[This post is the follow-up to this one, and is part of the Worship Series.]

Part one was probably more clever than clear, so here are a few more thoughts to consider…

The purpose of the “That’s Entertainment!” post was basically to take a common criticism of modern worship services and flip it around a bit in a way you may not have considered before. I was trying to say that just about any style of worship service can appear like “entertainment.” …Oh, and “entertainment” in worship is not necessarily a bad thing.

Let me ‘splain.

First, to be clear, I’m not against traditional worship services. For years I led worship, led choirs, and directed Christmas and Easter productions in churches that were traditonal in their worship style. Great things can happen in a traditional setting when hearts and attitudes are in the right place.

If the worship style of your church is traditional and you love God and love people, then I am for you. If you don’t view your style as more holy than another, then I am for you. If you desire to be biblical and are not worshiping your style more than you are worshiping the Living God, than I am for you.

What constitutes an appropriate worship style isn’t really the point of my post, however. I’m just challenging the mindset that says that a worship style from one decade or century is more “God honoring” than another. The notion that a piano and organ are somehow more “sacred” than a guitar and drums.

I’ve been in traditional worship services that were showy, shallow and powerless. I’ve been in contemporary worship services that were showy, shallow and powerless. But I’ve also been in worship services of both styles that were the opposite of those things. I’m really simplifying things by talking in terms of only “two” worship styles [there are far more than two], but I hope you understand what I mean.

In part one, with tongue in cheek, I referred to the worship service I was describing as “worldly entertainment, pure and simple.” I was exaggerating to make a point. But “entertainment” is an often misunderstood word in church circles.

Again, just to be clear, I don’t think that “entertainment” in worship services is necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can actually be a very good thing. I believe we just get hung up on the word itself, sometimes. It all depends on what you mean.

If by “entertaining” you mean, “shallow, showy, avoiding dealing with sin, watering down the Gospel and leaving Jesus out of the mix,” then for heaven’s sake, don’t be “entertaining.” [Although I don't believe there are many churches at all in this camp.]

But if by “entertaining” you mean, “planned well, presented with excellence, honoring to God, creative, clear and allowing for the fact that there are unbelieving guests present,” then by all means, be “entertaining.”

Sometimes it’s just semantics, and knowing the difference makes all of the difference.

[This post is part of the worship series.]

Here’s an account of a worship service I attended once. It was worldly entertainment, pure and simple…

I walked through the door of the worship space and noticed three things right off the bat. First, this church was obviously into modern technology. Second, they obviously wanted to make people feel comfortable. And third, they cared about numbers.

About five minutes before the service began, there was an instrumental solo. It was kind of like “music to mingle to” as people entered the room. Then the “worship show” began.

The vocal team entered the room in a bit of showy manner, moving in sync with each other as they made their way onto the stage. They were wearing similar outfits that made it clear that they were separated from the people in the seats. Nobody else in the room was even remotely dressed in such a way. Maybe this team just liked the attention?

They started the service with a performance song. I guess this group figured they needed to get our attention. The song was kind of loud and caused the crowd to react with vocal affirmation. Who was really receiving the glory, here, I wondered.

The Pastor was dressed in clothes reflecting modern culture. He approached the front of the stage, welcomed everyone and invited us to join him in prayer. Some did; others were obviously just listening to his well crafted presentational prayer.

What followed was two opportunities to sing along with the vocal team and musicians. The worldliness of this church became pretty clear during this time. Again, three things stood out.

First, in order for the congregation to “sing along,” they utilized extremely worldly methodology and tools. The same methods are used by the world for some of the most profane, lustful, and downright wicked purposes. Second, the music of one of the songs was actually from a secular song. Third, the lyrics of both were very “man focused.”

The entertainment factor continued with an “American Idol” style solo by a woman who obviously imitated the vocal stylings of a popular singer. Then for the next 40 minutes, the Pastor spoke while we sat, watched and listened. His sermon used storytelling techniques, persuasive speech methods and humor to get his message across. He embellished it with theatrics.

When it was all over, more instrumental music played us out of the room.

It is amazing how worldly and entertainment focused a TRADITIONAL, non-liturgical American worship service can be…

Worldly entertainment, pure and simple.

Wait. What kind of worship service did you think I was talking about?

Confused? I understand. Let’s try that again, this time with descriptions and explanations included in brackets….

I walked through the door of the worship space and noticed three things right off the bat. First, this church was obviously into modern technology [Microphones, Electric Lights, Printed bulletins]. Second, they obviously wanted to make people feel comfortable [Pews were padded, Air-conditioning was utilized, bathrooms with running water were available.]. And third, they cared about numbers [Parking lot with parking spaces, Certain number of pews in the worship space, Tote board on the wall with Sunday School attendance displayed].

About five minutes before the service began, there was an instrumental solo [Organist played a "Prelude"]. It was kind of like “music to mingle to” as people entered the room. Then the “worship show” began.

The vocal team [Choir] entered the room in a bit of showy manner, moving in sync [Processional] with each other as they made their way onto the stage. They were wearing similar outfits [Choir Robes] that made it clear that they were separated from the people in the seats. Nobody else in the room was even remotely dressed in such a way. Maybe this team just liked the attention?

They started the service with a performance song [Song sung that doesn't include the congregation in the singing]. I guess this group figured they needed to get our attention [A "Call to Worship"]. The song was kind of loud [10 or more people singing at the same time with accompaniment] and caused the crowd to react with vocal affirmation [Some people said, "Amen."]. Who was really receiving the glory, here, I wondered.

The Pastor was dressed in clothes reflecting modern culture [A suit and tie]. He approached the front of the stage, welcomed everyone and invited us to join him in prayer. Some did; others were obviously just listening to his well crafted presentational prayer [A prayer spoken by one person - although in fairness, everyone is supposed to be participating.].

What followed was two opportunities to sing along with the vocal team and musicians. The worldliness of this church became pretty clear during this time. Again, three things stood out.

First, in order for the congregation to “sing along,” they utilized extremely worldly methodology and tools. The same methods are used by the world for some of the most profane, lustful, and downright wicked purposes. [Books (Hymnals)] Second, the music of one of the songs was actually from a secular song ["We Gather Together/We Praise Thee O, God Our Redeemer"]. Third, the lyrics of both were very “man focused.” ["We Gather Together" and "Amazing Grace"]

The entertainment factor continued with an “American Idol” style solo [Special Music] by a woman who obviously imitated the vocal stylings of a popular singer [Sarah Brightman]. Then for the next 40 minutes, the Pastor spoke while we sat, watched and listened. His sermon used storytelling techniques [Sermon illustrations], persuasive speech methods [Sermon had points] and humor [Quoted Will Rogers] to get his message across. He embellished it with theatrics [Moved his arms to emphasize a point.].

When it was all over, more instrumental music played us out of the room [Organist played a "postlude."].

It is amazing how worldly and entertainment focused a TRADITIONAL, non-liturgical American worship service can be…Worldly Entertainment, pure and simple.

***

Ok, my tongue is now out of my cheek, and the truth is, I really don’t think that traditional worship services are “worldly and entertainment focused,” necessarily.

Relax.

It’s just that criticism of that sort should remove the log before pointing out the speck. – If there are really any specks or logs that need removing, that is…

[This post is part of the Worship Series.]

Worship isn’t music. But often, discussions about worship get most heated when talking about music. So let’s go there first.

Sometimes churches make statements along the lines of, “It doesn’t matter what people like or dislike when it comes to worship music, the real question should be,‘What kind of music does God like?’”

I have to admit, I really love questions like this. And I really love hearing how people determine the answer to questions like this…

Ultimately, the answer to that kind of question would have to come from Scripture, wouldn’t it? So for the purposes of this post, the Bible will be our source material.

One thing we know for sure is that Scripture teaches that God loves music and songs that are directed to Him and that are about Him. But there are also a few other thoughts from Scripture that describe some of the types of music that God digs [or at least approves of...] Let’s look at a few of them:

[This list is kind of long because I'm posting the whole verses instead of linking to them. It was a toss up, but I figured you'd rather just read them instead of clicking back and forth to see them. ]

* Music using many instruments

1 Chronicles 15:16
Then David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their relatives the singers, with instruments of music, harps, lyres, loud-sounding cymbals, to raise sounds of joy. (NASB)

Psalm 92:3
With the ten-stringed lute and with the harp, with resounding music upon the lyre. (NASB)

2 Chronicles 29:27
Then Hezekiah gave the order to offer the burnt offering on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song to the LORD also began with the trumpets, accompanied by the instruments of David, king of Israel. (NASB)

* New Music

Deuteronomy 31:22
So Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the sons of Israel. (NASB)

Psalm 33:3
Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy. (NASB)

Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God;Many will see and fearAnd will trust in the LORD. (NASB)

Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song; Sing to the LORD, all the earth. (NASB)

Psalm 98:1
O sing to the LORD a new song,For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him. (NASB)

Psalm 144:9
I will sing a new song to You, O God; Upon a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You, (NASB)

Psalm 149:1
Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song,And His praise in the congregation of the godly ones. (NASB)

Isaiah 42:9-10
9″Behold, the former things have come to pass, Now I declare new things; Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” 10Sing to the LORD a new song, Sing His praise from the end of the earth! You who go down to the sea, and all that is in it. You islands, and those who dwell on them.

* Music that is played skillfully

Psalm 33:3
Sing to Him a new song; Play skillfully with a shout of joy.

Psalm 47:7
For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with a skillful psalm.

* Loud Music

2 Chronicles 20:19
The Levites, from the sons of the Kohathites and of the sons of the Korahites, stood up to praise the LORD God of Israel, with a very loud voice.

2 Chronicles 30:21
The sons of Israel present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day after day with loud instruments to the LORD.

Psalm 66:1
Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;

Psalm 150:5
Praise Him with loud cymbals; Praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Psalm 98:4
Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.

Revelation 7:9-11 9
After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could count, from every nation and all tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palm branches were in their hands; 10and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” (NASB)

* Music that benefits the people singing and hearing

Ephesians 5:19
Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; (NASB)

Colossians 3:16
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (NASB)

* Repetitive and Simple Music

Isaiah 6:3
3And one called out to another and said,
“Holy, Holy, Holy, is the LORD of hosts,
The whole earth is full of His glory.” (NASB)

Revelation 4:8
8And the four living creatures, each one of them having six wings, are full of eyes around and within; and day and night they do not cease to say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is THE LORD GOD, THE ALMIGHTY, WHO WAS AND WHO IS AND WHO IS TO COME.” (NASB)

* Music that is Testimony to a lost world

2 Samuel 22:50
” Therefore I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the nations, And I will sing praises to Your name. (NASB)

Psalm 32:7
You are my hiding place; You preserve me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance. (NASB)

Psalm 57:9
I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the peoples;I will sing praises to You among the nations. (NASB)

Psalm 108:3
I will give thanks to You, O LORD, among the peoples, And I will sing praises to You among the nations. (NASB)

Romans 15:9
and for the Gentiles to glorify God for His mercy; as it is written,” THEREFORE I WILL GIVE PRAISE TO YOU AMONG THE GENTILES,AND I WILL SING TO YOUR NAME.” (NASB)

Psalm 40:3
He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear and will trust in the LORD. (NASB)

There are many more. But again, if your worship service involves any of these, you’re probably on safe ground, musically and Biblically:

• Music using many instruments
• New Music
• Music that is played skillfully
• Loud Music
• Music that benefits the people singing and hearing
• Repetitive and Simple Music
• Music that is Testimony to a lost world

God also likes music that uses no instruments at all. And He likes music that is grandiose. He likes music that is simple. He even likes music that is both grandiose and simple [like the Hallelujah Chorus]. He likes music that reflects thanksgiving and praise to Him. We could go on and on…

You’ll notice that this list really doesn’t include a musical style of any kind; it just shows some of the stuff that God seems OK with. I guess if we’re not OK with them it should probably give us reason to pause.

This list is not a mandate for ANY particular style. The truth is, there is not a “Biblical appendix” that contains sheet music and instrument lists for what is appropriate for worship songs.

I don’t follow the thinking that says that it doesn’t matter what kind of music people like in worship, because God loves people and He is the creator of music. He is the one who makes music possible and He likes it all. I’ll talk more about this in a future post.

I do need to mention here that we do know what kind of music God does not like, however, and it has nothing to do with guitars and drums or pianos and organs.

God hates it when worship is offered by those who have hypocritical hearts that are far from Him, and who keep lists of rules that are based on their own traditions as the criteria for what is best for worship….

Isaiah 29:13
13 The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is made up only of rules taught by men. (NIV)

God is far more concerned with the heart of the singer than the style of the song.

“What kind of music does God like?” is kind of an obnoxious question, but if you have to ask it, at least stick to Scripture for your answers.

[Friendly reminder: I will be monitoring any comments very carefully, so remember to be nice if you want to add your 2 cents. And if you add much more than 2 cents, you really need to get your own blog… ]

I have avoided blogging about the topic of worship for a long time because for some reason, it causes some people to have conniptions. That, and I am also usually surprised to hear that Christ followers are even still yapping about this.

It’s certainly an important subject, but generally speaking, most Christians should probably unclench and just relax a little when discussing what’s appropriate for public worship services. It’s amazing to me that some individuals can turn something that should be the “ultimate uniter” into the “ultimate divider.”

But I guess it shouldn’t surprise me. I mean really, the first murder in the Bible was over an issue of worship, for crying out loud. And ultimately, worship was what Satan wanted from Jesus when he was tempting Him in the wilderness.

Apparently, Satan cares very much about worship, so it’s no wonder that it’s an issue that can lend itself to arrogant stances and self righteous indignation. I’m convinced that he still spends a lot of time stirring up the so-called “worship wars,” and regularly involves himself in many of the arguments about worship that happen between “brothers and sisters” in Christ.

It can also become a way to colossally miss the point.

Once when Jesus was talking to a woman at a well about her sinful lifestyle, she tried to divert the conversation by talking about worship logistics. So Jesus cut to the heart of the matter:

“But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers. God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.

The woman said, “I know that Messiah (called Christ) is coming. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.”

Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am He.” John 4:23-26 (NASB)

Nothing quite like a dose of perspective.

So let’s talk about worship. But let’s also stay on track.

As a worship pastor for a span of about 18 years and as a senior pastor for another 4, I have picked up a few things along the way that may add a fresh perspective or two.

Relax, kids, it’s all going to be fine.

But I will be monitoring any comments very carefully, so remember to be nice if you want to add your 2 cents. And if you add much more than 2 cents, you really need to get your own blog….