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Does Performance Have A Place in Worship

If I was smart enough, I would love to be able to coin a brand new phrase. In fact, that is my goal – to find another term that says performance without saying performance! Confused? Here is what I mean…

In the church, we have been taught that performance is wrong. That it’s arrogant, it is self-centred, and there is no room for it in leading worship! Well, I have a slightly different take on that.

We tend to look self-conscious on the platform. We often appear a little timid while we lead or sing in a church because we know we are not to draw attention to ourselves. The entire reason we act the way we do on stage is to deflect the attention to God.

However, the exact opposite happens. When we do not act as though we have authority on stage – when we act as though we are “too timid” – we appear nervous. Therefore, we cause the entire congregation to stop worshipping and start praying for us because we look so uncomfortable! (OK, I am being a little dramatic, but you get the idea!)

One of the definitions of “performance” in the dictionary says “the act of presenting a piece of music.” So how should we present our music? A few ideas come to mind…

1. Authority. Tom talks about authority a lot! Bono = authority on stage. Now, I know you are saying under your breath “…but I am leading worship.” Exactly! If Bono can have authority in a rock show, and Sting can have authority in a rock show…how much more authority should we have, as we attempt to lead the congregation into the Holy of Holies!

We stand in the authority of the One who created everything. The One who gives you breath has called you to lead your group of people into His presence. Now that is authority! We need to allow ourselves to act in HIS authority and actually lead the congregation.

2. Humility. True humility is taking on the authority given by God and standing in it! The tough part of leading worship is not singing well or playing well or picking the right songs. The tough part is acting in His authority. Being what He has called you to be is the difficult part. It’s easy and comfortable to stand and sing…it is not so easy to act in authority and lead!

3. Faith. It is a huge step of faith to act on the authority given to you. It is uncomfortable, it makes you feel uneasy, there is a little fear involved as well…but when you allow yourself to take risks and act on faith, not fear, you will be amazed at how the “singing of songs” is transformed into a time of worship.

By the way, another definition of the word “performance” is this: “the act of doing something successfully.” And, after all, isn’t that what we want – to successfully lead worshippers to God’s throne?

Kevin Pauls, Live Music Producer

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