Do you treat Worship as an “opening act”? You know, like the band that you didn’t pay to see, but have to sit through until the main event? Do you come to church late so you can miss some of it….or maybe all of it? Do you find yourself hanging in the lobby or by the coffee bar a little longer than normal to try to buy some time?

Maybe you are a pastor and you look at worship as something you have to do before you get your big moment. I’ve watched pastors walk in on the last song and spend half their time talking to other people, while treating worship as a side show.

Worship becomes something like “background music” before the big event.

Pastors – How much importance to you put into the worship time? Do you invest in your musicians and worship leaders? Do you give them opportunities to grow, be challenged and enjoy doing what they do?

Church Congregation -  Do you appreciate the time and effort that goes into preparing 4-5 songs each week? Do you appreciate it enough to show up on time to engage in all parts of it?….maybe even if it’s not your favorite song?

I believe worship is an extremely important part of Sunday morning (let along the life of a Christian). Not only does it set the tone and atmosphere of the service, but it prepares people’s hearts for God to do amazing things in them. I believe that diversity, excellence and excitement should be part of the worship experience. I also believe we can’t sacrifice God’s anointing and His involvement into this important time of the service. I love when the Holy Spirit high-jacks a worship experience and does something totally new.

The Word of God tell us to enter into his presence with praise! There’s a reason we need to do it first and why we don’t want to skip it.

Worship is far more important than an opening act before the big show. Start to engage in it and see what God can do through you and with you in this time (that includes you too Pastor!).

M