Many of us who are a part of an active congregation, or maybe not even, as we can now watch things without actually attending, have now watched or, at some level, possibly even taken part, in online worship since the coronavirus restrictions came into place almost a year ago. We probably all have some dislikes and likes about what we see. Actually, what I have to say can largely apply to in-person worship just as well.
Let me begin at the beginning, with what one sees when one looks at a video screen with worship leaders or a worship team beginning a worship service. In the first place, I think we need to see more smiling and joyful faces up there than we often do. I know it is difficult nowadays as there is so much concentration and focus required to do this well on-line especially, not to mention the practice required, but still…. After all, if we really believe what we say we do and understand why we are there together, it is to praise our God and to encourage us in our lives. At least to begin the worship, we should have some good positive, enthusiastic praise. A smiling face probably makes the music sound more genuine and appealing, and could certainly help lift the spirits of those watching. We need all the help we can get in that area nowadays, with the increasingly drawn out restrictions because with a virus.
Then, when it comes to taking part, we need to have songs so that we can readily learn or sing along with. Some of us find nowadays that so-called contemporary Christian music often seems to be slow and reflective, perhaps aimed at creating a mood or a certain direction of thinking about what one is singing. Sometimes these are songs that have been lifted from a soloist or more competent music ensemble, which those leading the worship have come to appreciate. However, that does not mean they are readily transferable to being sung by the congregation.
Then let me make a remark about what some might refer to as the stage presence, as that is where most worship leaders or teams are seen from nowadays. I think we need to keep the stage and background somewhat uncluttered so that we maintain our focus on worship. I think we also need to take care to see that whatever is on stage or behind it is of some use in reflecting the fact that this is a church congregation at worship, and not just any stage show. Therefore, I think it would be good to have some symbols of our faith evident, be it as simple as a cross.
Given that this is being written in the context of where we have largely been reduced to worshiping online when it comes to the corporate element of that, let me make some remarks about the technology. Most of us probably have no idea of what a learning curve our worship leaders have had to undergo to present what we see on YouTube, Facebook Live, or wherever we are finding our favorite worship service. Our congregations have had to learn what equipment was necessary, how to assemble it together, and learn how to use it effectively. When the worship leaders or team are not simply walking on stage and doing things live, there is a lot of practicing and recording and sometimes piecing things together that needs to be done. This has added a whole another element of time-consuming strain and stress to leading congregational worship that we need to appreciate and give our congregational worship leaders credit and thanks for. Some might have a lot more to say about this then what I have written so far. However, for me, these are some of the main elements that continue to present themselves.
Some might want to ask, what gives me the right to make such comments or suggestions. In the first place, I think we could readily agree that all of us in the congregation or even non-adherent watchers are free to respond as we see fit. However, I do have more than a bit of musical background, from singing in family groups and quartets to a madrigal group and touring and oratorio choirs, as well as conducting and worship leading, but that would be subject for another time.
Meanwhile, let us continue to abide by the biblical injunction that asks us not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, even if it is only online nowadays. We can thank God that we have this technology that allows us to worship together in new ways, and be thankful for those who put so much effort into creating our worship experiences, in spite of the current pandemic.
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