Most of us are music leaders,
pastors, or serve otherwise as active leaders in our churches in some or most
aspects of our weekly worship experience. In my case, as a music and worship
leader, I help manage the details of each weekÕs Òworship experienceÓ in
multiple services and styles. But as preaching pastors and other visible
leaders of worship know well, effectively fostering our congregationsÕ
experience is vastly different from simply worshiping as a member of our own
church.
Recently I was pleased to
attend a worship and music conference hosted at a large Indianapolis church.
Attended mainly by pastors and other ministry leaders, we were reminded more
than once of the importance of getting down off the chancel from time to time Ð
and simply experiencing worship. In the leadership work we do, attending to
details and presentation Ð sometimes to the point of consuming our focus Ð can
be an occupational hazard. No matter how heartfelt and Spirit-led we strive to
be in worship, events have to happen, and somebody Ð usually multiple
somebodies Ð need to be focused on these important activities.
It may sound corny (this
happened in the Midwest, after all), but sometimes tears can serve as a
barometer of how deeply something touches us. Accustomed to leading a choir
(fairly small Ð so I also sing) every week, I was unprepared for the
overwhelming beauty of a marvelous 70-voice choir singing a powerful,
modulating arrangement of ÒLove Divine, All Loves Excelling,Ó accompanied by
their rich, resonant organ. Perhaps partly because it had been my motherÕs
favorite hymn lyric, and partly because it was set to the tune HYFRYDOL (also
ÒCome, Thou Long-Expected JesusÓ), I was increasing mesmerized as the verses modulated
and progressed. That powerful, unfolding melody in three-quarter time is simply
one of my favorites in all the hymnody I know.
I listen to a lot of music,
and I make a lot of music, but itÕs been a while since IÕve wept unabashedly at
a hymn offertory. I sure did at the weeknight worship service at this
conference. It was simply beautiful and inspiring. I only wish IÕd been able to
sing along. (I did hum along, unbeknown to the musicians.)
My point is that I was so
deeply affected in large part because I had no part in the presentation. No
notes to read, no vocal production to manage, no singers to cue, no accompanist
to maintain eye contact with. All I had to do was let the beauty wash over me.
It was a rare and wonderful experience.
It surely is true for a music
director, but probably also true for most pastors, that they would choose to
simply experience worship more often Ð but theyÕre always busy at that time.
True enough Ð and busy doing essential things for the Kingdom. But it behooves
all leaders of worship to find a way from time to time, to simply experience
the beauty and renewing presence of God in an authentic worship experience.
Tom LeFevre, Editor-in-Chief
© 2004 Christian
Sound & Song. All rights reserved. Churches are encouraged to reproduce for
use in their ministries. For any other use, permission must be obtained from
the publisher.
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