THINK OUTSIDE THE
BOX! OR NOT?
Almost
inevitably, worship leaders, are also artists. I would tend to also refer to
pastors as worship leaders since they certainly play a vital role in the
worship gatherings of God’s people, but when we use the term, worship leader,
we are usually referring to those men and women who stand before God’s people
and lead congregations in artistic expression through music, dance, scripture
reading, and drama. As artists then, we are often given the idea that good art
is created by thinking outside the box, the implication being that artists
should not be limited by parameters. On its surface, this idea seems
appropriate and beneficial. Nevertheless, when we realize the foundation of
parameters, it should become evident to us that art is not limited by
parameters but thrives within parameters. I would not deny that artists should
be as creative as possible. I would, however, point to creative parameters as
the enabler of unique ideas, i.e. when we have a set of parameters, we tend to
think more precisely about what we are creating rather than think of only
large-scale structures. Unique art is created with attention to detail. Details
then possess greater overall quality within the context of parameters.
How do we, as worship leaders,
approach this conundrum? Are we to think outside the box, or should we set
parameters for the art we create and through which we lead God’s people in
corporate worship? I would like to suggest four primary reasons parameters are
a good thing for worship leaders and aid in providing clearer and greater
creativity.
Parameters Provide Structure
Humanity
has an innate need for structure. For centuries, societies have thrived with
structure and failed without it. In the context of art, parameters give artists
an opportunity to create with specific guidelines. While thinking outside of
boundaries might be intriguing, boundaries give the artist goals. This concept
does not imply that artists should not seek disparate approaches to creating
the boundaries. In fact, the first step in creating good art is usually to
create good boundaries. Boundaries may certainly be avantgarde, but they give
the artist a chance to pay close attention to detail in the creation of
disparate art.
As worship
leaders, the artistic expressions in which we lead God’s people should serve
primarily as a tool for congregational participation. Nonetheless, there is
room for artistic stretching among a people, i.e. a worship leader should seek
to lead his or her congregation in excellent and yet new artistic creations.
Musically, for example, worship leaders should not be bound by large parameters
but by small ones; small parameters then provide a sense of structure for local
churches and allow God’s people to worship in a given context. This is not to
say we should never deviate from parameters, for if the Holy Spirit
spontaneously leads a worship leader or congregant to leave those boundaries,
we should be obedient. It is to say, however, that structure is necessary for
life and, therefore, for worship.
Parameters Ensure Theological Integrity
Without
parameters, worship leaders might easily grow detached from theological
integrity. A church’s identity is found solely in Jesus Christ; yet, it is the
theological nuances that clarify that identity. What worship leaders say,
teach, and present as artistic expressions of worship are directly linked to the
depth of their congregation. To judge a church’s spiritual depth, observe their
worship practices, most of which stem from worship leaders’ directions. Without
theological parameters, leaders of worship are prone to error. Since much a
local church’s thoughts about God are often derived from her worship practices,
worship leaders should strive for theological excellence and integrity, neither
of which is possible without parameters. Previously, I mentioned the
spontaneity of the Holy Spirit, for doubtlessly, he works in such a manner;
yet, the Spirit also works through planning and parameters. If the Holy Spirit
gives a prompt, worship leaders must be sure to obey. Those prompts, however,
could come at the discretion of boundaries. What parameters do for worship
leaders theologically is ensure precision, accuracy, and integrity.
Parameters Ensure Aesthetic Integrity
Parameters also
ensure aesthetic integrity. Although it seems more creative to think outside
the box, creativity should be applied to the parameters themselves. Artists
should carefully examine how they desire to present art and even more to lead a
congregation to participate in artistic expressions of worship. An old adage states
that less is more; this is often the case with art. Art’s purpose should
usually be narrow and specific, i.e. artists should strive to achieve a defined
purpose; therefore, the aims of an artistic expression should have such a
purpose in mind. Once these artistic parameters are established, the artist may
then seek mechanisms of creativity to achieve the desired goals, thus forming
creative parameters. Worship leaders then attain a catalyst by which to lead
the church in artistic expressions of worship, and it is executed excellently
rather than sloppily with little to no clear goal or vision. God is a God of
order (1 Cor 14:33-40) so worship should be orderly even in its creativity.
Parameters Provide Clear Direction for the Church in Worship
Most of us
do not serve in churches whose congregants possess the skill and ability to
sing well spontaneously. This surely exists in some local churches; I have
experienced worship services in such congregations. For most us, however, our
congregations need guidance and direction, and the more, the better. When I was
younger, I strayed from much structure and direction; worship leadership tended
to be spontaneous and (honestly) sloppy. The older I grow, however, the more
formally I approach worship. I do not mean formal as a musical or aesthetic
style but rather as the manner in which I approach God. The formality of
worship and reverence before holy God demands clear direction. Parameters, as
artists and as worship leaders, employ a trajectory toward such direction. Even
among musically and artistically skilled congregations, parishioners
necessitate direction. Parameters provide clear direction for the church’s
worship.
Acts of Worship Are Founded on Obedience
Part of the
underpinning of Christian worship is obedience. In my finite human mind, I have
presented an argument for parameters, specifically in artistic expressions of
worship. I believe parameters are beneficial, edifying, and helpful to the church
and to her worship practices. Paradoxically, however, God the Spirit guides
churches and worship leaders in the moment. We should always be obedient to the
Spirit’s leadership. In any act of worship, God must be the very foundation
upon whom we rest. No matter the parameters we set and no matter their great
benefits of allowing us to worship creatively, the ultimate parameter is the management
of the Holy Spirit. Within the confides of triune God, there is freedom and
creative artistic expression. Let us, the people of God and worship leaders of
the church, strive for aesthetic and theological excellence within the
parameters to which God himself leads us.
