Solos in Worship

I've heard worship leaders tell me before that their congregation don't understand solos, don't know how to respond to solos or simply aren't used to it. That's like saying new Christians shouldn't read the bible or pray because they aren't used to it. Obviously we don't do that.

Strangely, some also think solos exalt the musicians rather than God. Believe it or not, I've even heard people saying musicians should wear black on stage so as not to garner any attention. Firstly, if you don't want attention, don't even be on stage. Even preachers get attention but somehow nobody faults them for it. And btw, the preacher is talking about God, but the musician, is talking (worshipping/ministering) to God. So who gets more glory?

Many times, Christians have a tendency to make comments based on their cultural perceptions rather than biblical truths. When they're not used to healing, they say God doesn't heal. When they're not used to tongues, they say tongues are not of God. Now what about musical solos? You see, when the musician plays a solo, what he's actually doing is taking the lead in ministering to the Lord. There are occasions mentioned in 1 Chronicles 25 where a musician would prophesy with his instrument before the Lord.

Why then do some Christians think solos are wrong? This is so as in secular music, guitar solos or other types are played and this leads some to believe this similar art form is wrong or even evil in the Christian context. But what's happening in the Spirit realm is the musician taking a leading moment to minister to the Lord and the church gets ministered in the process. You can also say this spiritual art form is actually the musician prophesying. If you look back in the OT, even King Saul was restored whenever David ministered with his solo playing.

As you can see, it's completely out of line when people suggest things like not having solos or only wearing black on stage. Musicians have an individual identity and they are there to minister to the Lord and serve His people. People see them in action and they are there to lead, not hide behind a bush. They should be seen, on video, on whatever means simply because they're worshipping God and hopefully, that inspires and encourages the church to do likewise.

Next time when you see a solo in church, know that that guy is ministering to God, expressing his love for Him. As for yourself, enjoy it, be ministered by it and worship the Lord your God.