When Worship Becomes a Noise Pt 1

I recently attended a worship concert that left me unsettled. While the talent of the worship leaders was impressive, I found myself disturbed by the overwhelming loudness and prominent rhythms that overpowered the whole affair. I enjoy creative musical expression in worship, but this felt like a rock concert rather than an intimate communion with God.

In my opinion, worship music should invite us into a reverent, focused connection with the divine. But increasingly, many worship services seem to prioritize high energy and constant musical climaxes over any sense of spiritual centeredness. Syncopated rhythms and loud instruments can work people into a frenzy, but is that the same as truly touching someone's soul?

The Bible reminds us that God looks at the heart, not outward displays. As 1 Samuel 16:7 says, "Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I worry that our modern worship services appeal more to "itching ears" than hungry hearts longing for genuine encounter (2 Timothy 4:3).

Of course, musical and stylistic preferences are subjective. But I long for more moments of quiet reflection and simplicity in our worship gatherings. Times when the instruments fade away and voices commune gently, like desperate lovers sharing their hearts. Spaces to get lost in the beauty of God's presence, forgetting the flash and cleverness of performance.

As Psalm 46:10 encourages, "Be still, and know that I am God." But stillness and intimacy require intention. Disciplined worship leaders understand that their role is not to showcase their talent but to usher people into communion with the Holy Spirit. This requires thoughtfulness - an attentiveness to the atmosphere they are co-creating with the congregation.

Disciplined worship leaders understand that their role is not to showcase their talent but to usher people into communion with the Holy Spirit. This requires thoughtfulness - an attentiveness to the atmosphere they are co-creating with the congregation. Loud noises and catchy rhythms may generate passing excitement, but they often drown out the still, small voice many long to hear.

Loud noises and catchy rhythms may generate passing excitement, but they often drown out the still, small voice many long to hear. As 1 Kings 19:11-12 reminds us, God's voice is not always found in spectacle and clamor: "And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire, a still small voice."

My hope is that we can remember the "why" behind our worship. We want to humbly meet with God, not passively consume an energetic show. We want music that makes space for spiritual connection, not just impresses with its crafted complexity. For when worship becomes mere noise, we risk losing sight of the One we long to encounter.