Worship Thoughts
Saturday, November 15, 2008 at 7:56PM
Danny Daniels, Scott Underwood, Carl Tuttle, and Cindy Rethmier- Lowell, MA 1997
It is pretty amazing to see what has taken place in the area of worship since I began leading in 1976. We definitely knew then that we were on to something. We hoped to see worship impact people all over the earth. It certainly has, but I don't think any of us foresaw what has taken place. Many are quick to argue that 'worship is more than singing songs'. I will easily concede that. Of course it involves more than singing songs, but songs are the most visible and arguably the most influential aspect of what has emerged in worship. Songs embed ideas, truths and important doctrinal ideas in the lives of Christ followers.
You would be hard pressed to find an appropriate comparison to how worship has spread throughout the earth like it has through the songs that have been written and recorded over the last 30 years. One of the early examples of this is the way the song Seek Ye First spread all over the world and made its way into worship services in dozens and dozens of countries. A simple chorus, which by the way is one of the things critics have to say about modern worship; they say, "It's too simplistic." Yet in the case of this song, its message can't get any more profound, or have a greater impact if followed. To take issue with this song is to take issue with some of the most profound and clear teachings of Jesus: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything else will be added to you." Does it need to me more complex than this? Does it need to be arranged musically in such a way that is more sophisticated or challenging? Or is it okay to be placed in a simple melody, that is accessible to the masses? I think you know what I think. Worship should be accessible, melodies attainable and songs singable. Look at the top CCLI songs. They virtually all have these characteristics and attributes, which may not be as interesting to the skilled musician, but can be compelling and inclusive for the skill level of the congregation.
In the early 80's, I was stunned to hear that my song, Hosanna, was being sung at a massive gathering of Catholics in the Louisiana Superdome. As far as I know, it was only on one recording at the time. We have seen the same thing with songs like Shout to the Lord, How Great Is Our God, The Lord Reigns, and Breathe. I could go on and on and on. It's like the message is being carried on the wings of angels!
The impact is astounding! When I first started 'leading worship', we didn't even have a name for it. There weren't a lot of churches using "worship teams." Now you can hardly find a church that doesn't have a worship team. It has been an amazing thing to watch, even more to participate in.
Yes, worship has become an industry, and yes, it has been tainted by commercialism. Okay, so what? I have decided to follow the Apostle Paul's example in Philippians 1. Some were preaching the gospel with wrong motives. Paul was just glad the gospel was being preached. "What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached." I'm just glad the church is gathering and connecting to God by lifting their hearts to heaven with adoration, joy, thanksgiving, praise, and reverence.
There is something so wonderful about gathering together and corporately expressing our hearts to God; it transcends the reality of this world and ushers us into the reality of the Kingdom.
Blessings to all!
Carl Tuttle
Reader Comments (4)
This is so right on. I think of all the rules and some of the sounds I hate today but it is worhsip and it is getting out there. I have to admit I hate the newbee who feels the need to sing very loud and use too much guitar. I wish they would sit a little bit at the elders feet ( not that I am indicating you are elder).
By the way, I forgot to mention, that I was at that 1997 Lowell confernence with five of my children and it was unbelievable.
Carl,
Thanks for sharing this. Being a newer generation of where only worship teams have existed I appreciate the beginnings of it all and the thread that God has sown through it, in the way worship goes beyond borders, denominations etc.
I found your site through the piece you wrote on your perspective of Vineyard History and appreciate you sharing that. Being part of the Vineyard from "beyond the borders" you can appreciate how far away my location is but how close Vineyard worship is to me.
For the King!
Neal
"Worship should be accessible, melodies attainable and songs singable. Look at the top CCLI songs. They virtually all have these characteristics and attributes, which may not be as interesting to the skilled musician, but can be compelling and inclusive for the skill level of the congregation."
Dear Carl,
The insight and wisdom of this statement is only exceeded by it's truth and fact.
I was raised in the 1950's/1960's Catholic Church. I came to Jesus as my Savior at age 19 in a little baptist church in the south in 1975. I finally engaged the Lord at His "Throne of Worship" in song through Vineyard worship recordings beginning in 1991. Since then I have spent countless hours in songs of worshiping our God at home and in church and have participated as a worship team member playing drums.
I can not sing my way out of a wet paper bag.
In the early years I became frustrated trying to engage those "horizontal songs about God" sing those "unreachable" notes of traditional hymns, where my wife actually would laugh at me in church ( And I think dogs howled too ). Then, for me, came the songs of the Vineyard Christian Fellowship ministries. I found a place where I could actually sing without fear of embarrassment. I could focus on what it was truly about, pouring out my heart to God as never before. I noticed EVERYONE else was in church was "there" as well. I believe God was blessed and "Inhabiting the praises of His people". When I am in a church where the worship leader and team are putting on their own personal concert of musical skill set demonstrations, I am saddened, frustrated and a bit angered. I look around and NO ONE is engaged, they are just watching the show and God is ignored and the building might as well be empty.
I believe every worship song writer, leader and team member in the world should heed the words of the aforementioned quote, then God will always occupy His rightful place in our services, on His throne being worshiped in song by all of us. Thank you for serving Him.