Performance in Worship - Pt. 2
Are we authentic in worship?
If you didn’t read part 1 of this post, I encourage you to do so and watch this video before continuing.
The purpose of performing is to embody the moment—to connect with the audience, communicate effectively, and create a memorable experience for both yourself and the people in attendance.
The purpose of worship is to give praise to God by surrendering what He has given to us. We have a voice or an instrument. We are to give them back to Him. As worship leaders, we should be completely present in the moment—connecting with the congregation, communicating effectively to lead them in worship and to create a welcoming and freedom-filled environment to share a worship experience as one church body.
Elias Dummer skillfully depicted the coexistence of worship and performance in the video I shared. Here are some highlights:
Worship Is…
1. The feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity.
2. To show reverence and adoration for a deity and honor with religious rites
Worship is the active practice of assigning “ultimate value” to an object or entity, placing that at the center of your love, desire, attention and actions. It means we should intentionally correct our focus with our whole selves and have an intentional presentness to Jesus.
To Perform Is…
1. To carry out, accomplish or fulfill what is required (an action, task, or function)
2. Performo - Church Latin for “to form thoroughly”
3. To present or represent something onstage like a play or piece of music (a form of entertainment) to an audience.
“Over time, the meaning of performance came to suggest pretending and maybe even in an exaggerated way, which might be fake or even lying. Worship and performance ultimately come down to a single word, authenticity.” Dummer continued with citing statistics on how bad we are at reading body language. “We should be really careful about moralizing our authenticity hunches of others. Chances are we’re wrong about what’s going on behind the scenes.”
“The secret to performing a song well or a scene with excellence isn’t to pretend better. It’s to not pretend at all. Great actors and singers learn to recall an emotional moment in time quickly and live it out. They aren’t pretending; they’re embodying. Performance isn’t inauthentic pretending; it’s an authentic becoming.”
“Willful performance isn’t insincere; it’s that you value something more than your own wants in service to the role that’s been given to you. Worship leaders should look to serve others before themselves, represent the role they’ve been given and become like Christ.”
C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity
“The rule for all of us is perfectly simple. Do not waste time bothering whether you ‘love’ your neighbor; act as if you did.”
“The question isn’t about whether or not we’re performing, but whether self is at the center of our performance or God and neighbor. We just need to ask ourselves, who is this for?”
We must remember that we are part of something that is much bigger than all of us and we should be authentic in whatever we do. To be honest, being authentic in our performance is something that many artists could improve on as well. Be present. Be authentic. Love God and love the congregation.
If you’ve ever:
- Doubted your ability to command the stage
- Struggled with stage fright
- Felt unsure about turning your music into more than just a passion
We’re here to help. From performance coaching and creating live arrangements to designing riders and stage plots, we cover every detail of your live show—giving you the confidence to hit the road with ease and captivate any audience.
If you’ve:
- Wondered why your performances don’t always leave a lasting impression
- Wanted to stand out in a crowded industry
- Felt stuck trying to turn your talent into a livelihood
We’re here to transform your onstage presence. Purpose Live ensures every aspect of your show—from storytelling to technical production—works together seamlessly, helping you stand out while staying true to who you are.
It’s about authenticity, impact, and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
No cookie-cutter solutions. Every artist is unique, and we tailor our approach to bring out your true essence on stage—no one-size-fits-all methods here.
No overwhelming production for production’s sake. We focus on YOU—your story, your message, and your audience. The production enhances your presence, but it never overshadows your essence.
If you’ve ever:
- Wondered how to stand out in a crowded music industry
- Questioned whether you have what it takes to make a living through your music
We’re here to show you how to create a performance that resonates, connect deeply with your audience, and turn your passion into a sustainable career.
Whether you need a one-time consultation or a full show overhaul, we’ll collaborate to create a package that fits your needs and resources. To learn more, schedule a FREE discovery call where we’ll discuss your goals and craft a personalized plan.
Performances that stand out go beyond talent. It’s about how you:
- Make your audience feel seen and connected
- Turn your songs into stories that resonate
- Create moments that stay with them long after the show ends
We help you elevate your performance, making sure your talent is packaged with dynamic stage presence, polished transitions, and memorable moments.
Songs made for streaming or radio are fast-paced, designed to grab attention quickly. But a live show is a different experience—it’s about connection, depth, and immersion.
We’ll create space for the audience to breathe, engage, and feel every moment. Picture intros, outros, and interludes that turn each song into a journey, where every note invites your audience into the story you’re telling.
Imagine the energy of a sudden, dramatic shift that takes the crowd’s breath away, or the quiet, intimate vibe of a stripped-down section that feels like it’s just for them—those are the moments that resonate long after the music fades.
Think of it as tailoring your performance. We adapt your songs to create a flow that keeps audiences engaged, ensuring your show feels like a cohesive experience rather than just a collection of tracks.
- Connect with your audience
- Leave them wanting more
- Deliver a show that inspires and stands out
At Purpose Live, we’re your one-stop shop for live performance needs. We guide you through:
- Crafting an unforgettable setlist
- Honing your stage presence
- Advancing your shows
- Creating clear and professional riders
- Designing stage plots for smooth setups
Whether you want to deepen audience connections, grow your fanbase, or create an immersive worship experience, we ensure every detail works together seamlessly.
- Schedule a FREE discovery call with us.
- Share your vision and challenges.
- Receive a personalized plan to confidently deliver an unforgettable experience.
Whether it’s overcoming stage fright, refining your show, or streamlining your technical setup with riders and stage plots, we’ll help you turn your passion into a livelihood while captivating your audience like never before.
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Are you interested in diving deeper into these areas for YOUR show? I’d love to get to know you and learn about your journey in music! Let’s schedule a FREE discovery call today!
Purpose Live
Equipping and empowering singers and musicians to genuinely connect with their audience.