The congregation I am a part of [in the midwest] would be a 6.

I was talking with some worship leaders this weekend. Although I maintain that the leader is responsible to set the pace and the example, they pointed out how difficult it is to be enthusiastic when the congregation has a "funeral-esque" demeanor. So, how much of the responsibility rests with the leader, and how much is on the congregation to come prepared and to "give"? After all, there will always be ups and downs and we won't always be joyful. Yes, we need to be more transparent. But the point is, how do we overcome the "funeral" atmosphere as being the norm?

I would rate my congregation (a small C of C of around 150 members) at around a 4. So many of our members have spent most of their life (and thats a long time) singing in the funeral-esque maner, that they don't know HOW to sing jubilantly. I have tried, especially lately, to really model a jubilant spirit while leading, and it hasn't seemed to help much. What it seems like is that I need to teach them how to enjoy singing praises before they can just do it. It is very hard for me, because I am fairly young, and I grew up loving to sing praise songs. In fact, it also seems that the C of C's in my area are in a large worship transition generationally. It is so well defined here that I can almost pinpoint the generation where worship means something different. In my experience, it seems as though most in their 20's and 30's (increasingly as people are younger) define worship as uptempo, contemporary, direct converstion with God, where you see things like (clapping, raising hands, even choreography in youth settings). As oposed to most people who are older, who enjoy maybe a couple of praise songs at the beginning of the service (which consist of 728b, and others like it). These people seem to enjoy getting strait to the calm and reflective songs where they can meditate on the words. Now some would argue that both groups are missing a what the other group has to offer. Know what you know about our dynamic in this area, how would you suggest getting rid of the "funeral" atmosphere?

Ben,

To answer your question about how to change the funeral atmosphere, I would suggest it begins with your leadership teaching about it. It has to be clear what God expects and the leaders should teach and prepare the congregation. We serve a RISEN savior, therefore we should not act as if Jesus is still in the tomb.

Secondly, the worship leaders must, as you said, truly model a jubilant spirit while leading. Don't give up. It will make a difference.

Also, we need to be tolerant and helpful to others, not judgmental. Remember, we are all on a journey and can grow to express our worship in different ways. But I agree, Christians are missing out if they only have a sad, somber experience all the time minus any rejoicing.

Is written material available or being developed that covers this subject?

I'm living in the mid-west (for the past 17 years) and as for the surrounding Caucasian congregations I'd be generous to give them a 4 or 5.
I am a Caucasian and was raised in Caucasian churches for 35 years. A couple of years ago I began working with a primarily (80%) African-American congregation. Wow! In comparison, I would put them at an 8 on their off days! Over the past couple of years I’ve also visited 5 or 6 surrounding AA congregations and similar ratings apply. I used to blame being outside of the proverbial ‘Bible Belt’ for the lack of enthusiasm and zeal. Now I believe that culture has a lot to do with it.
I believe the song/praise leader sets the ‘tone’ for the whole worship service and he has to be intentional about it. I feel sorry for a preacher that has to follow a dead song service. He has to wake up the audience before he can get their attention.

Dear Caucasian,

What we experienced growing up does make a tremendous difference. I can remember how some churches would reject hearing someone say "amen" while others churches tended to express themselves freely. Some things we would never allow would be normal and natural with other congregations.

I highly suggest that Christians visit other places, especially those with different backgrounds so we can appreciate the diversity of the body of Christ.

I believe that people (visitors and others) can detect in our voices (singing) if we are truly happy about being disciples or not. It is natural for Christians to be happy and expressive. We need leaders who are unafraid to set the tone and be intentional, as you mentioned.

You're exactly right. Every preacher I know wants the congregation to have a meaningful worship experience and thus be open and prepared for the Word to be planted in our hearts when the message is delivered.

There was a time, long ago in my congregation where I would have rated the leader(s) and the congregation a 3 or 4. Keith, after you first came to Northwest, we made a concerted effort after our praise team was established to change that and be the leaders that we needed to be. At one point, we were actually told that we were too enthusiastic and zealous!! But we kept on going to the point where now I would rate us at a 7-8 and even hitting a 9 now and then.

As a worship leader, I can tell you how absolutely encouraging it is to look out over the audience and see people caught up in the worship. It is equally discouraging to look out and see people who look like they would rather be anywhere but there that Sunday morning. But, like laughter, a spirit-filled worship can spill over into everyone. The one comment we hear a lot is that it is so much easier to get into the worship when it looks like the leader and the praise team are getting into it. And it doesn't have to be anything dramatic. The simple act of smiling works wonders!!

The only sure way I know of to change a congregations's atmosphere is persistence. When we learn to wait on God and let him do things in his own time, it's truly wonderful what can be accomplished!

Morgan,

I'm so thankful for your enthusiastic worship at NorthWest. Oh, how I wish we'd hear more comments about leaders being too enthusiastic and zealous!

When the leader is expressive and truly worshiping from the heart, the atmosphere is conducive for others to join. Then, as others begin to be expressive, a safe environment is formed where God can be praised in excellence and with all our hearts.

Why in the world don't more leaders smile? I cannot figure this one out.

When God works on your heart (and yes, we should allow Him to work in His time and not try to change everything by our power), His Spirit will give us the perseverance to be persistent so His will can be accomplished.

Morgan, it helps to have a minister who truly appreciates singing and worship, doesn't it?

Keith, I LOVE your quote: We serve a RISEN savior, therefore we should not act as if Jesus is still in the tomb!

Let's make it a bumper sticker:
We serve a RISEN savior, WORSHIP like it!