The Worship Industry
For some time, I have been in the process of redefining worship. Today I ran across this short video by Brian McLaren that is definitely worth watching: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPRKCmYuCWA. I so resonate with the conflicted relationship he shares about with what the church calls "worship" when it is really a worship industry that produces prefabricated worship experiences. Have you ever experienced worship as manipulation or propaganda? Do you think there is a difference between worship and art? I would love to hear your feedback or experiences on this topic...
Labels: Worship
posted by Tiffany @ 6/04/2007
9 Comments
9 Comments:
Tiffany,
I totally agree with the conflict of worship. I guess it's just another way to organize our faith.
My favorite worship experience is hearing the rushing wind outside.
It always reminds me that Our God is powerful.
Karen
Tiffany,
Most often I have experienced worship during times of "real life". I often find music speaks to me in the deepest parts of my soul.
I also can enter into worship when I am out in nature.
I must admit that I had fallen into the "industry". I had been in a pew thinking "what will I get out of this." I have left a Church service thinking "I didn't feel like I wanted to." My way of thinking has shifted dramatically....Praise God for that one!
I loved Brian's statement/question
"How can we let ourselves be pople of the God of truth and rediscover truthfulness and honesty about our relationship with God - God can handle it, sometimes we cannot."
I have never really thought about art and worship together.
I have always thought of Art as someone's point of view (or as Brian references - truth as one sees it). I have thought of worship as praising God, and art being one of the tools to do that.
The video has me thinking.
Thanks,
Carrie
I love the comment about being honest about ugliness is beautiful, but making something pretty seems cheap. I have embraced that on this journey, yet still struggle with that idea as well. Sometimes I find myself trying to "keep up appearances" when I know it is much more freeing to just be real. And in relation to worship, it has been eye-opening to realize it is more than just singing...
Nice job keeping the posts coming!! I was going to check back over here tonight to see if I could tease you for not posting but here you have it. I guess you like that video. Not the other one, though?? That's alright, I wouldn't have put it on my blog either.
You might be able to put the video right in the post rather than the link to it.... anyway, I think, more often than churches care to admit, worship gets used as manipulation. I know I have experienced it AND done it. Not the best. Art and worship are a powerful combination. Not always is worship artistic(although, when it is not creative, I wonder about the sincerity of it) and not always is are worshipful (but artists have a unique perspective on life, therefore having MUCH to offer worship).
See you soon.
Tiff
This is such a great video on so many levels! One of my favorite lines is,
"when you try to make everything pretty -
it ends up seeming really cheap".
The concept of being so honest about the ugliness of life
and allowing that to be a beautiful act of worship...
is life changing.
Tiff,
Maybe I do like this guy.
Diane
Check out his other video he did on Justice, Power, & The Kingdom.
http://emergingconversation.com/Blog/?p=87
Both go hand in hand. We sure have managed to mess up such a simple message of love havent we?
i think that was a great way to summerize what is happening in our western church today. it really was the truth of worship.
i was at the passion conference this past year and i got to ask matt redman and chris tomlin a question...and i dont know why i asked this...but it was "what do you think about worship becoming a style of music rather than a lifestyle?" the answer i got had nothing to do with the question....which was kinda sad...i think they both are wonderful people and have great ministries (i support them)...but we have taught the church taht music is worship and it is a segmant in our sunday program...again rather than a life calling.
i think this video was a great way to put it all! thanks for showing it to me!
Tiffany -
Having just attended WCCC's Arts Conference - Hallelujah! - What's Right w/ the World http://2007artsconferenceblog.blogspot.com/ - my head is swimming in art, worship, what should the church "be", etc...
Yes - - it is disappointing that worship has become an industry - often associated w/ a certain musical style/sound!! And for Caucasian, suburbanites - usually identified by a guy w/ a faux-hawk, playing a guitar, singing about God's greatness or the beauty of His creation. While this can provide an avenue for an encounter w/ God; i.e. a worship experience - it is just a component.... All music is "worship" music. It all glorifies "something" or "someone". Worship is a lifestyle - not a music style!!! One definition of worship I like is - Worship is our response to what we value most. So to put some context to it - how do I respond when my kid messes up? Do I fly off the handle - berate, belittle, scold and condemn him? Or, do I extend grace and mercy and God-centered correction?... How I respond either glorifies God, or it doesn't. If I value God, my response will honor Him - THAT is an act of worship.
As for art - WHEW!! - - art can be used to worship and communicate truth. In fact I believe it MUST be used as such. You gotta hear Donald Miller's talk from session 4. I'll get you the CD (after I meet you, of course :_)).....
Additionally - - as for what Brian addresses re: truth not being pretty.... Man! - - Jay and Helena shared their "dessert" experience, as it related to their infertility, and the subsequent premature birth(s) of their twin daughters. It really put "skin" on what he talks about. They shared how distant God felt, and how they were living in the "conflict" as WCCC staff and worship leaders... I am not doing it justice here - but it was so powerful, and honest. A true breakthrough and a highlight of the conference!!
Anyway - those are just some of my thoughts. Look forward to meeting you and the others @ The Potter's Wheel!!
- - jnn
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