Performance music vs worship music: How should we draw the line

There is beauty in offering praise to God through the timeless mediums of psalms and hymns. 

For you, as a worshiper, these expressions provide a means to connect with God, to lay your heart bare in reverence. 

Similarly, if you were blessed with the gift of song and melody within the church, leading others in worship can be a fulfilling ministry. 

It is, after all, a chance to usher fellow believers into the presence of God through music.

However, as a singer or musician entrusted with this responsibility, you may encounter a subtle challenge. 

How do you ensure that your music remains a form of worship, rather than a platform for personal exaltation? 

It is here that the line between creating music for God and indulging in self-gratification can blur.

In this article, we will share insights into distinguishing between performance music and worship music. 

Through a deeper understanding of these distinctions, you can better anchor your intentions. Moreover, you can focus on the divine source of inspiration— God Himself.

Meaning of true worship

Real worship, like the Bible says, isn't just something you do in church. The Bible, in Psalm 150:1-6, tells us to praise God in everything we do. It says, 

"Let everyone who's breathing praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!" 

It means when you love God, you want to praise Him and give Him glory because He's the greatest King and Lord.

Moreover, true worship isn't about having fancy stuff like the best singers, musicians, or high-tech gadgets. It's about praising God from your heart.

Importance of worship music

When genuine worship happens in your church, you will find that the psalms and hymns become even more beneficial for you as a believer.

Here are some of the benefits you can get.

Helps you remember God’s Word

Worship music's significance lies in its capacity to aid memory and preserve God's Word. This is illustrated in Deuteronomy 31. 

In this context, Moses, before his passing, instructs the Israelites to not only verbally convey the Law. He also instructed them to compose a song that encapsulates its teachings. 

The song's melodic and rhythmic qualities enhance memory retention. This ensures that God's instructions remain deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of believers.

Emotionally connects you to God 

Music is a universal language of emotions. It has the power to move us deeply, as seen when David's harp calmed Saul's spirit.

In the story from 1 Samuel, Saul was tormented by distressing and evil spirits. These were sent by God due to his disobedience. During these moments of anguish, Saul's servants sought a solution to ease his suffering.

David, a young shepherd and musician, was brought before Saul. His music then served as a balm for Saul's troubled spirit.

With this being said, music is meant to stir emotions, especially religious affection. Although your emotions may vary, it is a way to express your strongest feelings toward God.

Unites believers

Music brings people together in various settings, from rock concerts to weddings. When you sing together, you uniquely share thoughts and emotions. 

In the context of the church, this unity holds great significance. Singing alone or as a soloist can also honor God. But the Bible emphasizes believers singing together. 

It is because when you sing together, you become part of a larger harmonious expression of faith.

Performance music vs worship music

You should cultivate genuine worship within your churches to experience these advantages.

To achieve this, you must initially discern the distinction between performance music and worship music.

Focus is on musicians vs God

In performance music, the focus tends to be on showcasing the skills and abilities of the musicians themselves. 

It can lead to a self-centered approach where the spotlight is on the performers rather than on God. 

In contrast, worship music places the focus on God. It aims to honor and connect with Him through song.

For instance, imagine a church service where the band on stage plays skillfully. However, they seem more interested in impressing the audience with their technical prowess. 

In a worship setting, the musicians intend to uplift the congregation's spirits.

Have no regard for the congregation vs leading the congregation 

Performance music might involve singing or playing without engaging the congregation. This creates a disconnect between the performers and the rest of the worshippers. 

Worship music, on the other hand, involves leading the congregation in singing, inviting everyone to participate and join their voices together in worship.

Melody matters first vs words matter

Performance music may prioritize catchy melodies and impressive musical arrangements. This is often at the expense of the meaningfulness of the lyrics. 

Meanwhile, in worship music, the words and the message they convey take precedence. This is with the melody serving to enhance and support the worship experience.

How to be a worshiper instead of a performer

Striving to be a worshiper rather than a performer aligns with God's desire. 

Here’s how you can worship Him through your talents instead of being a self-serving performer at church.

Lead with humility, avoid seeking applause

When you stand before the congregation to sing and play in worship, it is crucial to lead with humility. 

It means approaching your musical talents with a heart that seeks to honor God rather than desiring applause or recognition from others. 

Instead of performing to gain attention, let your focus be on facilitating a genuine connection with Him through your music. 

Practice knowing the song by heart 

Practice is key when it comes to leading worship through song and music. 

While perfection isn't the goal, familiarity with the songs allows you to lead the congregation smoothly. 

By knowing the music and lyrics by heart, you can focus more on the spiritual experience and connecting with God and others, rather than worrying about getting the notes right. 

Let your songs have meaning

The songs you choose for worship play a pivotal role in creating a meaningful experience for the congregation. 

Choose songs with profound lyrics that resonate with the congregation's spiritual journey or connect with the sermon. 

When the lyrics touch hearts and evoke emotions, people can connect more deeply with the worship experience.

Live life with integrity

Worship extends beyond the musical performance— it is also about living a life that reflects your faith. 

Your actions, both on and off the stage, should align with the principles of your belief system. Living with integrity means being honest, kind, and compassionate in your interactions with others.

Encouraging worship music in your church

If you found yourself not just being a part of your church's music team, but sensing that their involvement leans more towards performance rather than wholeheartedly honoring God and guiding the congregation, it's essential to address your concern respectfully.

You can take the initiative to share your thoughts with the worship leader. This conversation should be approached with a genuine desire to enhance the worship experience for everyone involved.

Start by expressing your heart for worship and your eagerness to create an atmosphere that truly connects people with God.

You can then mention your observation about the balance between performance and worship. This is by focusing on the importance of keeping the congregation's spiritual engagement at the forefront.

In your discussion with the worship leader, you might suggest practical steps to foster improvement. 

For instance, you could propose encouraging discipleship among the music team. 

By deepening the team's spiritual understanding and connection with God, the focus can shift from mere performance to leading others in authentic worship.

Another suggestion could involve opening up opportunities for different members of the church to occasionally join the music team. 

Such approach allows fresh perspectives and voices to contribute to the worship. As a result, there would be a diverse and inclusive experience that resonates with a broader range of congregants. 

This way, the worship becomes a collective effort of the entire church body, reinforcing the sense of community and unity.

Psalms and hymns to praise God

The essence of psalms and hymns for worship is to elevate God and lead believers in genuine adoration, not self-promotion. 

Whether on the worship team or in the congregation, focus on God's majesty, love, and biblical truths in your lyrics.

Embrace humility, crafting words that resonate with all, fostering unity. 

Actively engage in worship to create an environment where authentic devotion thrives, enriching the church's spiritual journey.

More from Crossmap:

Believing in suffering: What can we learn from Job in the Bible