The Leading of Worship

Worship and Praise : Too many roses not enough swords October 2, 2009

I recall a conversation with Charles Ciepiel I had some time ago. We were discussing how often people walk out of a church without a sense of going into battle. I’ll be touching on how worship is figured into this.

It is true that worship services should help to bring the congregation to a place where the intimate Love of God is touched. But there are other aspects of God that we need to be intimate with, such as His righteousness in Battle. He is, after all, the Lamb AND the Lion. God is often spoken of as a bridegroom. What would a bridegroom do if his bride was in danger? He would defend her with every thing he has, that includes battle. How many men would be able to pull themselves even further into an intimate place with God if they could be exposed to these other (often neglected) aspects of God?

This isn’t necessarily limited to a male point of view either. Mandy Thompson mentions that many woman feel that worship is too centered on the “touchy feely” side, and she challenges men to “write some manly songs” to sing. You can hear the complete podcast athttp://allaboutworship.com/2009/10/show-notes-for-october-1-2009-manly-worship-round-table/.

Women aren’t excluded from touching this side of God’s character either. Woman have a very strong sense of protection for their family, friends, etc.. I can picture Sarah Renker (the worship leader of the team I am on) singing a song of God defeating our enemies in all of His glory and splendor just as easily as Charles Ciepiel.

The enemy loves when we are distracted, and only focus on one area of our relationship with God; however, when we touch on other areas (such as the Lion side) of God’s character, the enemy trembles.

I’m curious to hear what your thoughts are on this?