What You See Isn’t Always What You Get

Editor’s Note: Today’s entry in the worship journey series comes from Fred McKinnon. Fred is the Worship Pastor at St. Simon Community Church as well as the founder of the popular worship site and forum TheWorshipCommunity.com, home of the weekly Sunday Setlists. He also blogs regularly at FredMcKinnon.com. Fred is a great encourager and offers some wise insight as he shares a piece of his worship journey with us today.

I’ve been involved in worship ministry since I was a teenager. At 40 years old, that means I’ve been involved in what we’d call “praise and worship” for more than 25 years. I’ve led in small, storefront Charismatic churches. I’ve led in conferences with more than 10,000 people in the room. I’ve led in beautiful, traditional sanctuaries filled with icons and stained glass.  I’ve led before the military on parade fields.

Over these 25+ years of leading worship I have learned so many things. One great truth stands out to me, however. And that truth is quite simple: We are not all alike, and we do not all respond to God through worship the same way.

Let’s face it. Most of us who lead worship prepare a room where every breathing body is standing, clapping, raising hands, and singing to the top of their lungs. We’re quick to say that it’s not about us at all; yet, deep inside we have to resist this strong affirmation that we feel when the outward appearance of a congregation suggests that they are “really into it”.

I remember a time in my life where I didn’t enjoy singing. I hated it, actually. And I’d never allow anyone hear me try.

I still feel pretty creepy trying to dance as a response to praise. The voice of “how dumb I look” is much louder than the expression of praise coming from my heart.

There are times I grow weary of singing yet another song, and just want to listen and ponder.

Yes, one of the greatest lessons that I’ve learned in these years of ministry is that you can’t always judge a person’s response to God by their physical reaction or posture.

Sure, we are given practical mandates for praise and the Bible clearly defines some physical actions as ways for us to respond in praise and worship to God. I get that. I participate in that. I am blessed to see it happening.

But I will do my best not to judge the guy sitting in the 3rd row, seemingly disinterested. He’s not singing. He’s certainly not raising his hands. But perhaps he’s worshiping, just the same.

We are not the same. Each of us will have our own way of responding to God’s truth. This should not be a cop out or excuse to not obey the Spirit’s leading in our worship lifestyle. However, too many times, this reality is ignored as we judge our brothers and sisters and make blanket statements about whether a church is “worshiping” or not.

This truth goes beyond the expression of worship. It also reveals a connected truth: that outward expressions of praise and worship (or the lack thereof) are not necessarily signs of a person’s spiritual maturity.

So what do we do? Lead faithfully. Give the opportunity for people to encounter God. Teach them on Biblical response. Then, leave it up to God. He can handle it.

For the Kingdom,
Fred McKinnon, Worship Pastor
St. Simons Community Church

Connect with Fred at his blog or on Twitter. And be sure to come back tomorrow to share your significant worship journey markers.

Did you miss the other stories this week? Catch all the worship journey stories here.