Emotions In Worship

Should we encourage our people to be emotive in corporate worship?

Should we be encouraged when our people respond emotively in corporate worship?

Worship flows continually from the inward place of heart and soul. Because we only see the outside, we judge as those who can only use external measurements to determine authentic, genuine worship. Even the ways that we view these external demonstrations of worship have been culturally conditioned. Shaped by the values of our theological stream, our country of origin, the specific local body, and our families of origin. But God sees the heart. God weighs the motives. God is intimately acquainted with the overlooked corners of every individual.

While outward expressions may not be an accurate indicator of true worship, I think it is right and good that the truths we sing and celebrate move us physically and emotionally. I believe that for at least two reasons:

1. God is worthy of our worship - whole-bodied, undignified, self-giving worship.

2. Because our songs and expressions of praise are not just for ourselves, but for our brothers and sisters. When we gather, we sing to God, yes, but we also sing to one another. When I struggle to believe what is true, I am often held up by the borrowed faith of the family of God. When we live in relationship with one another, we know our family's stories, struggles, and joys, and know that these songs emerge from a hard-fought place.

Should we encourage our people to be emotive in worship? Perhaps. But maybe more importantly, we should encourage our people to be selfless in worship - to consider that their response and engagement is not just for them, not just for God, but for one another. That is the real encouragement.

When You Don't Feel Like Serving

I love leading sung worship. But some days, I don’t feel like leading worship. Some days I feel mad at God, frustrated with my situation, at odds with a brother or sister in Christ, unprepared, empty, or too distracted to be remotely present to the gift and responsibility to stand before the people of God and invite them to behold the Lord.

Living in a fallen world means our circumstances will never be perfect, often they will not even be ideal. Following Jesus means following Him on the mountains as well as into and through the valleys.

So what do we do when you don’t feel like leading? Here are three suggestions:

Be honest. Sometimes the simple act of truthfully confessing to the Lord, or to a trusted brother or sister is enough to free me from a funk. They say admitting you have a problem is the first step. Take the first step, be honest. Acknowledging your feelings and emotions begins to loosen the silent stranglehold.

Confess. Sometimes my sin, pride, or ego are tied up with why I do not want to lead worship. Is there something I need to confess - to God and or to my brothers and sisters?

Serve. Part of growing as an adult is fulfilling your responsibilities even when you do not feel inspired or motivated. In the post last week, I shared about how serving is an invitation to something and Someone outside of self. Part of serving well is moving through my own emotions, preferences, and agenda to participate in the larger story.

What would you add to this list?