10 Mistakes Worship Leaders Make - Mistake #3 - Talent over Heart
Mistake # 3 – Talent and Beauty over Heart
One of the current models of the broadcast era is the “Attractional Church.” It is, essentially, “the main event,” the church as a TV show. And, naturally, the format and assumptions of that model create a bias toward “the beautiful people.” Talent overrides heart.
The Attractional Church does not properly distinguish between worshipers and musicians. In fact, in this model, only the beautiful ones are allowed to be “on stage.” And, furthermore, they must smile, be peppy, and radiate that everything is “great.” That is the bias of a broadcast-based church model.
This model is about first impressions. In other words, many people who know nothing about Christian reality or culture are sitting out there in the audience. To connect with them, you must present people who are cool and hip.
So, what happens when you have someone with a great heart for God, but not the best voice and not the most attractive appearance? The bias of the model relegates them to the place in the back. Worse, it disdains the real heart of worship.
As a church consultant, this is one of the most painful things I see. I’ve had pastors tell me, “If this week’s service is not as good as last week’s, then people won’t come back.” So, the gathering is a show and they’re attracting people who want a show. And, real worship is traded for talent and beauty.
One of the current models of the broadcast era is the “Attractional Church.” It is, essentially, “the main event,” the church as a TV show. And, naturally, the format and assumptions of that model create a bias toward “the beautiful people.” Talent overrides heart.
The Attractional Church does not properly distinguish between worshipers and musicians. In fact, in this model, only the beautiful ones are allowed to be “on stage.” And, furthermore, they must smile, be peppy, and radiate that everything is “great.” That is the bias of a broadcast-based church model.
This model is about first impressions. In other words, many people who know nothing about Christian reality or culture are sitting out there in the audience. To connect with them, you must present people who are cool and hip.
So, what happens when you have someone with a great heart for God, but not the best voice and not the most attractive appearance? The bias of the model relegates them to the place in the back. Worse, it disdains the real heart of worship.
As a church consultant, this is one of the most painful things I see. I’ve had pastors tell me, “If this week’s service is not as good as last week’s, then people won’t come back.” So, the gathering is a show and they’re attracting people who want a show. And, real worship is traded for talent and beauty.
1 Comments:
Excellent points! We must all be on gaurd against being people pleasers instead of GOD pleasers. God has been changing my mind about how I worship, and that the worship service is not primarily for us, but for HIM!
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