written by Major Warren Dabis
As a worship leader for over 30 years, I have had the privilege in leading worship teams in Corps, Divisional, Territorial and International venues. I have also taught workshops and seminars at these levels and have answered many questions about Praise and Worship. The most intriguing to me came from a young lady, a very diligent student of worship and the worship leader at her Corps. She asked me, “Where is the Praise and Worship in Praise and Worship?” After a moment of pause, I exclaimed, “Excellent question!” and answered: “Praise and Worship is STILL in Praise and Worship!” Let me explain my answer to her as well as to you!
As a worship leader for over 30 years, I have had the privilege in leading worship teams in Corps, Divisional, Territorial and International venues. I have also taught workshops and seminars at these levels and have answered many questions about Praise and Worship. The most intriguing to me came from a young lady, a very diligent student of worship and the worship leader at her Corps. She asked me, “Where is the Praise and Worship in Praise and Worship?” After a moment of pause, I exclaimed, “Excellent question!” and answered: “Praise and Worship is STILL in Praise and Worship!” Let me explain my answer to her as well as to you!
Praise and Worship is still a vital aspect of this tradition, however, the main question is: WHO are we praising and WHO are we worshipping? Praise and Worship teams should be leading their congregations in the worship of God. However, much too often, these teams are praising and worshipping themselves!This can be characterized by listening after the service to the congregation: “Wow! The music was fantastic and really made me feel good!” “The guitar riff in the second song was outta this world.” “Where in the world did you find your drummer? Incredible rhythm!” If this is happening in your Corps, it is a tell-tale sign that you may be leading your congregation in praising and worshipping you and your team and not God! And of course, this is idolatry!
As Christians, we sometimes are like the people of the Old Testament in 2 Kings 17:33: “They worshiped the LORD, but they also served their own gods in accordance with the customs of the nations from which they had been brought.” We do all the right things on Sunday-we sing and play, lift our hands and look the part. However, we actually praise and worship idols - ourselves and anything that makes us look and be the part even more and more!
Many of us think idols are graven, carved or man-made images of some long-lost and forgotten so-called deity that we would never, ever worship! But what about name brand and designer clothing? The best guitars, musical or audio/visual equipment? And what of material goods; property, wealth, cars, houses. Exodus 34:14 reminds us: “Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
You may be asking yourself: “How could I possibly be worshipping idols when I devote myself to Praise and Worship every Sunday and at practices?” Yes, you may not be worshipping graven idols. America’s idols are a bit more subtle, which I believe makes them a bit more dangerous! Stop listening to people giving you the glory that truly belongs to God! Tell them to give God the glory! Then live lives worthy of being used to bring glory to God through your talents and abilities as Christian musicians!
Great article, Major! I agree with it wholeheartedly. But how do we go about changing the perception of the congregation? Surely, there is something wrong with the leadership which we can therefore change. What would you suggest?
ReplyDeleteGreat question! Something I will write about soon! Izzie, this change has to come from the "inside" of every believer; leader or layperson, soldier and officer. It is the change that Jesus speaks about in John 4:23-24 with the Father seeking out "true" worshipers who worship in spirit and truth! When TSA understands that worship is the worship of God and not traditions; "the Golden Calves we cling to, or music; Brass Bands, etc., (BTW, we in the Praise and Worship tradition can be just as guilty as our fellow Brass Bandsmen), then the change will come! Until then, we will be playing "sounding brass, clashing cymbals," tinny guitars, and singing non-substantive lyrics. More to come in future articles!
ReplyDeletei agree with izzy...same question :)
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading the article.It is true that as musicians we must be aware of who we are playing for? people, ourselves or truly for God?The fact that we play at church does not mean that we are truly giving glory to God. Sometimes worrying so much about the arrangements and the new songs might make us forget that a sincere and humble heart has more impact than the newest song and the nice arrangements.
ReplyDeleteThanks for such a good and clear article.
Good stuff, Dad. Thanks for sharing openly and honesty. You've been "in it" for awhile... I respect and appreciate your voice on the matter!
ReplyDeleteMajor Dabis, I really appreciate your insight. I think this is a message we all, as worship leaders/musicians need to hear and be reminded of daily. To always let God shine through our worship. To give Him all the Glory.
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