Ever since contemporary music and lead guitar hit the church there has been a common question swirling around.
When it comes to stage presence during worship, how much is too much?
Some would say that even using guitars on stage is too much and others see that pulling a Jack Black – School of Rock stage dive is not out of the line. While I am not here to judge either end of the spectrum and in the end it is about where your individual church is at, I think there is a happy medium that most churches fall under.
Like it or not playing music is sinking into the background and visual elements are coming to the forefront of today’s worship services. People’s fast past, pop culture obsessed lifestyle these days are demanding a more visual experience in worship. This visual experience can and should include some stage presence from musicians. While stage diving and jumping off of the bass drum is a major distraction, standing like a stone statue with no expression on your face can be just as distracting.
In the end, unfortunately, I cannot give a definitive answer to “How Much is Too Much” but here are 3 things I ask about my stage presence when playing on Sunday mornings.
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Is My Stage Presence Encouraging Others in Worship or Distracting Them?
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Does it Negatively Affect My Playing?
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Is It a Reflection of A Heart in Worship or One of Selfishness?