Hi Brian,
I certainly appreciate your feelings on this. The NWLC and the magazine are in existence for one purpose: to clearly point to Jesus. He is the transformation this world needs; he is the redemption individuals are dying to encounter. This has been our passion from the start. We attempt to do this by helping worship leaders also focus in on that purpose. It’s unfortunate that a poll question distracted from that. I suppose for me, however, the question is, “Were we wrong in asking people who they were looking forward to seeing at the conference?” Looked at from another angle, is it wrong to ask people who are attending a conference “which speaker are you looking forward to hearing from?” Or “Which teacher do you plan on taking a class from?” I suppose if you sense that there is a culture of celebrity that is a detriment to the church’s worship, then you may answer in the affirmative. And I agree, in the worship realm we need to be careful on this point. However, I also sometimes feel there is a tendency to hide from reality that isn’t helpful in the realms of leading worship. Are people wrong to have a preference in which artists they are looking forward to worship with? I personally don’t think there is sin in personal preference or distinction. We should continually inspect ourselves and ask if our preference is hindering us, or others, from engaging with God in worship, indeed an important part of being in a worshiping community is learning to defer to the preferences of others at times. Yet, preference is human. When couched in this understanding I happen to believe asking “who you are looking forward to?” is acceptable, and not something to hide from. In fact in the right circumstances this question can make people aware of the diversity of preferences out there, making us better equipped to allow for diversity in worship (this was our actual intent in posing the question). Of course this is assuming a lot on my part. It assumes that the person who gets a random email forwarded to them also has this understanding, or at least will check out our “About Us” to see where our mission actually lies. All to say. I take your criticism to heart. I will be careful to remember that we are dealing with something that is cared about deeply, and is vastly important. Please believe we are with you on your point that Jesus is who we point to. I am definitely happy to hear other thoughts on this. I invite you and any others to keep the conversation going.
Jeremy Armstrong
Managing Editor Worship Leader Magazine
Probably just a poorly phrased question. It comes across a little bit like, “Who’s the best worship leader?” It’s hard to know sometimes, in a culture of hype, what is ok and not ok when it comes to marketing and reaching out with stuff like this.
Might have come across as less of a popularity contest if the question was more like, “Hey guys, which conference leaders have you worshiped with before and how have you been blessed under their leadership?”
That way it’s not like you’re eliminating someone as you answer the question, yet we’re recognizing that God has used these people in our lives and still leaving room to give Him the praise and honor due His name.
Personally I have seen most of these individuals lead. I think it would be very refreshing to have The Neverclaim do so. They are an amazing group of young men with hearts for the Lord. The others are great, don’t get me wrong. but I think you’d be missing out if The Neverclaim don’t get the chance.
The Neverclaim is the most powerful worship band I’ve ever heard. The guys are the most humble, kind guys who have a vision for revival and bringing others into an encounter with the Lord every time they get on stage.
I haven’t heard of most of the worship leaders listed. Tommy Walker and Keith/Kristyn Getty are the only 2 I have seen live, and it is of my opinion that unless you see them live you really do not know their capabilities so this poll might not give you an accurate assessment. Seeing youtube videos does not generate enough exposure to show what the worship leader is in person.
I went to the Harvest Crusade in L.A. recently and was sort of disappointed. The day I went, Steven Curtis Chapman, Phil Wickham, Lecrae and The Katinas were the artists. In concert, I am sure they would all be good, but as worship leaders they did not do much for me.
I mention this only because when you choose your conference worship leader headliner, I know you desire a “name act”, but also make sure that they are not just someone that sells a lot of records. They also need to cause a sense of worship. So you need to ask yourself the following question; Are you looking for someone to draw more people to your conference or are you seeking a serious worship leader? For that you might have to go outside of the mainstream hype and find some unknown that is an actual Worship Leader and not just a name.
@Brian H,
I really don’t see an issue with the question posed. I very much agree that worship is for and about God and no one else, but to remove the human element is impossible. Many worship leaders struggle immensely with the celebrity and attention they get as a result of their ministry. I know that I struggle with it (and I’m no where near famous), but to pretend that the person leading worship isn’t important to the worship is silly. God gave these individuals a gift and talent to glorify Him. If the leader wasn’t something to be considered for effective worship then my (random imaginary) cousin who sounds like Daffy Duck would be spreading the Gospel through song just as well as Chris Tomlin, but she’s not. Worship leaders don’t have to be faceless, nameless, grayscale backdrops for the worship to be about God.
For what it’s worth….How in the world did Christianity every manage to worship their living Lord without a ‘hot’ worship leader? Time to get real in the realm of worship…It’s not about the music, ;i.e. style, personalities, talents, popularity, etc…etc…etc…It’s about Jesus. I think it’s really time for Christians in this country to go back to simplicity…forget the bands…forget the ‘who’s the best’…There is only one “BEST” and He’s the object of our adoration, in and out of conferences, church meetings, and recording studios. I know I’m venting here and this is an important issue for those who play, sing, and attend meetings to learn and grow in maturity and skill.
The Neverclaim are amazing! A fresh sound presenting the never changing message: Christ is King. As for the whole VOTE or DONT VOTE thing. There is nothing wrong with voting for a band to play at a conference. At all. It’s just a band. Start voting on what God you are worshiping at the conference, then you have a problem. GO NEVERCLAIM!
Talk about knee-jerk reactions! The poll question says, “Which artist would YOU like to see lead worship?”
There is no mention of “who is best” or “who can I commit idolatry with.” Getting upset over an innocuous question like this is an overreaction, isn’t it?
Perhaps we should make a rule that no proper names are allowed in churches – how would God get the glory if a pastor introduces himself?
After all, 1st (Redacted) 4:10 says that all glory belongs to God.
You should invite Darrell Evans! One of the best worship song writers of all time.
This is bad and confirms my worst fears… (voting on who we most want to lead worship)
I was coming but I’m glad I changed my mind…..stop the worship leader personality circus.
This grows less and less about the object of our worship…..hint (God)
And more and more about celebrity and idol worship
Chuck, don’t let this happen….back-up and course correct or it’s going to be GMA all over
Remember the title is “Worship Leader” with the operative word being “Worship” not leader (servant)
Have the spiritual “cojones” to give some mature spiritual direction to this website and your magazine
Believe me all would benefit from some leadership
Thank you brother
Brian
Hi Brian,
I certainly appreciate your feelings on this. The NWLC and the magazine are in existence for one purpose: to clearly point to Jesus. He is the transformation this world needs; he is the redemption individuals are dying to encounter. This has been our passion from the start. We attempt to do this by helping worship leaders also focus in on that purpose. It’s unfortunate that a poll question distracted from that. I suppose for me, however, the question is, “Were we wrong in asking people who they were looking forward to seeing at the conference?” Looked at from another angle, is it wrong to ask people who are attending a conference “which speaker are you looking forward to hearing from?” Or “Which teacher do you plan on taking a class from?” I suppose if you sense that there is a culture of celebrity that is a detriment to the church’s worship, then you may answer in the affirmative. And I agree, in the worship realm we need to be careful on this point. However, I also sometimes feel there is a tendency to hide from reality that isn’t helpful in the realms of leading worship. Are people wrong to have a preference in which artists they are looking forward to worship with? I personally don’t think there is sin in personal preference or distinction. We should continually inspect ourselves and ask if our preference is hindering us, or others, from engaging with God in worship, indeed an important part of being in a worshiping community is learning to defer to the preferences of others at times. Yet, preference is human. When couched in this understanding I happen to believe asking “who you are looking forward to?” is acceptable, and not something to hide from. In fact in the right circumstances this question can make people aware of the diversity of preferences out there, making us better equipped to allow for diversity in worship (this was our actual intent in posing the question). Of course this is assuming a lot on my part. It assumes that the person who gets a random email forwarded to them also has this understanding, or at least will check out our “About Us” to see where our mission actually lies. All to say. I take your criticism to heart. I will be careful to remember that we are dealing with something that is cared about deeply, and is vastly important. Please believe we are with you on your point that Jesus is who we point to. I am definitely happy to hear other thoughts on this. I invite you and any others to keep the conversation going.
Jeremy Armstrong
Managing Editor Worship Leader Magazine
Probably just a poorly phrased question. It comes across a little bit like, “Who’s the best worship leader?” It’s hard to know sometimes, in a culture of hype, what is ok and not ok when it comes to marketing and reaching out with stuff like this.
Might have come across as less of a popularity contest if the question was more like, “Hey guys, which conference leaders have you worshiped with before and how have you been blessed under their leadership?”
That way it’s not like you’re eliminating someone as you answer the question, yet we’re recognizing that God has used these people in our lives and still leaving room to give Him the praise and honor due His name.
Thanks,
Chad
Personally I have seen most of these individuals lead. I think it would be very refreshing to have The Neverclaim do so. They are an amazing group of young men with hearts for the Lord. The others are great, don’t get me wrong. but I think you’d be missing out if The Neverclaim don’t get the chance.
Totally agree with Kevin! The Never Claim has a fresh anointing!!!
The Neverclaim is an awesome band we love it when they lead worship at our church.
If we’re submitting nominations; I nominate Chris McClarney!
The Neverclaim is the most powerful worship band I’ve ever heard. The guys are the most humble, kind guys who have a vision for revival and bringing others into an encounter with the Lord every time they get on stage.
Southern California natives Lovelite! Saw them at Hume Lake this past summer. They would be awesome.
I vote for a worship leader named Brandon Gilliam. He’s out of Cincinnati OH and he and his band are very gifted.
I haven’t heard of most of the worship leaders listed. Tommy Walker and Keith/Kristyn Getty are the only 2 I have seen live, and it is of my opinion that unless you see them live you really do not know their capabilities so this poll might not give you an accurate assessment. Seeing youtube videos does not generate enough exposure to show what the worship leader is in person.
I went to the Harvest Crusade in L.A. recently and was sort of disappointed. The day I went, Steven Curtis Chapman, Phil Wickham, Lecrae and The Katinas were the artists. In concert, I am sure they would all be good, but as worship leaders they did not do much for me.
I mention this only because when you choose your conference worship leader headliner, I know you desire a “name act”, but also make sure that they are not just someone that sells a lot of records. They also need to cause a sense of worship. So you need to ask yourself the following question; Are you looking for someone to draw more people to your conference or are you seeking a serious worship leader? For that you might have to go outside of the mainstream hype and find some unknown that is an actual Worship Leader and not just a name.
I love all these leaders for sure, but there is an amazing giftedness, as a worship leader, in The Neverclaim’s Jeremiah Carlson. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xx58Q9mLBM&feature=share
I vote for Never Claim..
@Brian H,
I really don’t see an issue with the question posed. I very much agree that worship is for and about God and no one else, but to remove the human element is impossible. Many worship leaders struggle immensely with the celebrity and attention they get as a result of their ministry. I know that I struggle with it (and I’m no where near famous), but to pretend that the person leading worship isn’t important to the worship is silly. God gave these individuals a gift and talent to glorify Him. If the leader wasn’t something to be considered for effective worship then my (random imaginary) cousin who sounds like Daffy Duck would be spreading the Gospel through song just as well as Chris Tomlin, but she’s not. Worship leaders don’t have to be faceless, nameless, grayscale backdrops for the worship to be about God.
For what it’s worth….How in the world did Christianity every manage to worship their living Lord without a ‘hot’ worship leader? Time to get real in the realm of worship…It’s not about the music, ;i.e. style, personalities, talents, popularity, etc…etc…etc…It’s about Jesus. I think it’s really time for Christians in this country to go back to simplicity…forget the bands…forget the ‘who’s the best’…There is only one “BEST” and He’s the object of our adoration, in and out of conferences, church meetings, and recording studios. I know I’m venting here and this is an important issue for those who play, sing, and attend meetings to learn and grow in maturity and skill.
The Neverclaim! I love me some banjo in my worship music
The Neverclaim are amazing! A fresh sound presenting the never changing message: Christ is King. As for the whole VOTE or DONT VOTE thing. There is nothing wrong with voting for a band to play at a conference. At all. It’s just a band. Start voting on what God you are worshiping at the conference, then you have a problem. GO NEVERCLAIM!
Talk about knee-jerk reactions! The poll question says, “Which artist would YOU like to see lead worship?”
There is no mention of “who is best” or “who can I commit idolatry with.” Getting upset over an innocuous question like this is an overreaction, isn’t it?
Perhaps we should make a rule that no proper names are allowed in churches – how would God get the glory if a pastor introduces himself?
After all, 1st (Redacted) 4:10 says that all glory belongs to God.