I ran across this video today and was deeply moved – 

As one entrusted with developing music ministries over the years, a significant question that arises is: “who should serve up front” – who should be visible leading the congregation?

There are several qualities that should be considered: maturity and genuineness of faith, godly character, pride/humility, and appropriate gifting.

I’ve been somewhat shocked over the years to have some church goers tell me certain musicians shouldn’t be up front because their “look” didn’t convey what a Christian is, or wasn’t an “attractive example of a Christian”.  

As though followers of Jesus are picture perfect and do not wrestle with body image, or physical limitations.

As though the worship gathering is a production, a performance, or a commodity. Or worse, a misleading advert for “your best life now.”

Whether it be a weight issue, an age issue (“no one over 30 up front”), a visible disability… these are not reasons to prohibit a skilled person from serving. In fact, we should heed the words of 2 Corinthians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬:

“So from now on we regard no-one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.”

Because: 

“‘The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.’”

‭‭1 Samuel‬ ‭16‬:‭7‬b NIVUK‬‬

For in fact, it was foretold of our Messiah:

“He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭53‬:‭2‬b NIVUK‬‬

further…

“God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭27‬ ‭CSB‬‬

We do not showcase people as token representatives, but if they are qualified to serve, we don’t sideline them or hide them from public view.

These dearly loved image bearers of God.

Honestly, this sung testimony from those who’ve walked a thousand miles often holds more weight rather than the shiny, glamorous 25 year olds, singing it with moving lights and hazers.