I want to get fellow Christians take on the following scenario: I belong to a church that meets in a movie theatre. Our worship leader is a Christian, and he has total discretion to hire musicians. Those musicians are paid by the church for their services, but none of them are Christians (FYI- 2 guitarists, 1 keyboardist, 1 drummer, 1 or 2 singers).
During the points of the service when they are not needed, they depart to the lobby for refreshments and socializing- usually the worship leader follows them, sometimes he stays for the sermon. (I only mention this last part because a possible justification of non-christian musicians, if any is needed, could be based on the fact that they are hearing the Gospel. However, since they leave the service during the sermon, they are not subjected to this benefit.)
The philosophy of the church, based on conversation with the Pastor, seems to be that the worship music ought to be top-notch (it is) and this means getting whomever, Christian or not, to fill that need.
I find this problematic and would rather have less skilled musicians leading us with an earnest heart "in spirit and truth." One way of saying this is that while the worship leader leads the worship team, the worship team leads us, the congregation.
So my question is, do you feel any of this to be problematic? Furthermore do you have any biblical verses or parallels that you think would relate to this issue?
Wow, not a single person is offering advice? I am asking for help, this is not for the sake of academic curiousity, nor a ridiculous frivolity like asking what instrument will be "lead" in heaven.
I am going to do a "thread in" as a protest and continuing talking with myself with replies until a couple people offer some opinions.
To, me it makes absolutely no sense whatsoever to have non-Christians as musicians. When people in church use the word "Professional" it irks me. A church doesn't need professional musicians to stir up the Spirit. Anointed musicians, now that's what is needed. Christians who, under anointing, make music, that when recorded, doesn't sound perfect, but, because of the anointing, the congregation is stirred deep in their hearts. The church should not try to replace the Holy Spirit's influence in music. If it were me, I'd leave that church. But, I have no right in trying to decide for you. Pray about it, because this bugs you.
If you can't get professional Christians, then don't do it. It's about glorifying God. A non-Christian has no intent to glorify God. God doesn't care what it sounds like. My mom couldn't carry a tune if her life depended on it but her heart is fully into singing during the service.
Another reason why I hate contemporary "feel-good" music. I would be fine singing acapella without musicians.
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Actually, speaking from first-hand experience, I think that non-Christian musicians should be allowed to participate. When I started on the Worship Team, I was not Christian. The music, the people, and message started working on me, week after week, until I got saved. It's a wonderful way to work on the secular musician, I think...
Well, to a small degree...sure what Zepsinger says should be considered. But overall and in general NEVER! NO...WOW...that is such a sad misunderstanding going on in that church. How could there even be such confusion. I'll think I'll pm you my phone number so I can get ahold of your pastor and just have a word with him!!!
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My feeling is that the worship team musicians should be consecrated, set apart for that particular work. We are talking lifestyle here....not just talent.
But a few non Christians are welcome and should be encouraged to be part of the team especially if a sub is needed. It is also a good way to introduce them to spiritual things.
I would imagine that there are church members fully capeable of playing on the team and are getting resentful that non members/non Christians get to play and are being paid for it, too.
I believe the main purpose of a worship team is to carry the presence of God on the music. It is impossible for a nonChristian to do this. NO WAY. And if I found out that my church was using nonChristians on the worship team, I would find another church. That would be hard to do here in Honduras. I might have to start my own church. Fortunately my worship leader agrees with me.
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Being involved in worship music is a great way to get to learn about God and appreciate what he's done for us.
Of course worship is better led by someone who is a true worshipper of God at heart than the best quality musician whose heart is not in it.
But don't stop musicians getting involved just because they don't yet believe...
I think the best is a worship team with a devoted worshipper leading it and a variety of reasonably skilled musicians at a variety of stages of belief contributing.
I might have a problem with the leader being a non-Christian... where do they want to lead us? Into God's presence or into an aesthetically pleasing experience?
The professional/intermediate/beginner musicians all have a role and there should be a place for worshippers of a variety of musical skill to have fun worshipping God together. I think contemporary churches have largely become too professional and seem to abhor mediocrity and amateurism as if it is uacceptable, immature and off-putting.
Obviously it's hard to worship with too many wrong notes distracting us but how can intermediate musicians get involved and trained and improved if they are sidelined?
It's the same with songwriting. There might be loads more new songs in people's minds and hearts that are not getting sung because church only wants to use established hymns and approved songs by professional worship songwriters.
I want to write songs too, but who can help me make arrangements for a music group? I can only come up with a melody and guitar chords and not sure how to make accompaniment for keyboard.
Where can I get help with my songs and inspiration/training?
How can we encourage more creativity without accepting the mediocre? They style might not be mediocre to God, it's what's in the heart and the message of the song that counts.
After all, we might find even the most professional perfect music is just as pitiful and pathetic as the silliest childish chorus compared to Heaven's worship!
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It's beyond that. They are paying people (that's what I assume goes into "hiring"). If I were a part of the church and I was tithing, I would not want my money being used for a purpose like that.
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Last edited by Aibrean; 22nd September 2009 at 10:57 AM.
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