Focus People, Focus!

Have you ever listened to a speech, watched a movie, or driven a long distance in the car while wondering why in the world you agreed to listen to that speech, watch that movie, or taken that drive? Chances are the speech, movie, and drive all had the potential to be great if they were better planned out. If someone had taken the time to put themselves in the stadium, recliner, or passenger seat and understood how the communication of their message would be received, then chances are you wouldn't be wanting to pull your hair out strand by strand while counting the clicks of the clock on the wall while praying for it to end.

Nearly all of the great speeches and movies were first tested by focus groups so that the authors could get a preview of the outcome of their product. In addition, many travel sites give drivers and passengers a variety of things to do while enroute to make a trip more fun. So, while entities of the world spend endless hours and money developing a great product by focusing on effective communication, why is it that we Christians rarely take the time to really think about how we are communicating the greatest message? This conundrum is something that especially effects worship teams. Noland specifically states, "All artists need to know that communication [of their art] is just as important as technique" (Noland, 142).

As artists, we have the responsibility to acknowledge that our art form, when communicated effectively, can connect with people on a greater level than is possible to put down in words. Noland explains, "Art at its best stimulates the mind and moves the soul. If we in the local church don't get serious about how to communicate effectively, our art will move no one. No matter how accomplished or sophisticated we are, if thought is not given to communicating clearly, how are we going to reach people with our art? Paul has an interesting point in 1 Corinthians 14:7-9: "Even in the case of lifeless things that make sounds, such as the flute or harp, how will anyone know what tune is being played unless there is a distinction in the notes? Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle? So it is with you, unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air" (Noland, 142).

We have all experienced worship with phenomenal musicians who have failed to make our souls fill with worship. Conversely, we have all, also, experienced mediocre musicians bring down the house with their spirit. So, we must continually ask our self the question: "Are we spending as much time thinking about how our message will be received as practicing our technique?" We may be fantastic at our craft, but fail to lead worship.

In order to ensure that we are communicating effectively, we need to be intentional with our efforts. This means that we all should be discussing what sort of outcome we would like from every song or other art form. Since not everyone picks every song, we need to have those who picked the song explain to those who will be using the song as a catalyst to lead worship what the intent of the song is. That way, we may be unified in our efforts to clearly communicate the Message.

In addition, we need to practice using our whole body in worship during rehearsals. Noland illustrates that worshiping with our arms straight at our sides, eyes averted to our music, and blank faces seems unnatural and does not effectively communicate the love of God (Noland, 143). Since using our whole body to worship may be a bit uncomfortable at first, it is really important to practice it during rehearsal so that we will be comfortable and genuine when we worship with the congregation.

In case you haven't figured out the incredible importance of communicating with everything we have, Noland leaves us with one last point, "We in the church need to take communication seriously, because we've been given the charge to communicate the Good News" (Noland, 144).

Are you convinced that it's important for art in the church to communicate clearly? What should we do to make sure that we are communicating clearly? What will you do to make sure that you are communicating clearly through worship?