Skilled and Authentic
I've seen amazing performances of "religious" songs in which the musicians couldn't care less about God. It was just another song to sing or play. But they were amazing, it gives me chills. I've also seen well intentioned people sing or play things that made my skin crawl, but they were genuine and their love for God was evident. As worship leaders, we need to strive to be a mix of these two kinds of people. God wants us to play skillfully, but He wants our hearts as well! An addiction to skill can quickly become an idol. It is easy to worship at the alter of rehearsal. Reggie Kidd wrote this: "In some churches the quest for 'excellence' is an idol, regardless of whether 'excellence' is defined by standards of so-called 'classical' culture or of 'pop' culture. Such 'excellentism' needs to be replaced with the quest to purse the likeness of Christ crucified and Him alone. As good as it gets this side of Christ's return, we're never going to get it completely right. There will always be a flat tenor, a broken guitar string, an overly loud organ, or a poorly placed hymn. But it's okay. The cross means we're covered."
All of that being said, God commends musical excellence. He wants us to use that excellence to focus people's attention on Him and His wondrous acts. Our goal should be to play in such a way as to add to, not distract from the worship we are leading. Sometimes that means that we won't play as many notes, sometimes it means that we won't play at all. "Musical excellence, understood correctly, is a worthy pursuit. But like all idols, it makes a terrible god."
Some people think that you can't lead and worship at the same time. It has been said that we should 'sacrifice our worship' for the sake of those we lead. I don't believe this. Congregational worship involves everyone, including those who lead it! That is where the skill comes in, we should be skilled enough to be able to direct people and still worship God ourselves. "Effective leadership and worshiping God are two sides of the same coin."
Clearly in worship, especially in our situation, we don't all play or sing the same amount of songs. The important thing to remember is that we need to play the songs we play to the very best of our abilities because they are part of our worship to God. We need to understand that our "gifts are from God, that gifts are different, and that they're all for God's glory." When we do, we will have an easier time understand why we don't all play or sing as often as someone else. "As we encourage and help people serve with 'the measure of faith God has assigned,' they'll be able to do so with joy, no matter what, where, or how."
Enjoy the Journey
