I wasn't sure what to think when I found out today about an upcoming worship conference to be held at Walt Disney World in 2011. It's called the Experience Conference, and it looks like it's going to be the biggest worship conference the world has ever seen, featuring over 60 celebrity worship leaders and speakers, a jam packed itinerary complete with a "Night of Joy" that could feature your worship band if you audition and win!
Does this clash of cultures--God's Kingdom and the Magic Kingdom--seem strange to anyone else? We talk often on this blog about the detrimental effects of cultural accommodation in Contemporary Church worship. Does a worship event held at Disney World speak to the syncretism of Contemporary Worship and American culture? Or should we find it encouraging to see a worship conference taking place in the epicenter of the American dream? And more generally, what are the benefits of attending big, expensive, worship conferences such as these?
8 comments
Comment by Keith W on October 13, 2010 at 7:32 AM
First off, I "AMENED" everything you posted and inferred on this one... we're on the same page.
Secondly, the below comment applies as much to me and my church as it will to yours (which is also mine :-)...
So.... you posted:
"Does a worship event held at Disney World speak to the syncretism of Contemporary Worship and American culture? Or should we find it encouraging to see a worship conference taking place in the epicenter of the American dream? And more generally, what are the benefits of attending big, expensive, worship conferences such as these?"
in light of Matthew 7:1-5, ... I would ask:
"Does a worship event held at (a 40k s.f. building with air conditioning, nicely padded seats, free coffee, and greeters waiting at the door to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable) speak to the syncretism of Contemporary Worship and American culture? Or should we find it encouraging to see a worship (service) taking place in the epicenter of the American (suburban approach, sit in a comfortable chair with free coffee in hand, watch the people up on that stage who have microphones and special lights on them, sit back, we'll take care of your kids so you're not distracted, oh, and by the way, don't say or sing anything unless it's on the screen (1 Cor 14:26?))? And more generally, what are the benefits of attending big, expensive, worship (service, with multiple paid professionals (musician, teacher, tech manager, hospitality overseer, paid kids programmers) such as these?
Again, as Ryan knows, so this comment is for anyone else reading this,... my church and Ryan's church are exactly the same in terms of liturgy and approach... so this is personal conviction more than anything else.
Love ya Ryan!
Keith
Comment by Ryan Flanigan on October 13, 2010 at 8:56 AM
Great questions, Keith. Perhaps many of our contemporary churches are Disney churches. Bob Webber called them "Starbucks churches," accommodating to the felt needs of the people.
Comment by Anonymous on October 13, 2010 at 7:33 PM
I like you am having a problem with this one. If we are seeking to worship God in a better way, why a confrence at Disney World? Disney's Magic Kingdom lost it's luster long ago and continues its slide into the depravity of this world. Uncle Walt would not be happy if he could see what his company has become.
Comment by Anonymous on October 13, 2010 at 7:40 PM
Experience God or Experience Disney? All the high profile preachers, expensive accomodations, etc; all smack what this world wants to see in Christians. Hipocrasy, greater than thou attitude, etc; I feel that this conference would reinforce that worldly view.
Comment by testing ... is this mic on? on October 20, 2010 at 3:06 PM
Hmmmmm, I won't be making it to the "Experience", but you are making me think. Not long ago I read "Unceasing Worship" by Harold Best ... More ammunition for my soapbox rhetoric about how worship isn't merely a time and place thing ... but if we are going to develop "productions" that are clearly time and place (services) then why not glean from Disney who does "production" quite well ... besides, what makes the Holiday Inn Conference Center in Anytown, Anystate USA a more "sacred" space? What makes any church "sacred"? Perhaps consecrating the Experience God (Disney) worship conference (the sessions, venue, etc.) will be as effective as consecrating our own brick and mortar - God can use it all and does, yes, for those of us who see things at 50,000 feet opposed to 500 feet we can appreciate our imaginations playing clips of Donald Duck and Goofy leading a crowd in the latest Tomlin chorus, I pray and know God can still encourage and equip worship leaders in spite of the distractions of celebrity, price, and fairy dust.
Comment by Anonymous on November 26, 2010 at 11:16 AM
You guys are inhaling this way too deep. Although I see you points and agree with much of it, a worship conference that takes place at a Walt Disney Resort, where busy Music Ministers such as I can take their whole family and plan a vacation around informative times is great planning. I would hope that those involved in creating this experience are doing so for the right reasons.
Comment by Anonymous on May 2, 2011 at 8:15 AM
I just got the flier in the mail today. Aside from the location of the site, I'm troubled by how the event is marketed. Is this about all the famous, good looking, spit and polish worship leaders? Are we supposed to be motivated to come because we might catch a glimpse of those whom the corporate worship world has elevated to royal status? The flier says I should register now! Perhaps I'd better not think about it and just do as I'm told. Perhaps it's worth saving $150 not to take the time to think critically about the Experience which so many beautiful people are taking part in.
Comment by Anonymous on August 24, 2011 at 2:08 PM
you guys are wack! Read your BIBLE!!! (Acts 17, John 1)
Thanks for joining us and sharing your thoughts.