Imperfect Worship is All We’ve Got

There is a trend among prominent worship leaders who have left a mega-church and are now discussing all things “worship.” Their new smaller stage is bringing a sudden dose of fresh revelation. These well-known singers and songwriters have now taken on the role of preacher and teacher, and their recurring theme, echoed by some of the more charismatic influencers, goes something like this:
“We gotta get back to true worship.”
“We need to recover the purity of our worship.”
“We need more intimacy and less industry.”
They say these things as if they’ve seen some revelation that is uncommon among those who are grinding it out in small local churches. We are always desperate, doing this work week in and week out WITHOUT the benefits of endless accolades, quarterly royalty checks, and crowded rooms that pay to sing. You’ve taken for granted the perks afforded to you that we will never experience. So, please, please...consider having a greater sense of self-awareness that realizes you are preaching to the choir.
Your version of “passionate worship” is not the gold standard of heavenly praise. Every stream in the church brings imperfect worship. Gregorian chant, Hymns, 70’s revival, Passion, Gospel, Bethel, Getty, Mav City - all imperfect praise! Jesus is the one who perfects our worship unto the Father, not the purest (or most intense) worship leader or worship team.
Yes, we need standards for those in leadership, and each local church can figure out how that looks.
And no, we don’t need multiple pictures of you on your knees in front of 50 million people. Your over-the-top intensity does not equate to authority. Could you please stop it? We love you. This is not “shut up and dribble,” but this is don’t try to be an eye when you are a foot. And also realize that many of us in the smaller, less intense, less “excellent” churches are still doing the truth and spirit work of worship - it just looks different. #worshipculture #worshipleader #pastor #worshipleaderfails #worshipfails #hymns #bethel #getty #elevation #lecture #emotionallyhealthy #preaching #pentecostal #charasmatic #nar

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