By: Scott Wesley Brown
The primary focus of worship is towards God not towards man. Yet in the name of attracting people the church has reversed this and created what many call “worshiptainment”.
While the primary elements of worship, (prayer, singing and the preaching of God’s Word) should not be passionless we should strive for appropriate reverence before a Holy God. Any attempt to manipulate emotions crosses the line from worshiping in the Spirit to worshiping in the flesh. Any attempt to enhance the Gospel, as if it’s not powerful enough, crosses the line from worshiping in truth to worshiping a lie!
The great preacher Charles Spurgeon cautioned us that “The devil has seldom done a cleverer thing than hinting to the church that part of their mission is to provide entertainment for the people, with a view to winning them”.
Pastor Todd Pruitt has written that “Music and “the worship experience” are viewed as means by which we enter the presence of God and receive his saving benefits. Yet there is simply no evidence whatsoever in Scripture that music mediates direct encounters or experiences with God. This is a common pagan notion. It is far from Christian.”
He goes on to say that “Faith does not come from music, dynamic experiences, or supposed encounters with God. Faith is birthed through the proclamation of God’s Word (Rom 10:17).”
Charles Finney believed he could create the right environment to win anyone to Christ! In his case he simply scared people into the kingdom through fire and brimstone sermons!
Whether it’s fire and brimstone or a multi-million-dollar laser light system along with manipulative music both can appeal to the senses in creating an emotional response not necessarily a genuine Spirit led encounter with Christ.
Even in the less high-production services Music and message can easily fall prey to a manipulative formula. All of this is actually the false assumption that the Holy Spirit needs a little help in touching the hearts of people!
But do we really need to help God out? As a musician and pastor, myself I have felt the pull to add something to the Gospel to make it more attractive. Be it through a certain song, story or effect, I’ve been tempted to rely on my own devices and imagination to give the Gospel a little push.
I’ve always loved Matt Redman’s song, “The Heart Of Worship” especially the line that says, “When the music fades and all is stripped away, and I simply come.”
When all is stripped away, we find the pure power of the Gospel alone which is the power unto salvation. Rom. 1:16
No bells and whistles but the raw power of God’s Word that needs no help on our part!
Does this mean we should not sing with passion? No! Does it mean that we use boring Lyric slides? No! Does it mean we use drab decorations on the pulpit? No! Does it mean no pulpit lights? No!
But as 1 Corinthians 14:40 tells us “everything should be done in a way that is orderly and fitting.”
This was in response to the abuse of certain spiritual gifts but can easily apply to the abuse of spiritual euphoria in many churches today. God is not the author of confusion, yet some services indulge in a sense of chaotic display.
We must always realize it is not by might or by power or by production or manipulation BUT by the Spirit!
The whole of the service and especially the worship in song is primarily directed to God. We can certainly enjoy it, but it is his presence we seek, effected by nothing other than Christ himself!
We cannot lose him in the mix!