Entertainment or Worship
I have read several articles commenting on this “issue” lately. I’ve struggled with this myself on occasion, but finally came to the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with Christian entertainment, and this is just one more thing for Christians to nitpick, nag, and complain about other Christians over.
Let’s look at a few points. First, the definition of entertain: “to hold the attention of pleasantly or agreeably.” No matter what is taking place in a church service, we want to hold people’s attention, right? Most of the time, we should probably be pleasant and agreeable in the presentation. I don’t mean pleasant and agreeable toward sin, but simply in the manner of making others feel loved and welcome, and sharing the joy of the Lord.
Next, the application of labeling something as entertaining is much like labeling something as beautiful; it is in the eye of the beholder. In other words, what one finds entertaining, another will find boring. Take two people attending the same service. One goes with the intent of encountering God, the other goes with other intents. The first attender may label the service as worshipful while the latter may label it entertaining. Who is right?
One last point. Contemporary praise and worship has taken a hit on this one. It’s odd how most of the time the person condeming something as entertaining sooner or later mentions rock or contemporary music. I have seen southern gospel and even choral presentations that were quite entertaining to the audience. Does that mean God wasn’t lifted up and the audience drawn closer to Him?
I have been in services where I felt in my spirit something wasn’t right. It had nothing to do with music style, video, lighting, etc. On the other hand, I have been in full fledged multi-media services with awesome music and been both “entertained” and moved by the Holy Spirit of God. The hearts and motives of the presenters themselves are what determines if the elements of worship are acceptable, and only God determines that.
from my notebook 