This might ruffle the feathers of some of the people in the Church I lead, but I need to say it.

“I don’t care what kind of worship music you prefer.”

Every time our Church uses a “hymn” during worship, someone has to run up to a member of the worship team to tell them how much they love the old music. It is exhausting. And let me tell you why.

First, I currently pick most of the worship music with my wife’s help. The first question I ask is, “Does this fit the overall theme of the day?” I select music that ties to the sermon for the day. The communion video is generally curated to serve as a bridge between worship and the sermon topic. Everything is built around a central thought. Sometimes the older songs fit the topic; other times the newer ones do. Whenever a person tells me the sermon inspired them, they rarely connect the music to the stage-setting for everything that was said, even though it all works together.

Second, I do not pick music to please any person. My second question is, “Will this glorify God?” As God listens to our worship of him, will he be pleased with what he hears? Occasionally, I have refused to sing certain songs because they give people bad theology or lead us into wrong thinking about God. Some songs also seem very “man-centered,” and while the theology is good, they do not fit for that day’s worship.

Finally, I have to consider who is playing for worship that week. I do not play music, and I deeply appreciate the people who do. My understanding is that some songs are difficult to play, especially for new members of the worship team. On other Sundays, we do not have someone to play the instrument that makes a song really work well. As a result, certain songs will not work. There is also a consideration of who is singing on the team that week and their vocal range. A group of wonderful volunteers leads us, and we are doing the best we can with what God has given us.

Every week, I am thankful for our volunteers who selflessly lead us in worship. Their willingness to stand up in front takes courage and the power of the Holy Spirit. Instead of telling us what kind of music you prefer, why don’t you express appreciation to the people who give of themselves for our congregation every week?