The term "Christian Karaoke" can be tough to swallow for weekend teams and worship ministries. It’s a reminder that we should create the worship experience with those who do not believe in Jesus in mind. Many creative teams around the world use the empty chair policy when creating their worship experiences, which is literally represented by an empty chair at your creative meeting as a visual reminder that we are also creating for the person who is not represented in this meeting. Typically, that empty chair should represent those who do not believe in Jesus.
There are many discussions and many ways that very effective teams use in their experience planning. Here are just 3 simple ways of many you can start today:
3 Ways to Avoid “Christian Karaoke”
1. Be Burdened In Your Planning
Don't forget that there will be people in the worship experience who do not know Jesus. All christians should carry this daily burden. It should be the drive to everything we do. Be burdened for those who are far from God by remembering them in your planning and prayer times. When you plan your set list, the hosting segment, all of the creative elements, whatever it is that you are creating remember that people far from God will be there. We can trust this, the Holy Spirit will move and change lives, let's trust that will happen.
2. It's Not Just a Sing Along Do not do worship songs because it’s what people want to hear or what the band wants to play. Use them with a purpose to add a little perspective to the message and theme of the day. What? You thought because they were written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and performed by Christians the same rules don’t apply anymore? Wrong. Worship’s destination is the feet of Jesus. The celebration should be focused on the real love of Jesus, not the rhythm. The joy should come not from the melody, but from the mystery of how God’s character and works have transformed the worshipper’s life and world. Does that mean you can’t enjoy the words and be moved by the music? Of course not, but this isn’t a sing along – this is worship.
3. Be Intentional With Culture
Do not do "secular” or "cover songs" because it’s what people want to hear or what the band wants to play. Use them with a purpose to add a little perspective to the message and theme of the day. Be intentional with everything you do on the platform. I'm a huge advocate for giving an unchurched non-believer something familiar for 4 minutes because everything else to them will be very unfamiliar. A song they just heard on the radio on the way to church may break a barrier and allow them to be more comfortable for receiving the gospel. It needs to be done the right way, I've personally seen it change lives. Also, another way this method is useful is as a reminder to that day's message when they hear it again tomorrow or following week. Again, I've heard stories of life change from this point of view as well. Be intentional, we are called to be more than just cool.
You have the ability to make your experiences more than just another concert or “Christian Karaoke” – what are you planning this Sunday?
