Wednesday night we began a discussion of roles in the corporate worship experience. We discussed Kierkegard’s paradigm, comparing worship to a play in which God is the audience; the congregation become the actors those in front take on the role of prompter or director. As with any analogy, it can fall apart when taken too far. But I believe it can also help us think through our own view of what it means to be a worshipper. How do you see your role as an “up-front” person? What about when you are “in the crowd,” what are you thinking about then? Use the comment section to continue this discussion, and we’ll talk about some of your comments on Wednesday nights.
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Tuesday, February 1, 2011
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3 comments:
When leading worship, I want to also "be a part" of the worship moment. But equally, I try to be mindful to not distract or offend during that time. I would never want to behave or sing in a way that would interfere with someone's worship experience. When "in the crowd", there are less inhibitions, it is dark and you are not on stage. But regardless of where you are, it should be an honest and sincere action that honors and praises our Lord.
Yes, I understand the fear of being a distraction. But I wonder if that fear keeps us from following the leading of the Holy Spirit in encouraging others to worship. Personally, I'm encouraged when I look out into the congregation and see people "appear" to be sincerely engaged in worship. I think at North Park we could do with a few less inhibitions on the stage, especially when it comes to clapping and lifting hands. Obviously, it must all be done with a sincere and humble heart.
How do you see your role as an “up-front” person?
I see my role as one of helping focus. In otherwords, helping the congregation focus in a variety of ways. With my voice I help focus on the part I am singing, with my eyes and pose I help focus the audience to certain points. For instance if Shannon or others are leading at the moment I will often turn toward them with a desire to point the audience toward them so that the emphasis of the message and experience is focused at what they are saying or singing. However, if I am the one leading a musical section I will often focus even more so on the words and passage singing it even more "toward" the Lord.
I try to notice the response from the audience and if I see them actively worshipping then I feel that we are accomplishing what we should be accomplishing.
What about when you are “in the crowd,” what are you thinking about then?
When I am in the crowd I often notice that others are not always actively singing and I recall something I read once about a church that had their praise team not in front but with small microphones throughout the audience. I'm not sure that microphones are really needed at all in the audience but I do try not to hold back and sing out to help the crowd learn the song as well as hopefully make the crowd feel more comfortable in joining in, singing, and worshipping.
I truly enjoy singing praises to the Lord and I am more comfortable doing this with my voice than my hand actions. I have more recently felt comfortable with clapping and moving side to side. And it does seem to be difficult for me to stand completely still anyway. It's just the hand motions seem a bit awkward and I want it to feel naturally given.
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