I Hate Churches That Are A Concert

So now that I have your attention. Sorry for lying to you. Well... It's not a complete lie. I really used to think that way.

I grew up in small, traditional styles of churches. So the first time I visited a large "mega-church" style, I was thrown off. It seemed counterintuitive to what I had been taught and grew up in.

Now some other history about me. I am a musician. I played some larger concerts. A couple stages at a festival a few times. I have been to numerous concerts. Spent time in the pit at hardcore shows. I loved that stuff. I promoted shows myself with loud music and lights and all that. So my confusion of this in church was not based on my dislike for that stuff in general. But my upbringing said that that stuff didn't belong in church.

Years after this first visit to that church, I found myself in the middle of immense hardship and invited to join a friend back at this church. And even through the U2 song that was being played on stage (I really do dislike U2 so this was probably Jesus proving a point to me..) I heard truth that day. 7 months later, I was surrendering my whole life to Jesus. 4 months after that I was joining the team at that church.

After 2 months of standing on stage being a choir boy, the Lord said something to me. He said "Where'd you go?". As I stood there with my Florida Hardcore black on black telecaster with my long braids that always used to be flying as I stood on so many stages, I reverted to "This is church. I shouldn't be having fun." In that moment, Jesus shook me and said, "I made you to love this. Now use it all for me."

I never looked back. All my energy, talent, passion was now for Him. All the things I loved and only knew how to use for me, were now for Him. All of my love for the stage and my crazy energy that came out on stage, was all for Him.

So back to the title. Why do we hate this expression in a church setting? Why do lights and high energy, and expressing singing gifts and guitar talent push us to "This church is just a big show. I hate it." We are okay with that expression at a Christian concert. But in the church we are supposed to stand quietly. In the church where we should give Him all our praise, we become quiet little birds. In worship where we should be shouting His name in adoration and joy, we stand and stare and we save our energy for yelling at a football game later that afternoon.

The point I am making is not to say that loud music and flashing lights is a necessary thing. It is not to say that every church needs to look like that. It is not to say that every church needs to have a metal band on stage. But it is to say 2 things.

1. Quit looking at that expression of love to Jesus as less than yours. Just because something may look flashy does not mean it is people showing off how awesome THEY are. Sometimes sure. But what if the majority of people are so enthralled with His presence and power in their lives that they want to show off how great HE is? Some people do get trapped in self in those context. No doubt. But you can come talk to me about it when you stop trying to show off your brand new suite or your fancy hat when you enter church on Sunday morning. You showed up to be seen. Not to worship.

2. I see you. Standing like a statue on Sunday morning. Staring daggers through the worship team and pastor. Not even willing to sing the song or say amen. Then you head off to watch your football team or basketball. Or you go to whatever your thing is. Cheering on each other at the Crossfit gym. It's not that you don't have passion and energy. You just don't have any to reserve for the one who saved your soul. I know that is harsh. But I wonder sometimes. Why are we willing to give everything else our best? I'm not saying you need to incite the mash pit at your church, but I would challenge you to come fully ready to worship the almighty. Whatever that looks like. Do you attend a more traditional style service? I want those hymns sung at the top of your lungs. Are you at a more contemporary, high energy service? Bring your all for the one who gave His all. That's all.

The point is not the lights. The point is love, passion, gratitude, and awe for the almighty. I just so happen to like it with lights, loud music, and arms raised high. I'm fine if that's not your jam. But lets stop assuming that the energy is fake or all for show. You might learn something.