In my devotions this morning I was lead to Oswald Chambers and the above scripture. I have been leading Worship for over 15 years now. During each time, I have found myself in conflict with the unappeasable. These are the people described below:
- Unappeasable. This means they can’t come to covenant. If you wrong them, there’s nothing you can ever do to appease their wrath and anger. There are people in the church who are energized by conflict. No matter how many times you meet with them to resolve a dispute, it isn’t going to help matters because the conflict gives them joy.
As I thought about the unappeasables in my lifetime, I look back with regret on how my attention to those ruined my worship. Rather than being a woman of God and creating service flow out of my confidence and hope and faith and trust that God would mold all the pieces together - I worried about the unappeasables and their demands. "Not enough hymns, "too flashy - hate the new lighting - this isn't a show!" "So and so has such a great voice - why don't they do more specials?" "As a worship pastor you need to accept what I can give and be happy with the small amount of time I give to you. Don't put demands on me." "I didn't like what you did in a situation and because of that I will never forgive you, but will tear you down until you cannot stand."
Anything like this ever happen to you? If you are called to lead worship for a congregation and you have the unappeasables and the posers and the creepers biting at your heels, how do you overcome that?
First of all - remember one very important thing. IT ISN'T ABOUT YOU. It would not matter who you were. You could be Jesus Himself and if they didn't like what you had to say or the way you said it - the fight to tear you apart would begin. I have had pastor's tell me to "build my army." I hated that. The thought that I would have to build an army of support to withstand the army of unappeasables was so very disgusting to me. I would rather walk away than build an army of supporters. How can an army help the church? But on the other hand, how can the church continue to encourage and support the unappeasables who will go from person to person, pastor to pastor, thing to thing until they are no longer a part of this world? It is beyond me why we support this kind of person in the church but fail to support the non believer. But I digress.
As a worship leader your role is not to focus on the unappeasables. Because what they desire from you will never ever be enough. So stop. Bring them to the altar of God. Pray for them daily. Take the situation to your pastor and staff and make them aware of your desire to pray that God would place a new spirit on them. Don't suffer alone. Make the situation public in staff meetings. Ask for advice - and declare your honor and integrity by fervent prayer for them.
Ask God to reveal to you the truth in the unappeasable's actions and words. No situation is one sided. Always be willing to accept your responsibility and your role in reconciliation. BUT - keep this out of corporate worship. Unless God specifically gives you direction do not appease them. They will only want more. And you as a leader will only be seen as weak when you allow them to dominate your ministry.
Loved ones, the act of leading worship is such an extravagant gift that we should always be on our knees in humble acceptance of our role. It is not ourselves that lead in worship - but it is Christ in us who leads His people in worship. Never, ever get those two things confused. You are not God. You cannot move people. You cannot appease. God in the power of His Holy Spirit is the One who will move on His people. You are a tool for His use. Accept your role and honor Him with your worship.
Be blessed today, and remember that God will make a way. No matter what is happening, or what has happened...God will make a way for you.
Cathy
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