Leading With Eyes Wide Open, Continued

Worship vs. performance? That’s another Memo. The issue here is leadership of worship music. Name one biblical character that led with eyes closed and don’t name someone who led through prayer. There is not one verse in the Bible that says anyone closed their eyes when they prayed. There are ten biblical postures for prayer. Eyes closed is not one of them. Name one person – politics, sports, business, education, etc. – that leads effectively with their eyes closed. Worshipping with eyes closed in the congregation? I’m all for it. In worship leadership? Less than effective. Can one lead without communication? Bottom line: communicate with those whom you are leading and lead. If one can do that with eyes closed, so be it. In the long run, that may say more about the congregation than the about the leader. And while I’m thinking about, I like to “sing a new song” (Ps. 144:9) every now and then. How can I learn the words with my eyes closed? I appreciate those who disagree with me and I‘m sorry for the strong opinion. Every day, I’m getting more like my grandfather, who was, in the language of his day, “sot in his ways” and violently opposed the “High-church, German music” sung by the choir each Sunday.

Whatever your view of worship leadership, join me in praying (with eyes open or closed) for the following global concerns:
• Pray for protection from Swine Flu for missionary families. The virus is spreading rapidly in parts of the world.
• Pray for a dental team from Tennessee that will be working in Romania this week.
• Pray for Joe from The Republic of Georgia as he begins his stateside assignment.
• Pray for the Talk the Talk English Club in Thessaloniki, Greece.
• Join with those who serve in Russia to pray regarding new legislation being pushed through Russian congress. If it passes, missionary activity as well as the regular Christian life of Russian Baptists will be severely restricted.
• Pray for Patricia as she travels and leads Scripture Workshops in West Africa.