Authentic? I don't think you are asking the right question. Obviously, authentic worship from the heart of a soul touched by Jesus is authentic regardless of its "mode" of expression. The question should be, "Is every 'worshipper' authentic? Not every person who raises their hands on Sunday morning is a true worshipper. It is clear in Scripture that the Lord desires to be worshipped with music (e.g. Psalm 150). In light of that, I would be more than hesitant to "throw the baby out with the guitar solo." We must not blame the band for every in-authentic worshipper in the church. If someone comes into the church and worships only in pretense, and not in truth, it is not my fault as their pastor or worship leader, unless I am teaching them that true worship is all about raising your hands, singing songs, and having an emotional experience similar to what one would have at a U2 concert. If that is the depth of my teaching regarding worship, then perhaps I am to blame. As a leader, it is my responsibility to teach the church what true worship is according to the word of God. There is a definite place for music in worship. The same sin of pretense can/does also occur in churches where worship is very intellectual (recitation of creeds, responsive readings, etc.). False worship, as it were, can happen even in churches that do not use music at all. Rather than question the authenticity of a biblical practice, such as "playing skillfully on the strings" (Ps. 33:3), we must take on the responsibility, as leaders, of teaching the church what true worship is. It's okay to get emotional when singing to God, whether we are using instruments or not. But let us pray that worship doesn't end with the last verse of our closing song. Isaiah 38:20 says, "The Lord will save me, and we will play my music on stringed instruments all the days of our lives, at the house of the Lord." Let's worship in that way. Let's worship in every way.
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