Ultimate Worship Leader...Are You Serious?

I'm driving home from the mountains tonight, floating on cloud 9 because of the wonderful day I had with Teach One to Lead One. This wonderful mood turned vocal as I began flipping through radio stations, bellowing out popular songs at the top of my lungs, usually 1/2 step off-key. As I continued to scroll through my top 5 presets (a combination of mix and country stations), I only heard commercials, most of which were political. Political ads put me in a bad mood. I didn't want to be in a bad mood. So I reluctantly flipped to preset #6: KLOVE.

Now anyone who knows me knows my issue with this horrendous example of Christian sub-culture. The only reason I have it as a preset is because I like David Crowder and a few other Christian songs, and if I just need a reason to be mad (especially during their pledge drives...another post for another day). Just as the DJ came on (and I was about to change it), they began talking about a new promotion they are running: having Michael W. Smith come to your church as the ultimate worship leader on a Sunday. After picking my jaw up from the floor mat (which is probably the only thing that prevented me from cussing), I began thinking two things: what is an ultimate worship leader, and why does Michael W. Smith put his middle letter in with his professional name? I should start doing that. Maybe I'll get a record deal.

Anyways, back to the ultimate worship leader thing. I have enough beef with most people thinking music and singing when they hear the word "worship," and that's probably why I hate this ridiculous stunt so much. I know the Bible talks a lot about worshipping and praising God through music, dance, loud noises, etc. But why has this become our primary method of worship? If anything, the Bible teaches more that worship is a lifestyle, not our song (Rom. 12.1, in case you needed proof).

If you really want the ultimate worship leader (if there even is such a thing), you should probably be looking for some nobody (societally speaking, that is) who is giving up their life to follow Jesus, struggling along the way.

By the way, if anyone from KLOVE reads this, please know that I love your intentions, but please choose your words carefully from here on out. Many churches are doing a bad enough job at discipleship; they don't need your help.

Sincerely,
Russel C. Dains