Being Caucasian I resent the race card accusations. Bigotry is condemnable. From my admitted bias, the race card complaint is the pinnacle of racism. And I find its equal in the church; but not under the race umbrella.
I find it when worship is experienced and a non-worshipper plays the entertainment card. That group standing up front with mics is just entertainment, we occasionally hear.
First, it could be such. Just as padded pews and air conditioning could be scorned as modernism, some could be guilty of showing off. Lone song leaders have been found guilty. Thus, it isn't the number nor is it the direction one faces which brings the entertainment card into play.
The entertainment card is played when (just as the race card) one doesn't know what else to bring forth as accusation for something they don't prefer. Worship is a matter of the heart. Inspiration is fuel from many reservoirs.
Playing the entertainment card is a cheap shot from the pattern and ritual tradition of men; not from God's engagement with His people. However, in a way our people have been groomed to work from this facade as long before this we played the "scripture is silent" card when we could not calculate any other approach to defend our ultra-narrow prejudice.
3 comments:
WOW, were you in our share group discussion this past Sunday? Your post was our very topic!
I wonder if the very "non-worshiper" it critical of those at a Garth Brooks" concert who cheer, clap, and dance! I think not!
For some reason, when we celebrate our Spirit-filled life, we are entertaining. Is there a double-standard for concert goers and Jesus lovers? ummmm!
Thanks for your post...it was great!
I've noticed most people who play the "entertainment card" when it comes to the worship team prefers the preacher who is interesting and engaging (entertaining) the one who is boring. Go figure.
Thanks for a great post Mr. Rush. While I generally appreciate praise teams, and can typically worship intently no matter the setting, I tend to question the "production" aspect of it at times, not so much considering the entertainment card.
I recently happened to notice at some congregations I visit that the praise team, at times, tends to be a LOT more expressive when standing on the stage than when they are singing from their pews up front - this from the same group during a single worship service.
While I cannot possibly know each individual's heart of worship, and am not making a judgment, I've found this to be a bit disconcerting that some of the team would express worship in very different posture and behavior between the stage and the seat a few feet away. The question that crosses my mind is: why would some be so much more expressive on stage than in a pew? I'm no "worship police", as this truly was just an observation that happened to catch my attention. And as I've observed periodically since, I've noticed it more frequently that I think anyone would like.
On another recent occasion, I was at an instrumental service that had to be delayed "to get the sound right". Again, "production". That also was a bit uncomfortable b/c it seemed that the tone of the situation was that we could not effectively worship without getting the production down right. I very much agree with offering God our best; but still, God has not placed that "production" barrier on approaching him. Man has. Is that such a good thing?
From a few worship team "policies" I've seen, it seems that there is a strong need to monitor self-aggrandizement among team members. I appreciate this on the part of leaders. However, if the purpose is truly just lead the music, it seems that a simple solution to this issue would to place the praise team at the back of the facility, so as to remove as much temptation to self-promotion as possible. Yet, I've never seen this put into practice.
My apologies for a long post, and again, I try very hard not be the worship cop. These ARE just things on the hearts of many CofC'ers across the land, myself included.
Blessings brother.
Post a Comment