HELLO, GOODBYE

That's me - well, you can't see me - I'm off-camera... but I'm the fellow the imaginary doorman is calling out to.  Read on...

The church in which I have served for nearly four years suddenly announced that, due to an array of changes that have taken place in the church (we're on our 3rd interim pastor in about 3 years) numbers and finances have drastically dropped causing the church to eliminate a few key staff positions, one of them being mine.  So, I'm on the job-hunt, waiting on God for what's "next."

Of course this has led me to seek new ministry positions on sources like ChurchStaffing, Indeed, Linked-in, Google and others. 

If you've read any of my posts on this blog you already know I have a deep passion for worship that is more than a show or just a collection of well-choreographed God-songs.  For me, worship is not a song set, or a style, or a format... worship is about one thing - responding to the Almighty God who created all with every part of my being - my brain and body; my heart and soul; my mind and strength.  I am not interested in watching a thematically-driven, media-laden worship performance.  (If I wanted that, I'd head over to a "worship concert" being performed by one of today's "worship celebrities."  Or just pop in a Hillsongs DVD... did I say that out loud?)  

But I am in church - gathered with other men and women who need to sense the powerful and transforming presence of God empowered by the Holy Spirit.  

Today's church culture, sadly, has turned worship (an ACT; a RESPONSE of THE HEART) into a commodity (a THING; something to WATCH and ENJOY).  So, it's not surprising to me that nearly every single job listing for "worship director" or "worship leader" or even "worship pastor" begins with a long list of biblical qualifications to be a church leader and then eases into the performance aspect of the job.  Some of the descriptions have, honestly, left me with my mouth wide open.  

"... under 40, a healthy appearance, not overweight..."

"... accomplished vocalist and front man..."

"... able to perform worship well..." (what? PERFORM worship well?)

About 1 out of 25 shows hope. It is clear by the church website and their description of worship (and other aspects of the church) that their first love - the primary passion - has nothing to do with learning how to become yet another church that simply performs worship on Sundays.  They are intentional about truly worshiping (adoring, glorifying, honoring, praising) God - regardless of music styles, the age of the team, the make-up of the band, or the color of the room!  They simply want to give to God all He deserves with all that they are.  That is so refreshing!!  And, sadly, so rare.

Most of these churches want to see footage of you in action.  On one hand, this makes perfect sense, especially if you are looking at a church out of state.  They simply want to know that you can do what you claim to do on your resume. (side note - it seems odd to me that the fact you have served in this role at other churches for long periods of time doesn't seem to "prove" your value.)  The truth is, these churches want to see how well you "perform."  One church even listed the requirement of sending in... "footage of yourself performing worship."  And a-one, and a-two... Eeek.  

"I'll take a side of worship, please..."

The other thing I notice is the very low level of care some churches even give to the office of "worship leader."  Generally speaking, and certainly because of budgets, I am sure, many churches want a "music leader" in a very part-time position - yet the job listing is nothing close to a truly part-time job.  Basically, they say, "we want someone to totally transform the hearts of the congregation and help us build a worship culture that changes the community by leading large teams made up of band and singers and be someone who attracts others to the church because of your immense talent and showmanship and ensure all songs fit the pastor's theme and recruit and train more musicians to create multiple praise teams and know all about sound and lighting and media and be able to create media-driven gatherings with exciting visuals and also, as time allows, lead the youth ministry." And then the next line says, "10-12 hours per week."  These churches simply have no idea of how important a ministry of worship (not just "music" but the overall call of God for us to become people of worship) is to the body.  Deep down they realize what they know they should be seeking (as made evident in their description) but then they treat it like a side-dish.  But if you truly desire to fulfill all the wonderful (and needed) elements in the job listing, then you need to realize there is a value for that - for the experience and skill - and that it takes a lot of time to actually develop a worship culture in a church.  It's a full-time job if you want it done right.  If, however, you simply want a great showman to lead the band - then just say that - be honest about it.  

Several things I need to consider on this new journey...

1. I am not a hip millennial who looks good in torn jeans with hair (ha!) dripping over half of my face.  I'm more of a "seasoned worshiper with a comb-over." 

2. I do love performing - COMEDY.  And I even enjoy SINGING as a performance.  But no part of me is interested in "performing" worship.  I can't imagine that pleasing God. 

3. I am called and gifted to guide a gathering into a deeper awareness of being in God's presence through music (and, really, any styles is fine with me) - but that music has a purpose and it is not to entertain the audience (or, as we used to call them, the "congregation.") 

So, the hunt continues.  I pop through revolving doors joyfully anticipating God saying, "Next!" And when He does, I go.  

Because that's what a worshiper does.