The Elephant Room Podcast Episode #1 // Introduction and Why Old Worship Leaders Suck
So here you have it.
It’s beginning.
Conversations, out loud, that the church should be having.
I hope you guys make it a point to attend one of The Elephant Room locations this January.
It’s going to be amazing.
Make sure you guys email and call the show so we can get all of your elephant room issues out there.
email: elephantroompodcast@gmail.com
voicemail: 213-222-6817
Subscribe on iTunes here.
The podcast won’t be searchable on iTunes for a few days but you can get there from this link.
So what do you guys think?
Why does the worship leader get irrelevant at 50 but the senior pastor get more relevant? Who made up that stupid rule?
Los
RAIN IT DOWN
Cool podcast, Los. We are right down the road from Cornerstone in Chandler. We definitely have had our share of worship questions when it comes to style and flow. We feel it’s imparitive to hit all generations with their heart language. We have a younger dude and older wiser dude
who do our services. We’ve found, albeit unexpectedly, many of our older folks really relate to our younger dude. Not because he wears a hat in church but because of his heart. Like Brian said, it comes down to pointing people towards Jesus.
Andy
Can’t download the podcast til I get on my computer… but may I just say, that question cracked. Me. Up. Because its soooo true.
Los, I tapped out of most worship leading @ 52. I keep it to my bros in the life group now and again. I am grateful for the 35 years I got to be front and center (playing or leading or singing) now I have a son who is leading and blessing. My issue is that as I got older, my ability to put up with some of the nonsense surrounding the “production” issues (people on time, PA issues, monitor issues) I just got to be a grumpy old gas passer…so I bowed out. Nobody needs a grouchy worship leader. Blood pressure down to normal now a few years later. In healing mode & thankful for the grace He has given. Thanks for the podcast.
Great question. Been thinking plenty about it myself. Rather than retype, I’ll just point here: http://www.worshipperiod.com/the-worship-leaders-best-before-date#more-1012
Interesting. My dad is a worship leader. Over 55. I feel that his seasonable knowledge and experience is what draws people to him…along with a genuine love for music and desire to turn others to God. He’s definitely not concerned with having the coolest shoes. I hope the church doesn’t turn to that. I guess I could also mention that he has 2 GRAMMY Awards and many Doves. He’s humble and I sure hope the church doesn’t push him out because of age.
I get that we all understand that the word “worship” doesn’t mean music…. but “worship leader” “worship pastor” will always mean “the guy who play music and sings on sunday” – right?
I’m sure this isn’t the right outlet for this question or whatever but I heard it like 4 times in the first few minutes of the podcast.
We teach with our words and how we use our language. So how long will it be before we have skewed our churches perception of what “worship” is?
We teach that it’s a daily thing, and it’s not a music thing, yet we call our music leaders “worship leaders” and “worship pastors” when obviously that’s not very accurate description of who they are or what they do.
Maybe i’m thinking about it too much and christians just accept it, and actually do have a full understanding of worship and whatnot, but is there anything to the importance or changing our titles? (Which i have no idea what that would be)
just a thought.
Jay, very interesting observation. And if “worship” means leading with the way one lives this life, as well as plays and directs music (thereby encouraging others to lift their voices), it seems that being a “worship leader” would include room for those more seasoned in life. And hopefully the younger leaders (who may have the cooler shoes) will look to the older leaders as “mentors”.
Great first podcast. I’ll be there to check it out in January.
I think it comes down to a twisted view of the position. The church at large is looking for someone to spoon feed them and drag them in to holy of holies while they scrape sleep from their eyes or search their email on the church wifi. That’s not to say some folks don’t come prepared to worship but by and large the expectation is the the high-energy, uber-stylish worhsip model is supposed to cause me to loose control to such a degree that I stumble into worship somehow. The more seasoned leader just doesn’t present the fresh new, cutting-edge appeal or vibe we’re after.
I know, it’s a little snarky. Sorry.
Los, I’m just excited that you’re part of the elephant room.
I know I won’t listen to anyone leading worship who is over the age of 35…
OK that’s not true but I think the question being raised is a valid one. There is an unspoken shelf life for worship leaders. Why that’s the case, I don’t know. People want cutting edge, cool, trendy worship leaders not the silver fox and his takamine.
It shouldn’t be this way and yet it is. Why?
Wow. I’m sorry, but I disagree. I’m the Worship Director (over the entire worship experience – not just music) of a vibrant and growing church. Our Praise Leaders range in age from 18 to mid-50s, and age has never been an issue. The whole purpose of a music leader is to authentically invite the attenders to open their hearts and come before God. It should always be about Jesus – not about how the leader or musicians are dressed or how casually they can work “dude” into their conversation. When these things become important to those being led, they are merely distractions that are taking focus away from where it should be – on Jesus. A leader with a sincere heart for God who engages with a congregation, is relevant and real, isn’t there to “perform” or promote themselves, and is fully prepared for their role – THAT is a worship leader. Age is irrelevant.
Tami, you’re right on! I have been planning/leading music for a growing vibrant church for the past 15 years, and I just turned 60! Over those years our music style has kept up with the times, currently we have a full worship band with guitars, drums, bass, keyboard… I lead with guitar. I work closely with our pastor to plan a worship experience that keeps our focus on giving glory and honor to God… not on the music or the worship team. Our congregation includes all ages, and about 1/5th are college students. Our worship team includes many ages, including a few musiclly talented college students. We play contemporary worship songs as well as a few hymns with a more contemporary feel or arrangement. Our worship is all about our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ… Him first in our lives and in our worship service. If that’s what our goal is, then, as Tami said above, age is irrelevant!
Tami, I agree with you 100%. I disagree with most said in the podcast. I’m actually offended by the title that Old Worship Leaders Suck. I’m 49 and have been leading worship for about 13 years. Over these years stylistically I grown from only hymns to now a blended service that includes new contemporary worship songs as well as relevant, meaningful hymns. We don’t alienate any age group at our church. To group all worship leaders over the age of 23 and throw us under the bus is ridiculous. I’d rather have a spiritually mature worship leader than some “dude” more concerned with his dress and appearance. It’s the heart that matters, not the age.
I’m in on this response. Focus on true praise an worship, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s a 22 year old, hi-top wearing, glitz guitar player or a 65 year old pianist in a suit coat. While I was listening to the podcast, I was waiting to hear someone say something about “Spirit lead” worship. Hi-tops and hats do not a worship leader make. The Holy Spirit can inspire an older worship leader who is open to that leading as much as a younger worship leader.
I agree with you sister. I believe most christian has left their focus on the truth about worship. Worship is about adoring our creator the one who shed his blood for you and me. We need to stop focusing on the entertainment part and understand that we are there to worship the lamb of God. That he may find us prepared for the day of his coming. Age is irrelevant. Remember God says in his word he is seeking for those who worship him in spirit and in truth.
All these posts about how age, style, etc shouldn’t matter since the focus should be on Jesus…
If the focus should be on Jesus, then why is there a leader on a stage under bright lights?
It’s a question I ask myself every time I get up on that stage under those bright lights. The irony is so thick it’s ridiculous. Get onstage, under the lights, in front of everyone, and… try not to be the center of attention.
/end rant
Amen!!
I agree. I connect with worship leaders of various ages in different ways. The main thing is that they lead our worship to Jesus. The variety of experience is refreshing and stimulating and adds immesurably to the worship in our church. As for music, some of our amazing musicians are retired from their jobs and their music engages all ages.
What TALENT did Jesus give the person! That is the issue. Not age.
Where does it say in the Bible that a worship leader should retire after 50?
Thank you, Tami. Our worship teams are anywhere from 14-60 and the most important thing is seeking Jesus, everyday, and then coming together on Sunday to encourage the congregation to do the same. Age is irrelevant. I, too, am offended by the title.
I took no offense to the content of this podcast, but the title? Really? “Why old worship leaders suck?” Age is irrelevant, but everyone does need to recognize the need to train–and eventually–pass the baton to the next generation of leaders…and then let them run with it. I don’t think I would refuse Grandpa Mike (W. Smith) from leading in our church just because he’s over 55. It’s not about age but about leading and growing your congregation and keeping things “fresh.”
Where’s the “like” button for this reply.
Intriguing question….but never addressed. Are we sacrificing the depth of worship for the most recent experience? I’m dealing with the “age” issue myself. Do I just quit because it is time? Or when I am no longer effective? Perhaps those I lead are in the best position to answer that.
LOVE Paul’s reply, and Chuck, I was also looking for the “like” button, LOL!
I’m a 48-year-old worship leader who’s also a soccer mom heading into menopause, and while I still play in a classic rock band and can dance piano circles around most of those young kids, I’m just not going to relate all that well to the younger generation anymore. It doesn’t matter what I wear or how cool I try to act – ya just can’t hide some things.
I do pray that God continues to use me to encourage the next generation of worship leaders. Nothing gets me fired up more that seeing you kids “get it” with regards to what an awesome and humbling responsibility it is to lead corporate worship.
Can’t wait till Matt Redman, Chris Tomlin and David Crowder reach 50. I wonder if they will all of a sudden be “disqualified” because they’re not “cool”. I’m 54….lead a band of many ages…teens, 20′s to 50′s…our music is cutting edge. I feel like I bring a depth of spirituality to leading that only comes when you walk with God for this long. I’m raising up new leaders. Our focus in worship in on God and God alone. Yep…there will be a cut off time. But when you connect people with God…in a real and meaningful way….that’s all that counts. Of course, who would want Phil Keaggy playing guitar in their band….he’s so….OLD!
Hmmm. I think a worship leader can stay relevant, as long as they don’t expect the “worship heart language” of their flock to age with them. If a worship leader isn’t stuck in their own stylistic groove, I think they can remain passionately engaged and connected at any age.
Job description of the worshipper: Leave your heart bleeding all over the altar for Jesus, no matter what they sing up there or how well they sing it..
Job description of the worship leader: Do everything you can to engage the hearts and minds of the people you’re leading while worshipping authentically yourself.
Yes, age is irrelevant. What IS important is context, the congregation, and the leader’s ability to enable the congregation to sing and worship in a way that does not lead them to focus on the leaders but on God. Sure, I’m closing in fast on 60, but I’m doing what I can to bring younger folks on board with our team and help raise up more leaders of any age. God chose Moses at age 80. Leaders, let your congregation be honest with you, be honest with yourself, and let God direct your path.
Watch your language. I think a Chriatian website should be able to come up with a better title than this.
Today is my 60th birthday. God has definitely given me an anointing to bring people into the presence of the Lord and to enable others to use their musical gifts in worship. However, a few years ago I found myself feeling tired of trying to keep up with the worship Joneses. God then moved us out of our home area in order to follow my husband’s employment. After a complete break from worship leading He has now graciously given me the position of worship leader in a small church that is hungry for the praise and worship songs of any decade. I have gifted, enthusiastic people from ages 12 to 62 on my worship team. God is still using me at this age, and I am very thankful and fulfilled.
Wow – it took 26 comments before someone actually mentioned the crux of the issue.. THANKS Jean. The crux of the issue for me is “anointing”. Period. This post seems to be indicative of how much of a show and “gig” mentality has invaded the current church culture. That’s why I turn around & exit as fast as I went in most Sunday’s. I can find a ‘gig’ anywhere. Anointing – aaah that missing jewel is rare. Regurgitated remixes with a new drum lick are sickening. I personally wish the church would stop pandering to the fast food/easy ‘slick’ mentality. Where is depth? Slick is so 21st century. Shouldn’t we transcend the era when approaching the Ancient of Days? Just sayin…..
You’re right, Sherri, the bottom line is “anointing”, and that has nothing to do with age. What’s next… advocating euthanasia for worship leaders over 50? And why should this age thing particularly apply to worship leaders? This conversation seems more ridiculous than relevant.
I wonder what Carlos will say about this when he hits 55…I bet his “tune” changes a bit, mostly because he will have learned a few things he didn’t even know he didn’t know.
I would say that preacher/teachers are called upon primarily for wisdom and thus age does have some effect. However I am not sure it is entirely true to say we think preachers ‘become more relevant’ with age. If anything the trend is to believe the opposite. In regards to worship leaders, there are some amazing older worship leaders but Christian music does at times seem to be significantly behind so when we often add expression that is behind with people that elevate previous expressions or experiences we do often have a real problem. (neverthess some worship leaders are actually older) but our roles always change with age from activity to creating legacy