“So, if the Sons sets you free, you shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
An artist friend of mine, Francesca Battistelli, wrote a great song a few years ago… “On my own I’m so clumsy, but on Your shoulders I can see, I’m free to be me.”
So why don’t we give our own worship team the freedom to be themselves? Why don’t we give ourselves permission to be who God created us to be?
Instead, we try to “play it safe.” I want it to be safe… but I don’t want it to be safe!
Here’s what I mean – watch this clip from a recent Expressive Worship event:
Many of the worship leaders we’ve worked with over the years tell me one of the greatest things we teach is how to have freedom in worship. And that freedom allows their congregation to worship fully and freely as well.
One worship leader said about their congregation’s reaction to our Expressive Worship concepts, “I saw the excitement on their faces and there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that they were seeing and feeling the presence of God.”
When I watch most worship bands, after two or three songs I tire of them. Their songs don’t sound the same, but they sure do look the same.
I always think, as I’m watching, that some subtle stuff, like something acapella, or standing at the edge of the stage, or angling so the singers are sharing with the entire congregation… it would change the pressure on the congregation and direct their attention in a subtle way.
Subtle changes make a big difference.
There should be a “distinctness” built around the worship team in every church. But we are afraid, so we keep it generic. We try to appeal to everyone. For some reason, we simply aren’t risk-takers. We want to be “safe for the whole family!”
You need to understand as a musician that taste, spirit, freedom, and humility – these create distinctness. And we need distinctness in the church.
