Overview
Alisa Childers interviews worship pastor Dave Stovall to discuss the theology, practice, and challenges of modern worship music in the church, drawing from both of their experiences in the Christian music industry and local church ministry.
Personal Journeys in Worship Music
- Both Alisa and Dave started in Christian bands (Zoey Girl, Waverly/Audio Adrenaline) before moving into church worship roles.
- Alisa resisted creating worship albums purely for commercial reasons, valuing worship as a calling rather than a business.
- Dave experienced industry pressure to focus on worship music due to its marketability, eventually leading him to local church ministry.
Challenges in Contemporary Worship
- The commercialization of worship music creates tension between business motives and genuine ministry.
- Many modern worship songs focus on personal feelings ("me-centered"), which can alienate congregants who do not share those emotions.
- There is often a lack of theological depth or clarity in popular worship songs.
- The repetitive and simple structure of worship music is intentional to foster congregational participation.
Criteria for Song Selection in Church
- Dave and his church leadership prioritize songs that praise God and remind the congregation of Jesus' works, aiming to avoid shallow or self-centered content.
- They consider whether songs foster corporate worship or merely serve as encouraging anthems for individuals.
- Lyrics that are vague or open to multiple interpretations are treated with caution due to potential theological confusion.
- Dave sometimes adapts problematic lyrics for clarity or theological soundness after consulting church elders.
The Role of the Worship Pastor
- Worship pastors are called to shepherd and disciple their teams and congregations, not just select songs or perform.
- Emphasis is placed on fostering spiritual growth, supporting team members outside of Sunday services, and aligning worship with biblical teaching.
- Collaboration with church elders and pastors is crucial for theological oversight.
Concerns About Source and Theology of Songs
- Debate exists about whether churches should use songs from organizations with questionable theology (e.g., Bethel, Hillsong).
- Dave prefers evaluating songs individually for theological soundness rather than banning entire sources.
- Songs authored by artists who have since left the faith may still be used if the content remains true and edifying.
Addressing Concerns about Worship Music
- Congregants with theological concerns about worship songs are encouraged to approach worship leaders privately and gently.
- Constructive and respectful dialogue is valued over public confrontation.
Recommendations for Worship Ministries
- Prioritize songs that focus on God's attributes and works rather than personal experiences or achievements.
- Collaborate with church leadership to review song theology and suitability for corporate worship.
- Invest in discipling worship teams, fostering both musical and spiritual growth.
- Exercise discernment with song lyrics, avoiding content that could mislead the congregation or undermine foundational doctrine.