It's not working! Somebody do something! The worship leader is irritating! The people on the mics are irritating! It's too long! Bring back devotion! It's a show! I don't like the music! Etc, etc, etc.
These are just some of the responses I've heard down through the years regarding the Praise and Worship segment in many of our churches. Whenever I am invited to do a workshop, it's one of the hottest topics. People want answers to their Praise and Worship problems. My first question to everyone is, "Why did you feel the need to start a praise team?" Many cannot answer this question with certainty. Most of the time it is because of what was seen at someone else's church. That is a problem. What might work for one doesn't always work for the other.
Here are some of the other reasons Praise and Worship may not be working at your church:
1. Lack of Understanding
The teaching from the pulpit, if any, doesn't under gird the understanding and expectation of Praise and Worship. If the Praise and Worship segment is to be effective, there must be teaching from your Pastor or Minister of Music. Congregations are more likely to do what they've been taught from the Bible than some random admonishment from a worship leader. Many congregations do not understand the power and purpose of Praise and Worship. They look at it as just another part of the program instead of a possible encounter with God.
2. Poor Song Selections
The song selections may not match the purpose and mission of Praise and Worship. The Praise and Worship moment is at its height when the chosen music directs people to the greatness and Spirit of God. The songs should cause us to sing unto God, our Father. Sometimes leaders make the mistake of inserting songs that talk about God instead of songs that talk to God. The music should cause the congregation and singers to shift the focus off themselves. When this happens, God promises, in His Word, to inhabit our praises (Psalm 22:3). For example, "How Great Is Our God," is a Praise and Worship song. It causes us to focus on the greatness of God. "We're Gonna Make It," by Timothy Wright, is not a Praise and Worship song because it's a song of encouragement unto the people. This type of song would fit better later in the worship service. If you structure your worship so that you sing "up" to God first and then later on in the service sing "out" to the people, you will yield a greater result with your congregation.
3. Bad Song Leaders
Many of our churches are suffering from bad song leaders. Bad song/worship leaders tend to carry some of the same traits:
1. They're not worshippers themselves. They tend to admonish everyone else to worship, but do not demonstrate expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God themselves. It's self-centered worship.
2. They're not personable people. They don't spend time with the people they serve. People tend to follow someone they like. If one is leading others in the worship of God, they need to be authentic and likable.
3. They tend to sing solo during every Praise and Worship song. When I say sing "solo", they're not leading others in the singing of songs but rather treat the congregational moment as a solo opportunity for themselves to shine.
4. They tend to misquote Scripture and use cliche worship phrases most of the time. Great worship leaders are great students of not only music but Scripture. They spend time with God and with the people. They know how to affect people because God is using them to do so. When one is armed in Scripture and in prayer, one is equipped for battle. In this case, the battle can be inviting or teaching others via Scripture about the importance of Praise and Worship.
4. Poor Background Singers
I, personally, do not believe in Praise Teams anymore, but I am a proponent of Praise and Worship. I believe that everyone in the building is the "praise team", not just the people on the mics. However, if you're going to have people on individual mics, they need to come correct. Bad singers on microphones create a poor representation of the music presented unto God and His people. I don't care how anointed a song is. If the singers are bad, the people are going to have a hard time getting into the presence of God.
5. Not Knowing When To Quit
If you're a leader and your Pastor has charged you with leading the congregation in Praise and Worship, you have to know when to quit. If you submit yourself to the Spirit of God, "He", the Spirit, will tell you. Carrying on and on can be damaging to the atmosphere especially when you're operating in the flesh. There are many times when the Spirit of God is moving and He calls for a continuation. However, there are many times when He calls for an ending. One must know the difference. Sometimes you learn it through trial and error. The best teacher is the Holy Ghost. The lesson you don't want is the people looking at you in disgust because you won't quit.
I know there are other reasons why Praise and Worship may not be working at your church but I can guarantee you if you address these 4 core issues mentioned above, you will see a dramatic turn in your corporate worship experience.
