Chris Tomlin or the Gospel: A Plea to Quit Worshipping Worshippers
Featured, Music — By Russ Masterson on January 13, 2010 at 12:00 pm
The lights dimmed, the entire place went dark. Massive screens across the back of the stage burst with colors. A video began telling the story of the Passion conferences. After a few minutes, the video piece transitioned and powerful words scrolled onto the screens as violins and cellos filled the air.
We are broken, tired, unrighteous, guilty.
Jesus came.
To heal the broken, give rest to the weary, impart His righteousness, and rid our guilt.
The video was more poetic than my little synopsis above and quite moving with the music driving the truth into our hearts. As the final words of this glorious message spread across the screens a few people walked onto the stage in darkness. The crowd was silent. The message was remarkable. I was overwhelmed once again by the God who rescued me from my mess. And then the guy behind me gasped and blurted out, pointing to the stage, “That’s Chris Tomlin!”
I wanted to grab the guy by his preppy collared shirt and shake him, “Were you watching the same video I just saw? Did you hear the good news?! We are healed and provided for, covered and righteous. Who cares if that is Chris Tomlin? Who cares if he has written songs sung by churches around the world?”
I’m sure both Jesus and Chris Tomlin would ache over a person admiring a famous singer rather than the truth that frees us. And I’m sure Tomlin is a nice and decent guy but he is not the reason I exclaim, “My chains fell off, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.”
So who really cares who is behind the guitar?
22 Comments
Do you really think that grabbing a guy by his collar in anger is appropriate, even if it’s only something you imagine doing?
Do you really think that his noticing the identity of the musician is on a par with worshipping him?
I don’t think grabbing him by the collar means anger–it is a passionate appeal to reality. It is as if saying, “Wake up! Our savior is great! Don’t miss that!” That doesn’t imply anger. Jesus turned tables over in the temple. He too, was saying, “wake up!”
Additionally, I find it hard to argue that excitedly pointing to a stage and exclaiming to others that you identify the musician is not more than simply “noticing.” This is an appeal for us to really review what we are most excited about in modern church. Is it REALLY the goodness of our Lord or the great entertainment we have orchestrated?
Russ, thanks for a thought provoking article as always!
Callie:
Agree to disagree. Yeah, we Christians do get our priorities out of order. We are glad about the success of our sports team while there are people, at this moment, buried alive in Haiti. We see a singer we like and get excited about him and forget about Jesus for a second.
I don’t see that this is a serious sin on the friend’s part, and I see Russ’s reaction as a bit on the self-righteous side. Just as Russ is concerned that his friend takes Chris Tomlin too seriously, perhaps it is Russ who takes his friend’s statement too serious. Kinda Phariseeical.
JamesW,
Yes, I tend to be self-righteous, hence why I think the gospel is so wonderful.
best response ever
and also, I was exagerrating to make a point. A part of me thought the same thing as the guy with the preppy collar.
That makes no sense to me. I don’t get your point, then.
Reminds me of when Michael Jackson died. He is the first entertainer I literally felt a good deal of grief for when he died and I did cry. I mean I grew up with the guy’s music and there are many “good times” associated with it. I wrote something up on it. Someone wrote something on idolizing the guy. I don’t know if it was directed to me and didn’t really dwell on it. Just reminded me of assumptions we make.
I wasn’t idolizing the guy. I was very sad because felt in a way he had become a part of my life as I was growing up, even if just through his music. Oh, we had so much fun with some of his music and were truly entertained. I also felt sad that I saw him as an entertainer and forgot that he is human and frail in that sense, like the rest of us. I don’t think I ever prayed for him, not even when all this bad publicity came out. Maybe I did but I don’t remember so. And then I thought of all those people at his funeral saying all these wonderful thinga about him and thought, ‘Where were you all when he was going through his hard times?’ I can ask myself the same in regards to prayers for him. Maybe some were there, I don’t know as I am not generally glued to the tv. I think I do remember Liz Taylor coming to his side. But again, I don’t know what ocurred behind-the-scenes with those that called themselves his friend.
Anyway, didn’t write this in regards to stating whether the exageration was wrong or not. I get that. Just another view of how we can view entertainers and that in essence was my “wakeup call”.
Love in Him,
Jo
Speaking of the pharasitical spirit (spelling?) and Michael (not to mention current affairs and topics), think this one maybe fitting:
Man in the Mirror
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SGeZYednWtI&feature=related
Even as I am not into that whole “Tower of Babel” thing that leaves out Christ for true change and unity, I also know that the heart of the matter is the matter of the heart and God does come into the picture to reveal Himself. Jesus told us where He can be found, also in those in need for He feels more deeply for them than we do. I hear some believers criticize people in the public eye and even though I may not agree with their philosophy and may say so, it is a humbling experience to see them do what we as believers are called to do. God will use to to get his point across.
Love in Him,
Jo
I’m done for the day. I’m done.
I think Chris Tomlin would agree with this blog. In all the interviews I’ve heard with him, even in his Twitter feed, he’s very consistent in putting the focus back on God. I’m fairly sure he would be just as repulsed to hear people worshiping him as you were, Russ.
A lot of musicians do struggle with pride, by the way. I’ve played in a couple of different praise bands and I’m now worship+teaching pastor at my church, and every time, I’ve had to remind my band that it’s not about us and not about our music. I’ve prayed (and, disturbingly, it’s a painful prayer) that God would make me invisible and let all the glory pass through to him. It’s very hard to hear applause, following something that I myself have done, and not want to accept at least a little of the credit for it. I imagine that pastors or speakers or authors probably feel the same way.
I agree with you that idolizing entertainers is a huge problem with all Americans, Christian or not. I just don’t see how this event (noticing who’s on stage) comes even close to worshipping him.
My first experience with Passion (and really with any large Christian “conference”) was in Chicago a few years ago while in college. I then had the opportunity to travel to Uganda 2 summers ago as a pharmacy student to work with local students at the University of Makerere and Mulago hospital. We were in Kampala at the same time as the Passion world tour. A few of the students I was with had planned our trip around this event so we could take part. I’ll be honest, I was less than excited. My previous experience with Passion had left me disillusioned about all of the money that goes into the lights and fog and sound and production of the whole thing. However, to see it in the midst of an impoverished country was another experience all together.
When I saw Passion in Chicago, I wondered if we weren’t just trying to cater the gospel to young adults raised on MTV. I don’t mean to say that the intent of those leading or participating in worship is idolatry. But to a certain degree, I think it is fair to say that some of our popular worship leaders do look a lot like rock stars on stage. All of our expensive lighting and smoke and jumbotrons add to the effect of the entire spectacle. I’ve always been a fan of live music and big concerts, but when seeing it done by a “worship leader” it just seemed to strike a different chord. If I go see a secular concert, I have no doubt that my whole experience is linked to the performance of the band and all of the different effects (lights, smoke, whatever) that shape the way I experience their music. I also have no doubt that the whole point of seeing that particular secular artist live is to watch HIM or HER or THEM. The focus is undoubtedly (and unashamedly) on the performers and their abilities. But when the worship leader is leading us to focus on Jesus while there are 8 spot lights on him and a few dozen more on his band, it gets, well, difficult. (In a similar vein, does anyone know why they show a video of the person praying?) What I can’t help but wonder is if you could get that many young adults together in America to worship the Lord and pray for guidance and direction without all the spectacle.
Passion in Kampala was something different all together. I thought the tour might hold back on some of the more conspicuous displays of wealth and power in a nation where the average person lives on less than a dollar a day. I was mistaken. Passion arrived in full force. My question of whether we showed up in the US to see ANOTHER rock star was replaced with a new question: Were the students at Passion Uganda awestruck by their FIRST glimpse of a rock star? I had the opportunity to speak with many students in the weeks following Passion in Uganda. They were so excited about what had happened and the message they heard. I can’t doubt the earnestness of their desire to know and serve the Lord for a second. But when I think about our rock star worship leaders, I do wonder if we should use such grand spectacles of wealth and power to draw attention Jesus.
I see where you all are coming from in that noticing who is on stage does not equal worship but i dont really think that Russ thinks it is, either. The thing is, when we are really swept away by the truth of the gospel as was presented in the song Chris was singing, its disturbing to hear anyone bring attention to anything other than that truth in that moment. Had the guy had made that comment right at the beginning of the concert, Russ’s response would have likely have been different.
I find myself in similar situations sometimes at church when i’m totally engrossed in worship and a friend next to me who’s mind is elsewhere interrupts to say some remark about nothing in particular and i find myself getting aggravated. Why are they not equally as engrossed? Why did they not notice how much i was enjoying the time with the Lord and WHY did they disrupt that?!
My point is, i think its the context of the situation that makes comments like “look, its chris tomlin” seem bothersome. But honestly, it is only one example of how we do really focus so much on the “entertainer” (aka worship leader). Its a lack of spiritual maturity when that is the focus though, and something to be sad for that the person is missing the point. But yes, it also fuels a righteous anger.
I like it. Good article. The discussions its brought about is great.
Enjoying the continuing discussion. I think all made valid points and think it may just come down to our personal convictions as the Lord would reveal to us.
I remember one time trying to get into more soft music like Michael W Smith. I would jam with Salvador and other artist with more upbeat contemporary music. Seeing how others got into the softer stuff and worship and hearing similar things about it being a rendition of the world I felt I should try and get into the softer stuff. It didn’t do it for me. More brought me to a low. Then I felt as if God were telling me to just go with what does it for me. That if Salvador’s music made me happy and I could praise the Lord with it and such, to continue. So I put the softer stuff away that didn’t do it for me and returned to the upbeat music.
I will say now that I love the softer stuff, and love Michael’s music. He has some awesome songs that really do it for me now, yet I still enjoy more upbeat stuff too. Think this falls in line with the progressive journey.
I’ve heard criticism too with how the church commercializes to cater to the youth. Although at times that may be negative, I have a different view. For instance, my niece was diagnosed with autism at a very young age. Even though she has her challenges, she, thank God, with much prayer and therapy is doing aweseome, is very intelligent, in a public school (although believe she is still accompanied by an aid) and speaks. She is what they term as “high functioning. Her challenges now are more along the lines of social skills and her senstivity level. I did feel God confirmed to me that her sensitivity level is high as I saw these veins like nerve endings coming from her head. Thus, monitoring what she watches, and teaching her in that sense is important.
Anyway, I still remember sis’ call when she discovered the church she attends now. She said, “I never seen anything like this. The youth group is awesome. It is like going into a rock concert and them kids can worship.” The impression I got was not that they are just making alot of noise but worshipping. Then she tells me about this awesome gameroom they have and the story was very touching. How afterwards they went in there and how her daughter loved it and she was astonished that they had a game in there that her daughter loves but is hard to find in other places. It was like she felt it was a sign. You would have had to hear her tell the story of that night. Don’t think my words do it justice.
She has since said her daughter always goes to the alter and she cries and when she returns to her mom asks her mom why is she crying. My sis tells her because the presence of the Lord is very beautiful and moves us.
Anyway, that’s just one story of other marvelous ones.
I do believe you can have both. I think the problem lies more when we make it more about entertainment than the gospel. I don’t know if this is comparing apples to oranges and maybe it is yet will share anyway. Signs and wonders have accompanied some operating under the power of God. There are giftings too, healings and more. These things should lead us to the Source. As with anything, we can get lost in the glitter rather than Jesus. Even so, I know Jesus did not come with outward beauty that we would desire Him for such for real beauty is derived from his essense within.
Can we get the youth to see the beauty in Jesus without all the spectacle? Sure. I just feel as youth, and even us older folks, enjoy things that minister to our souls too, it just needs to be rooted in Jesus.
Wonderful discussion.
Love in Him,
Jo
Want to say one last thing here before I go on a break. Yes, taking a break. Getting behind on some things closer to home while having a long stretch at work, amongst my responsibility as a moderator elsewhere.
I know, I know, very sad. Please, no tears. No tears! I will be back, God willing. Seriously, I can go for a long stretch then need a break to re-engergize and such and although the rest of what I said is true too, that is more my reason.
Anyway, in my previous post here I forgot to say why my sis’ discovery of this church and the things with their youth group was so miraculous. Things have been hard for her, to say the very least, as I feel anyone that has a child diagnosed with autism can relate. And what I love about her is that in her difficulties she sees the hand of God working in their lives in those little things that we tend to miss and take for granted.
She has wanted to get more involved again with the body of Christ, and help her daughters there too, yet with her situation it has been challenging. With everything this church offers it appears to fit in miraculously with what she needed and now both her daughters have made some wonderful friends. This has given her much joy, especially for her the one because her social skills has made it challenging for her in that sense.
Anyway, I think she is a great kid and when I look at her I just see someone who is wired differently than a good deal of us so have learned to adapt to how she processes information and such. But as my sister says, “I am blessed too because other parents’ kids are not high functioning and they got some other real challenges that I don’t so I don’t take lightly theirs and when other teachers and doctors take my child as an example I try to tell them that so they don’t do the same.” Yet I also know that high functioning comes with its own unique set of challenges.
Anyway, thought that was an important element I hadn’t elaborated on. Just another side of the story regarding some things I mentioned, hopefully without dismissing some errors that exist too.
Sometimes I feel like a salmon swimming against the current but I don’t doubt God uses these things in my life and others’ lives, as long as we understand we need to all be rooted in Jesus. As a believer it is ok to swim against the current (unless God says stop because we have left the more essentials behind), as long as we are coming from being rooted in Jesus and understanding that He is the Way, the Truth, the Life and Light (and don’t forget the progressive journey). There are preferences and things that may work more for us personally for whatever reason but when we are in danger of making them the way and endorsing them over Jesus, then God will at times bring in diversity and look to change the landscape to get us back in Christ. For me too.
Thanks and thus far it has been wonderful, even if a little hairly at times.
RUSS! Did you hear me yell for ya? Hopefully I didn’t derail your article too much. I enjoyed it and get it. I feel the same way too when I go into a place and people quote a pastor or speaker often. I quote at times too but talking when it seems they do it more than what the Lord said. I want to say, “But what did Jesus say? Is that what the Lord told you personally?” I mean I get that but wonder if they are just buying into because someone said so.
Adios for now. No tears. No tears! Just need to get through this week.
Love in Him,
Jo
It’s difficult to understand the reaction unless you’re a worship leader. The shear creative genius of an artist can be rather overwhelming to another artist. As a worship leader I integrated many of Tomlins songs into our churches services and came to appreciate not only his songs, but also the giftedness of the man. When I had the chance to personally witness a “concert” it was surreal and as I stated before very overwhelming and I’m sure my reaction would not have been the same had it been another artist covering his song. Worship no, appreciation–without question.
Man, these are great thoughts. Thanks to each of you for adding to the conversation. From reading through I think it’s safe to say we all agree the gospel is wonderful, even if you didn’t like my article.
Chris Tomlin is incredible at what he does. Its God who does the real work during the worship time. I remember how close to God I felt when I worshiped at Creation East. I worked as a volunteer and it was really sad to see people really get caught up in the lights and sound and product they buy when it comes to that kind of commercialized worship setting. It makes me really treasure the worship time I get to have at my church.
The way I relate to what you are saying here is this: I teach (youth groups and Sunday School) 3 times a week and also occasionally speak to organizations on faith issues. When I feel like I’ve served well is when people talk about “wow, God!” issues afterward or just want to talk more about their own faith/journey issues. When I feel like a colossal, abysmal failure is when people pat me on the back and tell me what a “nice job” I did or what a “great person” I am.
The focus should be on the Lord, and on the message, not the messenger. I don’t really read you as a Pharisee here.