A common criticism that I've heard countless times is that growing churches are simply trying to add to their numbers through entertaining music. The implication is that the 'entertainment' church is watering down the music and/or the message to attract unbelievers. The logic of thinking then goes that the very definition of church, "ekklesia in the Greek meaning called out ones" defines church as only pertaining to those who are truly saved. Therefore, gearing the music to impact the unsaved is contrary to the purpose of church. The debate over whether music played on Sunday morning is not simply a stylistic issue it is at it's root a theological issue. In most cases, all issues that pertain to the church are theological. Let's dig up and answer the root problems of the entertainment versus worship debate.
When someone accuses a church of being entertainment focused during their worship sets here is my response:
1. First, ask them if they have ever visited that church. Quite frequently I have found that they have not. Unfortunately, this Christian is most likely tearing down the church next door because he or she is jealous of the growth that is happening. In order to justify their thinking they have to minimalize and make excuses for why their church is not growing. The body of Christ should not function this way! If a Christian is making accusations that a church is entertainment focused during their worship sets then make sure you encourage them to visit that church a number of times before coming to that conclusion. (If you visit a church and still come to the conclusion that that particular church is entertainment focused do not bash on the Bride of Christ. God will not honor that. Simply grow where God plants you!)
2. Second, see if their definition of worship entails a particular mode of worship. In other words, Christians may make unfair assumptions about worship music if they believe that traditional music or any other style of music is the only way to properly worship God. While I may be more comfortable with a particular style of music there are many styles of worship that bring God glory. This Christian may have a skewed perspective and conviction concerning styles of worship. I have found that a legalistic view of God creates a narrow focus and adherence to a singular and routinized worship experience .
3. Lastly, unravel the difference between entertainment and worship. Entertainment focuses on bringing pleasure that is made solely for the enjoyment of the receiving person. It is a self-centered perspective. Worship focuses on bringing pleasure (we Christians prefer the term joy) to the receiving person in which we not only internalize the hearing, listening, and singing but we respond and connect with what God is doing in our heart. Worship goes further than just impacting us inwardly but it forces us to outwardly expresses ourselves through our thankfulness to God. Worship is a God-centered perspective.
An effective worship team does their best to lead people in their journey of inward connection to God which leads to an outward emoting of His goodness. This can be enhanced through lights, visuals, and the quality of sound. Whether we like to admit it or not, all of these characteristics do help us focus during a worship service, and can 'set the plate' in leading us to the throne of God.
Some churches are more entertainment driven while others are not. The difference may be hard to notice at first glance but can be noticed through a church's leadership attitudes, vision, and even through the church's building set-up. What do you think on this issue? How do you know whether a church's music is entertainment driven or worship driven?
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