Perfect13

Seriously non-gifted singers and musicians should be talked to in love before they ever reach a Sunday AM platform and encouraged to look for other gifts that can edify the church. But as for those who might not be really gifted, but they're not bad and/or distracting, I'll take "heart of worship" over skill if I have to choose between the two. If people are distracted more due to their own problems with a critical spirit/nature, then that's a different problem. :)

Great question....
Look how long God spent describing and instructing the construction of the temple.
It took 200 verses and 6 chapters to detail the technologies to be used for worship in Exodus.

But, does that mean that we can be so judgmental as to say you are not good enough get off the stage because you are not perfect? Probably not (even though sometimes i wish I could).

The biggest thing is responsibility for me. If you are responsible to the call that God has for you and are working at what God has placed on your heart you are in right standards.
Now, if music is not your thing and you have a voice of someone they make fun of on American Idol well then you should probably look into being faithful somewhere else.

I think the standards churches can set can say that we aspect there to be some responsibility in the way you practice, prepare and then sing. Once that responsibility is taken musicians will get better and so will the music.

good stuff

I take the scriptural view of "make a joyful noise unto the Lord" as a good starting point. If its joyful of the person doing it, it is just noise. Motive means a lot. Now is it musically edifying to the Church? Well who is the audience God or man?

A person that can't sing well should be told that honestly. If they can't lead they shouldn't.

I would rather have some one with a passion for Christ with less than wonderful vocals than the best singer without a passion for Christ. Best situation is one with good vocals and a heart for Christ. The key though is the music of the heart.

very true...

all worship is pleasing to GOD... but not all music is pleasing to people. imho, if you're not musically inclined, then you shouldn't be leading on a mic. it causes more distraction.

Yep. That stuff distracts me for sure

To steal a line from above"......when you do something for the Lord, do it to the best of your ability."

I absolutely agree with this statement, but that probably puts me on the other side of the fence. Yes, give your best, but my best may not sound like Tomlin's best. I'm not a big fan of those who are obviously on stage to put on a show. I would much rather you not be the best singer, but make it clear that your heart is in line with Christ at the moment you're leading me in worshiping Him.
I mean if my singing is that distracting to you, there are probably other churches for you.

Hmmm...

I agree with the sentiment 100%, but this statement is also relevant for a worship team, and thus the leader has to make that call.

If you try to give a show rather than give your heart, please rather stay away, because you do more harm than good, as people in the congregation will pick up on it very fast.

Seen that b4

I am with you on this Adam. Was in a church on Sunday, where the band had no coherence at all.

While they say “all things that exalt God is beautiful in His ears”, I do however feel that when you do something for the Lord, to it to the best of your ability. Strive for excellence, and never settle for something less that exceptional.

The Lord has given everybody talents, and you should use your talents given by the Lord. everybody did not receive the talent to be a great musician. How cool it may look to play the guitar or whatever, you will not look cool doing it, if you make a hash of it.

That is my view on the matter. I do however feel that you should give people the opportunity to discover their talents, but do it in a non-public way. Let the people join in at practice time, and when you, and they, feel that the time is right, then let them 'perform' on stage.

I like it