Worship Warfare

I am the guy who often refuses to acknowledge that there are major divides in the church as a result of stylistic preference. As a worship leader it is easy for me to say that all people should be able to worship in spirit and truth regardless of sound. I believe that philosophy is biblical and to create large problems in churches because of preference is nothing short of sin.

That said…

I have a friend who was recently hired in northern Indiana to lead worship at a moderate sized church in a small town. He is in his mid-30s and has traveled with a praise team for many years leading music at youth events. He is truly good at what God has called him to do. He is gifted as a singer and a guitarist. He has come under the gun recently (about 6 months in) for his selection of contemporary sounding music. My response: nothing short of furry.

You see, he was called not just to lead music, but as a pastor at the church. That office requires that he lead and rule well. It means that God called him to that church to make certain decisions, under the submission of the lead elder/pastor, that fit with his theology and gifting. He is now targeted for those very decisions.

Here is the problem in its most practical form: the church has no right to disapprove of his musical style in a worship service. None. Not because church members are mindless sheep who must simply obey with no voice, but because they called him to the position. Far too many churches today are “compromising” themselves with who they hire. In the music world in particular, churches are hiring “contemporary worship leaders” and expecting traditional music. The bottom line is this: if you do not want what a guy has to offer, that is OK. Just don’t call him to pastor at your church. BUT, if you do call him, submit to his pastoral leadership.

In an interesting twist, the very irresponsible church members who voted the guy in are the very ones he will give an account for before Christ. What a sad commentary.