Distractions
Paul Baloche highlights the need to be mindful of distractions in the episode "Distractions" of his Youtube series "Leading Worship". He encourages worship leaders to consider aspects of the service that could potentially affect the audience in a negative way. The lighting can be one such aspect that could deter the congregations focus from worship. Baloche also calls the worship leader to keep in mind the distractions that the congregation enters the sanctuary with. Life itself is so distracting so Baloche makes it a point to begin the service in a conversational manner.
Baloche makes a critical point when he emphasizes the need to "meet others where they're at", as pertaining to the congregation. In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul says that he "becomes weak, that he might win the weak". Essentially he finds common ground with others for the purpose of "saving some" as he puts it later in that verse. It's important we seek to relate to those we minister to. A sense of pride or arrogance can be extremely repulsive for those watching us, causing them to completely miss the greater purpose which we are serving, that being guiding their hearts to the Lord. Putting ourselves into the audience's shoes with a heart of service is key to keeping both our eyes and their eyes on the "mission", as Paul puts it in Acts, laid out before us.
Benjamin, I liked how you talked about seeking to relate to those we minister to. Good job!
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