what to do about members not wanting to worship God

[Gina3]

Hello

Everyone  I have not writted anything in while.  However, you all seem to give some good advice.  I play for a small baptist church. I came from an assemblies of God church but had to leave.  Right now the church that I am playing for does not know how to worship God.  Whenever, I am exalting the name of Jesus they look at me like I am crazy.  The choir members dont seem excited about God at all to me. I have been praying for the Lord to send me some where else so I can experience corporate worship again.  When I was at the other church the spirit would come in and take over.  Now at this church it is just dead and traditional.  I feel like I need to stay and work with them.  I dont want to give up on them. Do anyone have any suggestions?  thanks

[betnich]

My thoughts -

1 - There will always be some who will not want to express worship openly. Always. Sitting like bumps on a log. Nagging them won't help - it's just their style. This is just as true in Charismatic/Pentecostal circles as in Catholic or mainline Protestant churches. Encourage them as much as you can in your position. Some may warm up eventually, but don't count on all of them doing so. Look to please the Lord, not man, in your worship.

2 - Have you discussed this w/your Senior Pastor/Minister? How does he/she feel about it? Does the leadership have doctrinal/cultural issues? Doing so will help to ensure that you are on the same page regarding worship...

[hardheaded]

I preached a sermon this past 2nd Sunday on Worship and coming into contact with the glory and i noticed a lot of people really didn't seem to feel what I was saying, I asked one of the people I noticed what she thought about my sermon and she said "It was good but didn't really apply to me I'm not really into worship im more into praise"  The problem I think is that not enough people know what worship truly is.  A lot of people think worship is a style of music, or thinks worship is for a particular type of people the way I see it is until we can train people to understand what worship truly is and how to worship we are always gonna have those people who just can't seem to get involved in corporate worship

p.s. I gave that sister a copy of the dvd from my sermon and told her to pay attention to it and she came back with a very different attitude about worship

[fmason3]

Are they not worshipping the way you're used to seeing people worship? 

[jayvee]

Hello,
I'm having the same problem at my new church.  The Pastor and I sat down and discussed this on the other day and discovered he's been having this problem for a while.  One of the reasons I was hired is because he could tell I have a passion for Praise and Worship.  They've never had a M.O.M. to nurture that realm of their Music Ministry.  The Pastor advised of always being the one to lead the "Worship" experience until I got there; now he has some help.  It was good that the Pastor and I are on the same page because we were able to set some goals together.  We are going to offer a Praise & Worship Workshop, for the entire church body, in an effort to teach the difference between the two.  I am going to revamp our Praise Team to include more of our diverse praisers and worshippers (having the vocals won't be a problem / Praise God).  We are not going to force anything on the people but we are going to introduce "true worship" to them.  Everybody can Praise, but everybody can't Worship.  Worship symbolizes Relationship and needless to say, this leaves a few of the "church members" out.  I find a lot of folks hide behind worship because it's more upbeat and the music helps them get their groove (dance) on during service.  It's not just that, but it's easier for everyone to feel a part because they can maintain their composure, whereas worship tends to wreck you at times...some folks aren't comfortable with the postures or dispositions of worship.  There are different reasons some don't get into or connect with worship.  It's funny because you'll find some worshippers that don't like the praise portion...

This is not to judge anyone, just keeping it real.  We must realize we all are on different levels.  It's for us to reach and teach those that are under our leadership. 

Much Brotherly Love,  Bro. J. Lewis

[vtguy84]

My thoughts -

1 - There will always be some who will not want to express worship openly. Always. Sitting like bumps on a log. Nagging them won't help - it's just their style. This is just as true in Charismatic/Pentecostal circles as in Catholic or mainline Protestant churches. Encourage them as much as you can in your position. Some may warm up eventually, but don't count on all of them doing so. Look to please the Lord, not man, in your worship.

2 - Have you discussed this w/your Senior Pastor/Minister? How does he/she feel about it? Does the leadership have doctrinal/cultural issues? Doing so will help to ensure that you are on the same page regarding worship...

I will cosign this statement.

[kodacolor]

I understand if there are people in the congregation who don't want to do all that singing and dancing.  If they're worshiping in their hearts that's fine.  However in the choir and praise team...I'd expect someone to be singing at least.  Dancing, imo, is optional in a ministry focused on singing.  Maybe since you've been at a church were the spirit had room to take over maybe you were sent there to teach this church a thing or two. 

Idk.  I'm no prophetess.  Keep praying.  (apparently I'm not help either.  Lol)

[Gina3]

thank you for your opinions and advice.  I just feel like people come to church for the wrong reasons.  I am understanding now that all people dont have the same relationship with God as I do.  If people had praised and worship God on a regular basis, it would show during church services because it's something you cant deny.  Someone asked if I was expecting them to worship like the other church did.  I am serious yall.  They just sit there and look.  Some may clap and that's it.  I have never ever seen anything like it.  I leave church feeling empty.  I am just tired of feeling that way.  Right now, I have been sowing a seed at another church.  I lead worship before Bible Study and the people get involved in experiencing God.  The pastor is not paying me but I feel sometimes you have to sow seeds and continue in God's Ministry.  If people really understood God's sacriface and Mercy towards us they would not be able to contain it, but I guess if they are not mature in the Word and have relationship with God. I will just have to keep trying to teach the meaning of WHY we praise during service. 

[vtguy84]

Please understand that just because you don't see the outward expression does not mean that they are not energized in God.  I know people who do not have a lot of outward expression, however have a strong faith in the Lord.  Please do not get hooked on outward expression as a test of the waters.  You just do what God wants you to do and don't worry about the others.

[fmason3]

Please understand that just because you don't see the outward expression does not mean that they are not energized in God.  I know people who do not have a lot of outward expression, however have a strong faith in the Lord.  Please do not get hooked on outward expression as a test of the waters.  You just do what God wants you to do and don't worry about the others.

You said it doc.  But so many people believe that the Holy Spirit isn't present in a service unless people are crying and snotting all over everything and speaking in tongues that no one understands.  In the bible, excitement was never a test of whether or not someone was truly worshipping God.  It should not be said that those that are super outwardly expressive are on a higher level in their relationship with God.  Where is the biblical proof for that?  Why do people look for so much outward expression?  Jesus condemned the Pharisees for seeking after a sign (Matt. 12:39).  "For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7)

[sjonathan02]

You said it doc.  But so many people believe that the Holy Spirit isn't present in a service unless people are crying and snotting all over everything and speaking in tongues that no one understands.  In the bible, excitement was never a test of whether or not someone was truly worshipping God.  It should not be said that those that are super outwardly expressive are on a higher level in their relationship with God.  Where is the biblical proof for that?  Why do people look for so much outward expression?  Jesus condemned the Pharisees for seeking after a sign (Matt. 12:39).  "For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7)

And, there it is.

[under13]

You said it doc.  But so many people believe that the Holy Spirit isn't present in a service unless people are crying and snotting all over everything and speaking in tongues that no one understands.  In the bible, excitement was never a test of whether or not someone was truly worshipping God.  It should not be said that those that are super outwardly expressive are on a higher level in their relationship with God.  Where is the biblical proof for that?  Why do people look for so much outward expression?  Jesus condemned the Pharisees for seeking after a sign (Matt. 12:39).  "For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart" (1 Sam. 16:7)

Try telling that to some hardcore Pentacostals.............

[fmason3]

Try telling that to some hardcore Pentacostals.............

I would.  In love of course.

[raegenius]

What is worship? How can you worship without speaking(hallelujah, which is the highest praise) or raising your hand(shabach etc.)? Yes God can read your mind, but I know he's more deserving than that.

[raegenius]

Whoops I forgot to leave my suggestion. Like what was said early

2 - Have you discussed this w/your Senior Pastor/Minister? How does he/she feel about it? Does the leadership have doctrinal/cultural issues? Doing so will help to ensure that you are on the same page regarding worship...

I believe it is necessary to know the stance of the church re it doctrinal issues on the topic(for example quakers don't speak at all). If it is inline with your (biblical) beliefs then pray about it and try to bring about change through educating the members. I don't know why u went there, but God knows!!! Leaving is a last resort(if it should even be one).

[SisterT]

Praise is either manifested or seen. Expressions of praise is outwardly visible. However, worship can be "quiet". If a person has a relationship with God, that person won't have a problem showing praise. And honestly, I can't see a person truly worshipping if they have never really praised.

Gina, talk with your Pastor about "teaching" worship. If you are at a traditional church, that church may not have ever gotten teaching as it relates to worship. Coming from a stern traditional background, I know this is possible.

I was MOM at a traditional Baptist Church. The Pastor asked me to begin a time of Praise and Worship. I sprung it on the congregation one Sunday and they looked at me like I was crazy. But I didn't allow their stares to stop me. But also, I conducted a week long conference which taught indepthly on praise and worship. You got to teach folks from the Word of God where they need to be.

[under13]

Praise is either manifested or seen. Expressions of praise is outwardly visible. However, worship can be "quiet". If a person has a relationship with God, that person won't have a problem showing praise. And honestly, I can't see a person truly worshipping if they have never really praised.

Gina, talk with your Pastor about "teaching" worship. If you are at a traditional church, that church may not have ever gotten teaching as it relates to worship. Coming from a stern traditional background, I know this is possible.

I was MOM at a traditional Baptist Church. The Pastor asked me to begin a time of Praise and Worship. I sprung it on the congregation one Sunday and they looked at me like I was crazy. But I didn't allow their stares to stop me. But also, I conducted a week long conference which taught indepthly on praise and worship. You got to teach folks from the Word of God where they need to be.

So is clapping your hands and shouting etc the only praise we have? Can it be considered praise, to give to the poor,  help those less fortunate, and sharing what God has blessed you with, with others? Are those things not an expression of grattitude to God for what he has giving you?

Thanks in advance.

[kodacolor]

So is clapping your hands and shouting etc the only praise we have? Can it be considered praise, to give to the poor,  help those less fortunate, and sharing what God has blessed you with, with others? Are those things not an expression of grattitude to God for what he has giving you?

Thanks in advance.

This kinda reminds me of another thread:
http://www.learngospelmusic.com/forums/index.php/topic,59923.0.html

[tobiustobi1]

Hello all, I'm new to this forum thing...been in Music Ministry for 9 years and I just wanted to quickly reply, its simply...sing where your tessitura is. 

Someone stated earlier on in the post, usually there is a need for Tenors in the choir, so I probably would have that gentleman stay in Tenor section...but if I needed someone to get up there, let him do it from time to time but positioned in the tenor section.

Shoot I have enough problems with my Tenor section, as I have mainly Baritones.....ahhh, help me Lawd.

[tobiustobi1]

sorry, i replied in the wrong post.