Staying the Course:
When I was a young worship leader, a critic asked, "How far are we going with all this praise and worship stuff, anyway?"
I thought for a moment and answered, "We're going all the way to the Throne of God!"
Today, after 20 years in the trenches of ministry, my answer would be exactly the same.
A historic shift - really a worship revolution - has occurred in the past two decades. While it's been a marvel to observe, we have not yet arrived at Revelation chapters 4 and 5.
As long as hearts fail to resonate with authentic praise for Jesus Christ, a true worship leader cannot truly rest. God has placed a "new song in our mouth," with the intention that many would "see and fear and put their hope in Him." (Ps. 40:3)
There's plenty of praise to declare, so count me in for the long haul. If God gives me another 20 years (or 40!), this old psalmist will never abandon the Worship Revolution. Here are my top seven reasons why:
1. The Worship Revolution erupts directly and powerfully from God's Word.
From the morning walks in the Genesis Garden to the astonishing Throneroom scenes in Revelation (and all points between), it's biblically obvious that humans were created to glorify God and enjoy Him forever. When we fell, God had pity on our fallen state and gave up the Prized Treasure of Heaven that we might "boldly come before His throne of grace!" A complete discussion of this would require all 66 books of the Bible and probably the maps, too. (Is. 43:7)
2. The Worship Revolution assumes that each generation of Saints will declare God's glory in their native tongue.
No sane missionary would dishonor the ethnomusicology of his target culture and insist on some "preferred religious style." The mission field around us - our target culture - should receive the same courtesy. (Ph. 2:11, Ac. 2:8)
3. The Worship Revolution treasures God Himself above art, above music.
The biggest word in contemporary is "temporary." God and His Word stand forever, but the grass withers, the flower fades and music styles change. When today's musical ideas become stale and dated, it would be foolish - maybe idolatrous - to cling to them beyond their effective date. Far better to celebrate as God's glory erupts in yet-unheard musical styles, and overflows into the hearts of a people yet unborn. I suspect that a handful of truly astonishing praise songs will stand the test of time, and join the ranks of truly astonishing hymns; a new generation of worshipers will recognize these timeless gems and carry them forward. (Is. 40:8, Heb. 13:8)
4. The Worship Revolution hides God's Word generously in our heart.
Each time we launch a read-through-the-Bible campaign, people excitedly tell me about finding passages they've already memorized from singing our songs! Like heavenly advertisements, these songs fasten Scriptural truth to the minds of God's people. (Ps. 119:11)
5. The Worship Revolution has "Reformation" written all over it.
Each time the faithful opposition hammers another anti-contemporary thesis to the door, I suspect that Luther himself would be looking for the nail puller. It's hard to find a better example of the Priesthood of the Believer than the fiber-optics technician who - with the catchy "Lord I Lift Your Name on High" - placed the entire gospel on the lips of millions of people. It reminds us that Luther set "A Mighty Fortress" to a pop melody of his day. (1 Pet. 2:9)
6. The Worship Revolution attracts and fuels people who are excited about Jesus and His Kingdom.
Enthusiastic young families come through our doors with a spring in their step; they gladly invite their neighbors and co-workers to come worship with them. These are folks who pour themselves into ministry and impact their world for Christ. On the other hand, I can't forget the dear old woman who actually blurted out, "I don't care about unity, and I don't care about reaching the community! I just want my hymns done my way!" (Ps. 16:3)
7. The Worship Revolution has encouraged multitudes - including me – to draw near to God.
I remember the first time I heard a congregation declare the marvels of God in my own musical language; my heart was laid bare, and I fell to my knees, undone. I knew God was in that place. Since then, I've seen unnumbered men and women - young and old – draw near to the Lord in the same way. While the Holy Spirit can reach us with any tool He desires, I've seen Him revolutionize the human heart over and over through worship renewal. (1 Co. 14:24-25, Js. 4:8)
There may not be a charge more glorious than the one God has entrusted to His psalmists. It's revolutionary work when we gather the Saints and say, "Come magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His Name together!"
Worship leader, I know it's not always easy. There are dangers, toils and snares, but these cannot be compared with the glory that awaits us.
How far are we going with this praise and worship stuff? We - hallelujah! - are going all the way to the Throne of God.
Phil Christensen is worship pastor at Cedar Hills Evangelical Free Church (CHEF) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is married to Mitzi, the Beauty Queen, and is father of four great kids. Phil has served as a worship development missionary in the Pacific Northwest and is co-author of two books for Kregal Publishing. You can reach him via email at philc@chefc.com.
Originally published January 23, 2007.
