The Awkward Space in Worship Music

One element I’ve noticed about some churches is that we are uncomfortable with space in worship music. Not silence, but space.  I think this happens during guitar solos, or music beds, or long beginning and endings to songs. The parts of the worship song where there is no singing. There is a constant pressure, that, “something needs to go there.” You should be praying there, talking, reading scripture, having a video, or moving. Anything but not just music. I think though, this is a learned condition and is a reflection of that particular church’s culture. This is one that we aim to change for the Sunday Night service @NPHX.

How does one go about changing the awkward culture of worship music?

There really is no clear-cut solution because every church is different, but here is what we are going to try:

1) Teach: Make constant and clear teaching during the music breaks that during this section of the song, the congregation is encouraged to spend that time personally expressing to God.

2) Mix it up: intentionally have praying, scripture, and teaching during music, so it’s not all the same every time.

3) Be Patient: Culture typically isn’t changed overnight, so we look at this as a year process. Teaching and encouraging a deeper, less awkward reaction to the space of worship.

What do you do to prevent the awkward space in worship music?

READ MORE: Do worship songs lack Theological Depth?