Let me start by saying this is just an observation on tendencies that different churches in different cultures have that I think the Lord has shown me recently.
One thing I’ve noticed while being in Africa and attending church services and other events is the way Africans praise God.
My first African church experience was at a church suitably called Celebration Church in Zimbabwe. And that’s exactly what they do: they celebrate.
I think its easy for people in third world countries to see the gifts God has given them in the midst of their difficult lives because they know that the good things they do have are direct provision from the Lord.
And that’s why their music is ALL about how good Jesus is and how mighty God is — and they sing LOUD. But you’ll never hear their songs talk about themselves. I’ve noticed that a lot of Westernized Christian music has a lot of I’s and me’s in the lyrics. There’s a great parody video you can find on Youtube about the focus in Westernized worship services. “Its all about You, Jesus…” turns into “Its all about me….”
One funny little challenge my squad has faced on the Race is coming up with upbeat and fast enough songs to sing/play at church if we’re asked to perform “special worship music.” We’ve observed that in Asia and Africa they love to dance and clap. While we close our eyes, they move their bodies. But all the music we know by heart are slow, contemplative songs. Our limited worship music repertoire on the Race also has to do with the limited instruments and musical skills we have. That’s why we’ve sung “Fill Up My Cup” so much on the Race, thanks to Caitlin teaching it to us in month 2, because its the most upbeat song we know by heart. Build Your Kingdom Here and Deep Cries Out are two upbeat songs we’ve learned (among others) in order to supplement the slower songs we sing.
I think that in America, we have so much stuff, and so many distractions, that we need time to contemplate in order to focus on God. This entails setting aside the demands and priorities of our busy lives and decluttering our minds. Because there’s so much efficiency and resources in America, we think we are able to do everything on our own, and so we do not attribute success or good things in our lives to be from God. This deception alters our perspective: it magnifies us and minimizes God. Then we can’t worship God in a fuller sense, in the way he deserves. Worship music that is contemplative in nature is used to help us refocus on Jesus: on how he’s shown up in our lives and what he’s saved us from.
Contemplation is necessary before celebration. “What do I have to be thankful for? What has Jesus done in my life recently? How is God changing me to look more like Him?” Once we ask questions like these, then we’re able to thank God properly and celebrate him! Both celebration and contemplation are important in the church and in our individual relationships with God.
I think the American church in general could take a lesson on worship from the African church: let’s celebrate God more! With our songs, our dance, our voices, and to start: our mindset.
I challenge you to reflect on your own experiences in American churches and/or abroad. If you’d like, share your thoughts in the comments section!
