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| Praise and Worship? |
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I am amazed at how many people feel the need to preach on this matter that have no clue what they are saying. Would you go to a doctor for advice on auto mechanics. Only in the Christian world do we authorize one person as a supposed all-subject matter expert. Biblically it isn't so.
The only people who had any say over what went on in the temple was those that were over the temple and each area within the temple, including the temple praise and worship leaders (sons of asaph, etc), were the experts in that field. Pastors and laypeople alike preach and teach on this matter as if they have some new knowledge but my question to anyone who steps up to this plate is have you spent the time (years of agonizing training) to master any instrument (vocal even) and I am not asking if said person has sang in a choir.
To be authorized to step up to this plate you must understand what makes a real musician tick and it is downright insulting when someone who has not spent the time (or money) I have tell me what they think. We can make any opinion we want and find Biblical verses to back it up...but that doesn't mean it is correct. I once was ministering at a local church and the pastor took me aside and said he wanted to mentor me for a minute...the words still make me sick. He had no musical history yet was going to instruct me on its application. He told me he did not want a concert...
Here are the facts, praise is simply exalting God.
Worship is serving Him in reverence...the two co-exist but are not the same.
Praise cannot be done without worship and worship is a from of praise...even when it is slow. Praise is usually thought of as fast music and worship slow music but that is incorrect. I love this subject and am thrilled you bring it up because so many people are misled in this area. I have heard pastors say they only want three praise songs and two worship songs before the sermon...is the sermon not a form of worship and is not the people reverently receiving it a form of worship. Is not the fact that people are ignoring their life's problems and focusing instead on exalting God (praise) worship? Does not God's children coming before Him in revernece and service whether in a church service or in their normal day to day lives (worship) not praise?
I think this is an issue that requires much more attention but if people are going to get an accurate understanding, it needs to be from someone who is more than just a person who enjoys a worship service... |
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| Agreed...You are right. Our lives should be a picture of true worship. If all we do in our day to day lives is for His glory. That's worship! Entering into a celebration of who He is with our church family is also worship and "feels" more like worship. But what we do outside of those 4 walls should be a more accurate description of "worship" to the King. Lifted hands and voices raised is more an act of submission to the King (which is also worship) than what we as the church realize. When my sister in Christ massages and prays over the feet of my ailing, lost, stubborn grandfather...is that not worship?
I very much miss being in the presence of God when my brother, Pat, leads the congregation in worship. But it's the "concert of praise TO THE LORD" that I miss. And it is a concert. A concert to the King.
Much love,
Angie |
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| You said the concert word angie...it is a concert. Chronicles says specifically when the musicians performed...enough said. If we would get the idea that everything done in obedience to Mat 6:2-4, 1 Cor 10:31, 1 Pet4:11, etc is worship. And when we assemble together, we should celebrate with eachother concerning those things as well. How do I stay employed? |
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| Ditto . . . to all said! Loved it, Pat, and just to answer your last question - You are an awesome employee of the Lord Most High - the church you are serving in is just a matter of logistical needs, really. It is the place God has called you to! I guess I kinda' think of the earth to be like one big office building and God strategically places us in different "departments" as He sees the need there for the gifts and talents He has so graciously given us. By the way, have I ever told you how well you and Yusi use yours? I love you guys and miss you both so much! |
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Sue |
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February 23, 2007 at 7:15pm |
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| Hey Bro, Some of the things I have read in this blog brought some things to mind. I feel strongly that it is very important for those in leadership to delegate the task and then to trust those in that position. ie. It drives me crazy when someone ask me to lead worship and then proceeds to tell me everything I need to do. Such as, how many songs, when, style and everything they basically want. I find that to be an insult. I would much rather have someeone say, we know you will seek the Lord and be lead of the Spirit. We will do our part, and we know you will do yours. I find that there are so many people who just want to control everything. Instead of trusting God and those who they put in certain positions. I see it as people seeking control. I also feel that it is nothing but pride by saying "this is the way you must do this." "I don't trust your judgement, therefore, I must tell you what to do." I think this falls in line with what you are saying, as most of these people are not people God has called into the worship ministry.
I never actually say anything, but boy is this an ongoing problem in the church!
All of the sweat (practice, practice, practice!), tears (all the hurts and pain, you know the feeling bro :) and even an empty wallet qualifies me to add my 2 cents to the subject :) |
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| Teri...thanks. We love and miss the fire out of you guys as well. And I like what you said about teh office building...you are onto something there.
Sue...speak on. Your 2 cents accumulates interest. It is a heart breaking field of ministry and, like the rest of the "lesser" ministries (ie: children, nursery, youth, music, senior citizens, singles, married couples, college and career, community outreach, etc...) gets often treated as if one day looking for a couple of loosley interpreted scriptures will form a cement understanding on all who listen. The fact is, to those who follow this call (as well as the others) there is no promotion above what your heart is desperate to do. Oh that all senior pastors would view their role as the final authority only in the aspect of every team must have a head for decisions that must be made now. I am fortunate to be under a pastor who realizes he is not the subject matter expert of all but instead surrounds himself with those that are and very admirably takes the lead. Many people in authority are afraid to show "inadequacy" because they fear they may lose their grip...I thought it was God who says He opens doors no man may shut...and it is very difficult to push around someone who knows his authority no matter what his depth of subject matter in a particular field is. I would be interested to see how much programming Bill Gates does now...or if he could even tell you what these new windows software consist of...but he knows who the boss is and so do the experts working happily for him. Breathe deep Sue, God knows and sees all things and though you may never see the reward of your efforts in this form in the way you would like to see them...step back and ask him to show you through His eyes what you are not seeing. Those who have taken advantage of you most likely don't even realize it...it's just what people who don't know any better do...monkey see monkey do so to speak. Lord, I ask that you would empower Sue to operated in her gift in an even more powerful way. I ask that every time she leads her people as they worship you that you touch her heart and let her know that Your divine ear is capturing every note and that it is a beautiful melody. Receive her worship and Lord give her favor in Jesus name, Amen. Sue, if we can't pray with eachother, we are worthless. Keep continuing your mission. |
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I could never do away with music...it is an intergral part of who I am and what I do. But it has to be kept in its place. Music to a musician is like tools to a tradesman. One would look at me as an idolater or crazy better yet if I had to have my chop saw to praise God. But I do praise God with my chop saw every time I use it to His glory doing my job to His glory. But to a person who doesn't care to have a trade, the use of a chop saw is meaningless.
The same is with music howbeit music historically and still allows for a group of people to be united in thought and action...as does other things but music is unique in its ability to do so. But to those who don't really care for music, they don't need it. Just to say the corporate thought is enough. Praise was never meant to be isolated to music. I hope that makes sense. Thanks for the comment Dennis. |
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