Slow is the new fast

In this age of AI and robots, technology has undeniably made things more efficient and effective. Factories now run with minimal human intervention, reducing costs and waste. It's remarkable how technology aids us in ways we can't even imagine. For instance, I can reach out to all of you because of it. However, there are moments when technology, despite its efficiency, brings unintended consequences, especially in worship.

We use technology everywhere in worship—from sound systems to projections to scheduling. But let's focus on Multitracks and Backing Tracks/Loops, where instruments and vocals are layered under the live band to create a polished sound quickly. Churches can now sound like the big guys using these tools. While this is beneficial for producing steady and full music, it misses the point of worship.

With God, it's not about the product—the sound or the production. He's after the people who create these things. It's like having a factory where the focus isn't the product but the workers. God desires engagement with us, not just the end result.

Consider the story of the woman with the alabaster box who poured costly perfume on Jesus's feet. What if she had used a robot to do it? The value wasn't in the perfume itself but in her act of pouring it herself. Similarly, when we rely on tracks, we might play well without really engaging. The band sounds good, but it's not truly us.

Tracks can raise the floor for a band but they also lower the ceiling. You can quickly sound better than you are, reducing motivation to improve. There's no feedback loop for growth, and teams may never fully develop their gifts, and skill of playing together.

Sometimes, technology creates a sense that individual contributions aren't essential. If a worship team member feels unnecessary because tracks cover their part, the intentionality, motivation and engagement can all suffer. But God wants us to bring our offerings and steward our gifts as acts of love and worship. It’s people pouring perfume that He’s after, not just perfume poured out.

The Father is seeking worshipers… not worship.

We miss the mark when worship becomes purely functional—focused on making good music. If our goal is ministering to the Lord, replacing people with technology doesn't even make sense. This also relates to debates about unbelievers on worship teams; anyone can play if it's just about good music. But if it's about ministry to God, only those who know Him can truly participate.

David's attempt to move the Ark of the Covenant using a cart—a piece of technology—was efficient but not what God wanted. He desired priests to carry it on their shoulders, moving together in unity and purpose. This was slower, but it also required connection and intentionality.

Today, technology helps us achieve many things faster and better, but that's not always the point. God wants His presence to rest upon united people who purposefully walk together. Do it slow, do it together, do it imperfectly, and make it personal and home-cooked.

Slow is the new fast.

Worship and all things related to God are not business; they are personal to Him. He seeks our hearts and engagement over any technological efficiency we offer. Often, a home-cooked meal tastes better than takeout. It’s not as efficient, but that was never the point, was it?

PS: Maybe use a click track to help keep your band together - avoid Sunday morning karaoke as much as you can. I love how good tracks make my team sound…. It feels good to do a good job. But I think we lose something in the long-term, and yes we can worship with our hearts using a track… I’m sure the woman could buy a perfume-pouring machine and have her heart fully there…, but it would still feel different.

What do you think?