Not only is this a telling observation that we (the Church) need to be aware of, but the fact there can be a mutuality in this dynamic tempers some of the more extreme advocacy against current models. Something to think about…

Jamie, I completely agree.

Nailed it.

The problem isn’t – at the root – the sizes of our churches, the problem is that “church” can be incredibly unengaging hour of our week. Sometimes I think it’s the least engaging hour. It’s a problem of both audience and performer.

I listened to a worship leader & pastor (both of whom i respect greatly) talk about their worship practice on Thursday nights. They spoke of how the group often ended up leaving the practices feeling like something was missing. And then when they play on Sunday mornings, they realize what it was: the relationship between worshipers & worship team. A beautiful picture – i think – of what worship (and church as a whole) can be.

[...] Then read this extremely insightful post by my friend Jason Coker called “On Jack White, Worship and the Marketplace of Art and Spirit.” [...]

Hi Adam,

I think you’re absolutely right, but I’m a little hesitant to embrace the word “engaging,” only because the way we typically use it merely connotes something very entertaining. So, to use that word and still make the distinction, I would say that if our churches were truly engaging they would probably be a lot less entertaining but a lot more fulfilling and formational.

Thanks for the comments!

OK, so i agree…what now? how do you engage the gathered in this? are there concrete practices (besides shaming them publicly) that can stir this type of interaction?

Great question Steve. Ultimately, I’m not sure anybody knows yet. The consumer marketplace mentality is deeply embedded in each of us, and resisting it is hard. Lots of Christian groups resist in their own way: fundamentalists by banning certain forms of music (or certain forms of belief); sectarian groups and neo-monastics by partially withdrawing from the normal flow of society to varying degrees. Pentecostal and charismatic groups – including the Vineyard – have tried to create more inclusive space for a participatory worship experience through the use of supernatural ministry gifts; emerging churches through more egalitarian leadership practices, the intentional inclusion of congregation-produced art and liturgy in the worship space, and a move toward forms of preaching that involve the congregation to some extent. On a broader level, the shift among many churches toward a missional paradigm should, by definition, move people toward a more participatory, mutual life of faith. In our own gatherings over the past year at Ikon I’ve tried to do it in small ways by insisting on a common pot-luck meal every week, by keeping eucharist at the center of every gathering, and by always facilitating a scripture discussion rather than a lecture. These are pretty common practices, but each maintains a certain reciprocal producer/consumer rhythm rather than establish a strictly one directional consumer flow.

However, all of these efforts (positive and negative) are in constant danger of being commodified and filtered through a marketplace grid with each and every person, including the leaders. Consumerism is a very strong tide where we live and minister, and it tends to wash all good things out to sea. I think in addition to the concrete practices we have to intentionally and continually teach that in a healthy society there need to be more “spaces” for living than merely the marketplace.

Hi Jason:

I was delighted to read your comment, “I’ve tried to do it in small ways by insisting on a common pot-luck meal every week, by keeping eucharist at the center of every gathering, and by always facilitating a scripture discussion rather than a lecture.” For me, these two items can go a long way toward the relational side of worship.

Liturgical churches may put the eucharist at the center of the service, but the same-ness of the exercise works against them. Our auditorium-seating paradigm lends itself to lecture and works against interaction. Yet these two concepts–sharing the body and blood, and dialogue among believers can lead to a thriving community. (Surprisingly, even in larger setting, if a speaker convinces his audience he is willing to listen and engage, they will participate–it need not be limited to to small groups.)

Good post!

The question is, who are you performing for? A good musician will tell you that they are performing for the other musicians in the band because, ultimately, your only as good as the people you play with. Myself, on the other hand, I don’t perform for anyone. I’ve always felt that performing is something reserved for theatre and court jesters. As an artist, I seek to express what is going on inside of me. As a result, I’m somewhat banished to always playing in the moment, improvising and seldomly repeating myself. Through this approach, I am constantly trying to “tap” in to something that is bigger than the wood, mud and stone that contains its occupants. If I can enter this place of consciousness, thinking stops and the sounds I hear in my mind flow from my instrument effortlessly (somewhat). The music is pure and it shows. It resonates with people, and they won’t hesitate to get involved and let you know. There is a sort of binaural harmonic frequency happening, and I think it opens up ourselves for the holy spirit to come in. Intonation is the key. Leave the performing to hollywood.

By the way, I love Jack White, he is the bomb!

Nice thoughts Ian! It would be fun to continue the conversation sometime. For my part, I’m thinking of performance as a gift, and in my mind no gift continues to live and grow unless it is given away. So in that sense I would say every artist must “perform” in order to see their gift live and grow, and in order to continue to receive gifts from that divine source you’re referring to.

Thanks for jumping in!

Ian said; “There is a sort of binaural harmonic frequency happening, and I think it opens up ourselves for the holy spirit to come in.”

I understand what you are saying here. That is what happens to me every time I sit down and listen to the music Cd you recorded for me years ago when you were still in school. Happens every time…………………………….

I think that is the gift that you give to the listener every time you play!

I honestly feel like we’re CONSTANTLY fighting this. The “consumer mindset” is like a gas in the air that affects everyone and every gathering, no matter the intentions of the participants, it seems.

I agree Ben. Thanks.