Funny… God has called me to a church that, quite frankly, is a whole different approach than what we do here at Expressive Worship. I realized it this Sunday as I was singing. I don’t think it’s wrong… it’s just different.
We don’t have a platform or a stage. In fact, our musicians are off to the side and 50 feet away from where the focus is. We read the songs out of a bulletin or a book, and nobody leads. Fascinating!
On the other hand, there are many churches that have musicians right up front, and the congregation looks at those people on the platform to lead them. Maybe they are accompanied by words thrown up on the video screen. It’s completely different than my church.
Maybe you can relate to one of these two styles of worship. Maybe you even have a blend of both worship styles? (I’d be interested in hearing what you do.)
Here’s the interesting thing: Expressive Worship concepts can accommodate both styles of worship. That’s because it’s not just about “the visual.”
It’s about the arrangement of the songs. It’s about the worship moments that are created. Moments that lead us to the throne. Moments that allow us to forget about ourselves – that allow us to get in touch with the Spirit of God.
Then (if you happen to be a congregation where the musicians use the platform) you DO need to address the visual part of it! But it needs to be in an appropriate way – keeping the integrity of the song.
It’s not a rock show, or entertainment. This is leading people to the throne of God! And what we do on the platform visually, and how we arrange the songs, and how we lead the congregation – it’s all crucial to an Expressive Worship.
For those of you interested in learning the principles and concepts and methods that will help you lead your congregation in worship, I invite you to our Expressive Worship event on May 20-21 in Nashville.
We’re running a limited time special right now so you can bring your whole worship team. Let us know if you’d like to attend!
