example of what you are trying to say. He was the master of humility, but people were drawn to him because he spoke with such authority. A performer can be as authorative, charismatic and engaging as possible, but the underlying test is “am I doing this for my own gratification or am I doing this to praise the Lord?” An engaging performer will most likely lead more people in the Lord’s direction.
Preach on brother.
Hi! As for terminology. it can be tricky. My favorite organization, Jews for Jesus has a musical traveling team and my husband used to do scheduling for them and for their speakers.
They call performances, PRESENTATIONS. Not my favorite term but pretty close to saying “ministering live or performing”
Great point of view! As worship arts pastors, my wife & I try to teach our worship arts community to be expressive & fully engaged in worship as they are each carrying something for our church family(with authority), they lead with us! As people see them passionately “Showing” their love for God it creates an environment of freedom & energy in the worship time. See Matt. 21:8-16, as people worshipped Jesus “publicly” the whole city of Jerusalem was “Moved” & it caused them to ask about Jesus saying “Who is this?” As we “Show” our love for Jesus, lifting him up openly in public (like a child) the Holy Spirit will draw all men to him. I believe the main thing is the attitude of the heart, & that is always exposed in our life, brought to light through our actions & our fruit. I hope this encourages someone to not be timid in worship but to make steps toward being more properly confident & expressive in approaching the throne of God in worship w/true humilty & Faith not pride or fear!
“I would love to be able to coin a brand new phrase … to find another term that says performance without saying performance”.
Hmm, Kevin, what about something like “Musical Ministry Presentation” or maybe “Ministry Art Performance” or “Motivational Ministry”? I’m okay with “Musical Ministry Performance” or even “Ministry Music Exhibition” although that might be too big of a bite for some.
Unfortunately, many Christians don’t understand, haven’t been educated about and/or don’t like it but it’s a fact, just as secular music is meant to move an audience Gospel music is meant to move an audience; God created music to stir us, activate us, teach us, to communicate with, and to have an impact in our lives. It’s up to us to accept it or refuse it, and one day we’ll answer to Him accordingly. Sadly, ignorance and rejection of the purpose of the performance of Gospel music is often the reason why countless Christians are unable to fully profit from the benefits it provides.
What’s wrong w/performance? People want high performance cars, high performance computers, high performance engines, why not high performance music? Skilled, educated musicians give their lives to create top level performance quality art. Why not create the same level for Jesus ?
My choir director scorns “performance” in church music, but stages the presentation of music – yes in traditional ways but it’s still staging, from the choir robes we wear to insisting soloists hold the sheet music even if they have it memorized because (classical theory says) not holding the sheet music makes it about the singer, holding the sheet music makes it about the music. (Huh? I think flipping pages of sheet music is distracting.)
Anyway, we all stage the presentation of worship music. Different traditions scorn each others ways to staging the music. Far as I can tell what matters is valuing the music, respecting the congregation, and and attitude of singing from your heart to God instead of a self aware attitude (wanting to be noticed, wanting to hide). The attitude in your heart is conveyed to those who hear no matter what costumes or lighting or bodily movements or instruments you use to convey the music.
I love to hear the feedback…It would seem that a couple common themes have come out of this conversation…
1. The bottom-line is the attitude of the heart!! If you come at the “worship leading” from the perspective that this is about you…and put on a great performance it means NOTHING!! If you attack your leading from the perspective of…I WILL LOVE THE AUDIENCE AT ALL COST, you will make an impact! My goal is to challenge us to do both!! (except the “all about you part!”) Be creative, love your audience, stand in HIS authority and continue to LEAD the congregation in praise!!
2. We need to find another term for performance or we need to spend time educating what that really means!!
I love hearing your feedback…Do me a favor…give us some concerns, problems that you face in your leading every week. I would love to start the dialogue..We exist to help you.
Talk soon,
Kevin