As worship leaders, we talk a lot about freedom. We want our churches to be free to worship. But what does it actually mean?

Is freedom the liberty one feels to wield a “Lion of Judah” flag across the front of the church? Is freedom a boisterous dance? Is freedom the right to be crazy? What does it mean?

We all love to quote 2 Corinthians 3:17:

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.”

We’ve taken that to mean, “When we are in church we can do whatever the heck we want. Run, dance, shout, sing, sway, moan, & groan.”

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with letting go of hindrances to expressive worship. But expressive worship on its own isn’t anything particularly Christian. Other religions worship expressively.

Remember Elijah and prophets of Baal? Here’s what happened as they called upon their god:

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Gatherings. We do a lot of them. Every weekend. Midweek. No matter how much we try and avoid the term, it is a religious ritual. And one that is good for our spiritual formation.

But just because we’re meeting together doesn’t make it good for us. As pastors and leaders we have a responsibility to lead well, to plan a healthy theological diet for our people, and not shrink back from what is necessary for the health of our souls.

What we say matters. What we sing matters. What we identify our lives with matters. How we leave matters. What we become matters.

Depending on your church tradition, these gatherings are going to look quite different. A charismatic service is going to feel quite different than an Anglican liturgy. But that doesn’t mean the foundation needs to change.

Let me tell you about some of my experiences, good and bad.

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This last week I experienced another one of life’s great moments – a Sigur Ros show.

I’ve made a lot of poor decisions in my life, but seeing this band has never been one of them. Magical, otherworldly, unique, immersive, contemplative, massive, and powerful.

So much respect for this band. They create music that is completely their own. While you can hear influences, there’s nothing quite like it. They’ve stayed true to who they are, bringing that Icelandic sound across the world.

This particular North American tour was special. Just a 3 piece band, layered stage design, insane lighting, and lots of sound. Of course, as a worship leader, I had to draw some parallels.

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Corporate worship is distracting. And I believe with all my heart that is a beautiful thing.

More than a few times I’ve heard from people who don’t care to attend church because they can have their “time with Jesus” at home. There’s nothing wrong with ‘Jesus time’ at home. But if it’s a replacement for the gathered singing of the people of God, it is a problem. And I don’t think Jesus would be happy with your decision.

But let’s be honest. Sometimes connecting with God is a challenge in church.

Picture this:

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Church is imperfect. Leaders are imperfect. You are imperfect.

And it’s really time to get over the backbiting, the bickering, and the slandering of your church. I have a better idea: what if you decided to love it?

I remember when a friend was struggling in his marriage. The feelings weren’t there. They were fighting often. Tension was high and romance was low. Do you know what turned it around? He decided to love her. He decided to appreciate her. He made a decision to romance. He learned that what you invest in, grows. What you appreciate, appreciates.

My wife had to stay home with our sick daughter this weekend. But Tyler came with me Saturday and Sunday. He hung out for all 8,000 rehearsals. We sang together. We talked to people together.

I’m glad he can grow up in a church. not a perfect church. But a church, nonetheless.

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