An Open Letter to Worship Leaders and Song Writers

A. W. Tozer - "Without worship, we go about miserable."

I have been involved in worship music for over 25 years. I believe there is no higher calling for God's people than to worship Him. So very often we become so encompassed in our worship FOR the Lord we forget our first responsibility and call is our worship OF the Lord. In Acts chapter 13 it was as Paul and Barnabas were worshiping God that he said to the Antioch church, "Separate unto me Paul and Barnabas"

In recent years, we have seen like at no other time in history virtuosity come to the Christian music world. In an age where most listen to music with their eyes, it is a joy to see such a talented and careful group of young musicians and songwriters on the scene. But here is my challenge to the talented songwriters: Write worship songs that are Christocentric!

Last week I went into my local Christian bookstore and asked for the three top worship albums. One album did a very good job at crafting tunes that were indeed directed to God. But unfortunately, the songs weren't very good. On the other side of the spectrum, I listened to a worship CD where the music was excellent but they centered around seeking more blessing, becoming more of a servant, capturing more of God, etc, etc,etc. In one song the writer used the word "I: no less than 55 times! And this from a person who is touring the country right now as a top worship leader!

While there is a place for admonishing ourselves in music to serve more, and to call each other out of complacency and into more of God, I respectfully submit it is not worship. And our spirits are deprived and starving for true worship.

The person of God and him alone is the desire of every person's heart. It is Him we want not what he can do for us.Jesus said, "Come unto Me and I will give you rest". He didn't say "I know where rest is and if you come to me I'll show you where it is!".

Look at the songs of Revelation. Chapter 4:10 "the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 'Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.'"

In Chapter 5:12 hey sang "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!"

The focus is God and not a single mention of "I".

My fear is my challenge will fall on deaf ears but I'll give it any way: Write songs that bring us into His presence, are about Him and to Him. This will not be an easy task but try we must. Let's learn worship Him for what He has already done for us before we start asking for more.

“Worship is first and foremost for His benefit, not ours, though it is marvelous to discover that in giving Him pleasure, we ourselves enter into what can become our richest and most wholesome experience in life.”--Graham Kendrick