A Theology in Praise Songs: Why?

 I am going to begin a new section on our blog which I am calling, "A Theology in Praise Songs."

There is such a need for those of us who worship Jesus in spirit and in truth to understand who we are singing to (God), how we are singing (with joy / passion), what we are singing  (the words we use), and the response (honoring God, not applauding a worship team).   Aside from sermons our congregations get their theology from what we are singing each week in church.   It is probably the second most important aspect of teaching in a congregational setting and very often we have given those in leadership very little guidance and mentorship in this area.   Seminary training or specific worship leadership training is also not something routinely encouraged by local churches as well.

Why is this?

#1 - We want someone who is TALENTED

*  Sure we would love humility and and love for Jesus and led in the Spirit, but above these often times we prefer someone who can really play an instrument and sing.

#2 - We want someone who looks ATTRACTIVE

* So much is placed upon the "stage" area in worship that congregations want to put the most beautiful and attractive people in those roles so that they can be seen and draw people to worship or participate.

#3 - We want someone who is TRENDY.

* Music & worship music of today has strayed from reverence and fear and wonder of God to a trendy place where the atmosphere is a place to gather and listen / sing along with a very cool praise band.


Now if someone is talented, attractive, and trendy AND has a heart for the Lord, humility and a passion for Jesus and leading people into His presence - praise the Lord!  But these are not the characteristics the Apostle Paul has in mind for the people of God.

We see a different standard in Philippians 2:3-5

3Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,a

God and God centered people should not focus on anything except delighting in the Lord and honoring Him in ALL we do.  Our ambition is to glorify God and bring the people of God together as one to praise Him as fully as He deserves.

What then should we look for in our worship leaders?

#1 - We want someone who LOVES Jesus as fully as they are able.  

* Look for someone who grows in the Word, serves and lives out the Great Commission, and is active in their faith.  

#2 - We want someone who holds to the mind of Christ and the truth of God's Word.

* Singing words that will be repeated over & over in the minds of our church family should resonate with God's Word.   That is the takeaway and worship leaders need to KNOW God's Word.

#3 - We want someone who is HUMBLE.   

#4 - We need someone who is DISCERNING.

* A worship leader should know what a song is saying, and whether it is faithful to God's Word and what message it gives the the congregation.   Knowing when to say no to a song is so important, and not just because they don't enjoy the melody!

* Pray for, seek out a worship leader who desires no hint of selfish ambition.  All the attention, all the applause, all the glory goes to the One who deserves it.  Jesus.   Not some of it, not most of it but all of it.   Humility looks to bring the people of God to the feet of Jesus to lay all praise, honor and glory to Him as He most richly deserves.

So in the coming weeks we will be diving into worship songs that are popular or being sung often in congregations around the world.   As we prayerfully see how God's truth resonates in these lyrics I pray it will be a challenge and a wake up call for worship leaders to know the theology behind the words and be led in discernment and the truth in God's word if they will continue to worship to these songs.

Requests are welcomed!

Next Week's Song:  "The Goodness of God"

In Him,

Rev. Dwight Hedges

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