Is the idea of a "worship concert", actually a biblical concept?

The concept and practice of worship conferences increases in popularity year on year. But do we need to pause, step back and ask afresh some significant questions about their validity? Does our desire for so called worship concerts, reflect something of a desire for spiritual entertainment, rather than a holy approach to the living God according to the Covenant Lord's pattern and precept of worship?

I have so much to write on this matter, that I hardly know where to begin. I spoke to a retired minister friend recently, about the concept of worship conferences. He replied: "Somehow Kevin the two words "worship" and "concert" do not seem to belong together. What would you think?" he said, "if you and I hired the London Palladium and announced that we were going to have some 'preaching shows'". The idea of preaching shows is ridiculous and yet the biblical high point of worship is that of preaching, normally conducted by an ordained minister. Therefore the concept and growth of worship concerts needs addressing.

What questions should we consider? Here are some:

What is the biblical doctrine of worship?
How are we to worship God?
Who is to lead public worship?
Is a concert with orchestras and highly gifted musicians singing songs with Christian content, the biblical way to approach the Living God?
Could music be used as a mis-leading mediator into an experience that is advertised as worship, but in fact it may be nothing of the sort?

These are important questions, of which I cannot answer them all. Worship is normally conducted in the church under the oversight of formal leadership called elders. There is no gift or office in the New Testament church called worship leader, other than that of an elder. But you say, my elder cannot play the guitar. There lies the problem. Worship is not a musical experience or even really about singing. It is about hearing preaching, responding in prayer and the right administration of baptism and the Lord's Supper.

What did Paul do on his missions travels?

Acts 13;14-16 "but they went on from Perga and came to Antioch in Pisidia. And on the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent a message to them, saying, “Brothers, if you have any word of encouragement for the people, say it.” So Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand said:
“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen.".

Do we ever find New Testament churches practicing the use of worship concerts? Never! Neither for the entertainment of Christians or as an evangelistic tool. Do we ever find Paul, Barnabas or the LORD Jesus Christ, assembling a musical entourage? No!. Then why has this concept, one without biblical warrant, gained such enthusiasm, momentum and acceptance?

My blogs are intended to make people think and consider. Music has quite a powerful hold over people and this blog post may raise your emotions, but if it does, then we can be thankful. At least it has stirred in you a response. Let us search the Scriptures to stay upon our Lord's narrow path.