Rock shows and corporate worship
Last night, I went up to the Grog Shop in Cleveland to see MUTEMATH with my buddy, Josh Atkins. So, after an amazing bite at Dibella’s, we headed up to wait in line outside in some rain to get the best spot possible to see this band.
By the time we were inside, my feet were already killing me. As the people continued to pour in, the AC in the room was rendered useless and the small venue became a sweat lodge. Out anticipation was turning to frustration as the clock continued to tick past the supposed start time. I was hot, sweaty, thirsty, impatient, and my feet were so stinking sore!
Then, the LED stage lights kicked on. We could here live percussive instruments behind us… behind the entire crowd. It was Mutemath… they were all donning drums and random thing to beat on and were marching in to their own cadence. As they made their way to the stage, I forgot about the sweat on my face and the pain in my soles. The show was on!
This was our third time seeing MM and let me tell you, these guys put on a killer show regardless of the venue size. High energy… high talent and skill… high volume… and plenty of “unexpected” moments. These guys put their blood, sweat, and tears into every performance.
As they continued to blast on into their set. I realized something really cool was happening all around us. It’s something that happens at any good rock show. The line between the stage and the crowd floor was disappearing… the show wasn’t just MM performing… the show was all of us in that room together. This revelation was also exaggerated by the fact that they were on a small stage not 2 feet high and close enough to touch. During various songs, different members of the crowd (myself and Josh included) started some clapping rhythms that carried through the crowd. In one particular song, Paul (vocals and keyboards) pulled out this strange, electronic instrument he made that has a finger pad that manipulates a tone… he held it out to the crowd and those of us close enough got to try it! Water was flung from the stage to an appreciative, sweaty crowd several times… I think a couple times I actually got hit with a little sweat from one if not all of those dudes.
Why is all this stuff so amazing? Why do we get so jacked to go to the show of our favorite bands? Why is it any better than just listening along in the car or even watching a live DVD?
The answer is really simple: when you’re there, YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF! It’s about making memories… living in moments… experiencing something you love in a new way! It’s about community… coming together as a crowd… joining as one voice… singing or shouting at the top of your lungs. It’s about collectively throwing your fist in the air to the same beats!
Maybe you can see where my thoughts were going…
I’m a worship leader by trade. My job is leading people in corporate worship. I’m always looking for better ways to describe why we worship together. Why do we SING together in church? Why do we use lights, guitars, drums, keys, screens, etc.? Why not just do these things on are own, in private without all the ‘EXTRAS”. Why do I try to facilitate memorable experiences in the process?
I think it’s nearly the same answer as above. I’ll just go ahead and pasted it again:
The answer is really simple: when you’re there, YOU ARE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF! It’s about making memories… living in moments… experiencing something you love in a new way! It’s about community… coming together as a crowd… joining as one voice… singing or shouting at the top of your lungs. It’s about collectively throwing your fist in the air to the same beats!
I just need to add one thing to that answer. We do all the above in the name of JESUS! I would think that we would get even more excited to be a part of worshiping the Lord for who He is and what He has done than we would for just a rock concert. But… do we really get that excited when we gather for worship? Let’s change that together. This might be a good chance to start: Night of Worship
Jesus said that where 2 or 3 are gathered, He is with them. Let’s make it a lot more!
