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Michael W. Smith: Worshipping Beyond the Sanctuary
Michael W. Smith wrestles with the concept of worship.
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Though he's been leading worship for nearly twenty years now, Michael W. Smith wrestles with the concept of worship like any other Christian. Over the years, Smitty's personal growth in the area of worship has extended far beyond the boundaries of his church. Can you imagine how a pear orchard, ketchup, or simply being silent can have a part in pleasing God with our worship to Him? Michael talked with us about personal worship in all areas of his life. Put yourself in a chair across the table from him and enjoy his words and experiences in the interview below. You've been leading worship for about twenty years now. Do you think there's a new hunger for God today? What have you seen? M: I think there's a passion for God like never before. The bad is getting worse and the good is getting better. In terms of worship, there's just a real passion. I think that's why musical worship is popular. It's not just the songs. It's expressing what people want to say. Ultimately, I think there's a movement of God, and it's like a wave sweeping across the country. For the last two-and-a-half years while doing summer festivals, I've seen young kids, 8-, 9-, 10-years-old, raising their hands, weeping and crying and praising God. I didn't see that ten years ago. So I believe there's something happening. I believe we're just scratching the surface, too. It's an exciting time. What is the church's part in continuing the movement of the Holy Spirit in worship? M: I think worship is a lifestyle, first of all. I think music is just a small part of it. Although, it's something we can do corporately, which I think is powerful. Just look at the Old Testament. They didn't go out with the army first. They sent the musicians out. And many, many wars were won because the music confused the enemy, although we were outnumbered. So I think that's critical. We've got to remember music is a big part of it. But I think as churches — and I'll go off the deep end here — and say we've got to reach out to our communities. We've got to get involved in taking care of the poor. I think if the church did what they were supposed to do we wouldn't have anyone sleeping on the streets. It's hard work. It's hard to figure all that out. But I think that's an act of worship. We've got to get involved and reach out to the communities, be more evangelical, and bring people into the kingdom. That's what it's all about. What have you seen as far as the leading of corporate worship in the church? M: In terms of worship, I think we ought to have the right people leading. Not everyone can lead worship. You don't learn how to lead worship, in my opinion. I think you're gifted. You're anointed to lead and then you learn. I think one of my greatest gifts is leading worship. I've been doing it for a long time. I'm better at it today because I'm more sensitive to the Spirit of God than I was twenty years ago. Twenty years ago I'd go, "Hey, let's sing 'How Majestic Is Your Name.'" I'd do all these songs, never realizing I need to settle down and hear God. |             | |||||||||||||||||||
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