Worship Star by Shekelback - a light-hearted look at the Worship Music Industry

[TheCatholicExaminer]

Ha yes. agrre with @TheMezzanineFloor.

[liveloud77]

Not offensive at all, just very true! (and funny)

[DIVINESOTERIOLOGY]

2 Samuel 23:5 Yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant.

[xAgonisx]

@markcguitar Your Intention Noted. I understand what you mean, and I totally agree although I havn't seen one that is a wannabe but there was this one time during a Hillsong United Conference when the band kept reminding us all that we are here to worship but not to listen to them sing. And that they are here to lead us with their talents, skills and good music that is blessed by God so that we can have a good time of worship. Appreciate your song. Shalom =D

[MODERATECALVINISM]

Ephesians 6:16

In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.

[abzz47]

great video lol so funny :) 

[csmdeg]

very true...too many like this

[sophieburch]

HIlarious!! its brilliant, just light hearted fun.. made me chuckle a lot!

[YorkshireKaren]

This made me smile, has a ring of truth which certainly didn't offend me. Thanks!

[MrEaust]

How exactly should Christian performing artists present themselves in our celebrity-focused culture? In one sense, it's their job to perform well, but if they do perform well and become popular, they may be accused of being egocentric and in it for themselves. Yet they do need to make a living. It's a dilemma Christian artists have had to wrestle with for years, and it's not an easy path. And of course, there are plenty of temptations on the path. Not everyone can handle it.

[panheadz4ever]

Lol. This video might offend some people but it is pretty funny.

[rikiGod]

Love it!!! I get it to be a joke but even in every joke there's an ounch of truth.

If it might do more harm than good? No matter what we say it can be turned and twisted into something harmful.

But in the end I think it will do more good!!!!

-Thanks for making it.

[Damman55]

You are very right! Happy to have found someone that shares the same thoughts!

[superpurplerobot]

Great stuff.  (Except Chad Kroeger is Canadian... from Hanna, Alberta.)

[markcguitar]

@superpurplerobot oh yeah! You're right! I have lots of Canadian friends, so if I want to live a long and happy life, I won't make that mistake again!

[csmdeg]

Watch Hillsong in 'Shout To The Lord", she seems singing in pain, crying and not understanding the lyrics...the song is about 'joy', why cry? CCM is clearly out of tracks, and now worship in the church became worst, and seems worst then...church's pulpit became a stage where you can act and show your talent, and it is very clear that people looking for worship instead of being a worshiper. Comon...you hear them talking before and after service...doesn't sound like a worshiper...all about self..

[Lastdarkwolf]

Hold on now...Are we talking about crying when your supposed to be joyful? Or industries trying to market Christianity? Because there is a difference...The minute you make it about what emotions you are "supposed" to get when worshipping, is the moment you cross the line from Christianity into religion...

[jflx60d]

Such a gut-wrenching reality check. So sad how much truth there is in this. Well done- you have captured the gross, self-promoting culture that is growing in Christian worship. Thanks for your disclaimer- it relieves me to know at least where you are coming from. I think there is more truth in this than you may have realized at the time of writing it. (In reading this it has a weird tone, but my comment is coming from a positive spirit.)

[swalston3]

LOVE IT!!! LOve the part about Wesley/persecution and the clip with Rob Bell in it! SO great and SO right on the money with the parody aspect of it. That was great. LOL @ the last part, "and other things that end in... ation..." hahahaha SO awesome! Thanks for the chuckle.

[saintstephen33]

this is hilariously amazing. come on.

[ypdave1]

Someone needed to say this! Thanks

[HolyHammer87]

Beautifully Done. Parody or not, it often hits close to the truth, and serves a great dose of perspective along with a laugh. This should be required viewing for anyone who wants to climb the platform to lead corporate worship.

[Q5chelle]

well many people feel better if they heard worship songs because many believe that they were supporting god<but its not that way..God wants the people to live his words in apply it in our lives..we are so fascinated with the worship songs we were hearing but just look at yourself and try to see also if you can live what that song really saying,this song is like a mockery but indeed hes right in some way.

[nikscebba]

Worship used to be intimate and not productionalized. Hillsongs has ruined true worship by glamorizing it. Remember in the 90s when Vineyard was putting out TTFH albums quarterly? I want to worship corporately, but the only place the tears & breaking come is on the road t'ween here & Billings w/my iPod ... This video is RIGHT ON in that it shows the absurdity by being absurd. Bring back D. Chumchal, S. Underwood, A. Park, & Rik Leaf! ..& please send Mrs Darlene back to where she came from.

[Cookey77]

I agree with your Hillsongs point. (attractive people only at the front). That said, Reuben Morgan writes some decent stuff. Darlene is not my cup of tea although i would freely admit she'll be nearer the throne than me.

[dman1653]

You seem kinda bitter...

[UBLKitsune]

Love it dude!

Although, if that is your real hair, I feel sorry for you, I must be honest (sorry if I offended you, but it is the truth).

This video wants me to go and spend some times with some homeless dudes, seriously I think that I will go and search for my treehumping shoeless friend now. c yaz peeps!

[benjaminskywalker]

awesome.

makes me think of one of my favorite c.s.lewis quotes...

"Every poet and musician and artist, but for Grace, is drawn away from love of the thing he tells, to love of the telling till, down in Deep Hell, they cannot be interested in God at all but only in what they say about Him."

[chazzbro]

It's appropriately cynical about something that's a serious problem in the church. I don't read this as an attempt to bash people as individuals...but the motives behind the Big Business which has ripped the heart out of the application of music in worship.

[PraiseCaster]

I'm sending this video to all my fellow P&W Team Members, including the Team Leader.

This is one topic we discuss and talk about. None of us want to be a Worship Star. And with humor, we remind each other all the time.

[Tristaths]

Well done! (Awesome hair and moustache, by the way.) I wonder sometimes about the Hillsong church in Australia -- it's become a powerful business and I think this song may be used as a parody of the practices of that church (even if that was not the video producer's intention).

Thanks for the hilarious video, in any case!

[slhulburt]

KILLER!!!

"say it's all for Jesus as I work the crowd"

[LifeReport]

I was a bit offended by the video until I read the info bar. I'm really glad you explain the motives of the song, because I think the natural assumption would be that this is a parody of Tomlin/Hughes, etc. I've worked with a lot of top worship leaders as well, and while there were a few that had bad attitudes or arrogance issues, the worst weren't anything like what this song portrays. So, thanks for clarifying things.

[livewick]

Entertaining. Makes a good point about how SOME people in the industry get off in their motives. Think of how many bands have started in southern gospel/church music only to migrate to country music. This talks about a rock band migrating to "worship music" because it might be an easier way... just have to learn how to do it and.. presto!... worship 'star'!

Motive, motive, motive... always is the question, is it not?

[kumarjeremy]

A friend just showed me this VDO clip. Awesome! 14 years ago when I left institutional church, I was telling folks that the church is becoming an entertaining circuit with the elite and Christian Celebs taking the main stage and the rest of us are trying to figure out where we all fit in the Body of Christ. Thank you Bro it is time we get our priorities right in all that we do for Christ. Its all about Him and not about us.

[Paul8033]

gotta luv the idea of this song and spot on idea putting the info bit with the vid

[WRamirez]

GREAT VIDEO MAN!!!!

I loved it.

[emesselt]

Loved it - very much appreciated the implied 'heart-check.' Thanks for the good word.

[muskiet90]

There is a big truth in it.

but, I dont like it to use names in a song like this. That sounds like you condems them, and.. well.. I think thats not what we've got to do. And, whats wrong with money and a good life? God bless abraham as one of the richest in the country.

Sorry for bad english - just from holland ;)

gr

Laurens

[annescott66]

loved the song and video thought it was real funny and a wake up call to all the up and coming budding artists remember why and who your singing for. Remember your doing it to glorify God.

God Bless

[marktheophilus]

This video, unfortunately, reminded me of Keith Green's heart. There is such a danger of worship teams just wanting to become a band and the worship time at church turning into practice for once they get big. If it's not all about Jesus, what is your point. . . good word brother

[RhinoReturns]

Hmm. I guess I'm somewhat inexperienced because I didn't realise that this is how Christians perceive other Christians in the music industry. Sad. Still, there are many genuine bands out there who do a pretty good job of honouring God and the Lord Jesus Christ, given the pressures that must come with the job. What I'D like to see as a parody is the clichéd Christian lingo that many of us use. It can make me cringe!

Very cleverly written, by the way.

[markcguitar]

Don't worry, this isn't how Christians perceive other Christians in the music industry! Read the story on the side bar - it's not about those in the industry, it's about the motives of some of the wannabes! Oh, and it's a joke, not a soapbox! Glad you enjoyed it.

[Cookey77]

@markcguitar Truth is....it IS how some Christians perceive certain areas of Christian music.

[intricate3]

hysterical...I loved it

[njokiahr]

Love it! So true... lol!

[dangloverenator]

"I'll fake a weird accent when I sing my songs...!" Cracks me up every time! Nice job :) story is also very interesting, and very fair.

[Shellyypark]

As an aspiring WL I find it a humbling smile and a strong reminder of my reasons. I want to get all my motives in the right place before I move forward and I think watching this on a regular basis will help me keep the focus on God. Thanks its great x

[TheMezzanineFloor]

This is so accurate that it actually hurts to watch it!

Nice one man.

[Haukman66]

That was great!! God Bless.  LOL.

[truth4U2C]

Sad but kind of true....its about giving glory to God!

[StryperFanInNM]

So true.

[PeripheralMan]

I am ok with ramming the artists and "pastors" you depict. I'm also VERY ok with ramming Benny Hinn, Joyce Meyer and all the other TV evangelists (with or without bouffant hair.)

The fact is that CCM/Word and all other so-called "Christian" labels are music machines, just like the Nashville music machine that turned and bit Johnny Cash when he went in a new direction, just like the MOR radio machine that turned on Steely Dan when they changed musical direction.

Speak it in truth, brother.

[underdog1961]

Yes it was funny,  but sad also. So much of it rings true.

[UmakeMEsmile1324]

horrible!

i love lucia parker!!!!

[cocksy123]

LURVE IT!!

Haven't laughed so much in years!

[rela00]

lol. Genius! :)

[tpaulikas]

awesome job dude

[cliveloseby]

Mate, this is the funniest and best thing I've seen in years! I was in the scene back in 1991 and nothing's changed. You have nothing to aplogise for, I appreciate your sensitivity in your extensive disclaimer but, from my POV, the only people likely to get offended are those that this find this too close to home.

Genius mate, well done... one other thing, why are everyone's postings under pseudoyms?

Are they all afraid of being driven from their Churches?

Well done again... :-)

[gytaxor]

Dude! This is too good, you should win a dove award or something for best christian cover parody displaying the truth about industry's standards .... :)

[Matybigfro]

emperor's new clothers anyone!

[toobiedoobie]

I totally get this. And hey, I love the Glory Bugles too. I saw their show at TPAC in Nashville. It was absolutely hysterical. Their stuff on YouTube is great too, but the live show was the bomb!

[BlessingsforGod]

If you like this, you should see the Glory Bugles.(Also on YouTube) Same thing........not making fun of the message, just the way it's usually delivered!  Hilarious.

[Scodges]

I'm a Christian, and I Love this! Jesus would be proud of you!

[mykljamz]

sad but true ;)

[sax6500]

Don't apologise mate - well done!

[tomfreedommusic]

OOh funny but as yet another worship leader in a local church with songwriting ambitions it hurts just a bit.

[Maranatha80]

This was hilarious.

[ddaviniArt]

Best, & most honest, Christian song I have heard in years. hahahaha Thanks

[ch4580]

Your voice mustve been sore for days after recording this!!

very amusing!

[Diplomat1972]

Ha ha, I just bought an EH DMM, I already own an ebow.

[TheDreamer1701]

Leave the video online, it made me chuckle and I think it is the sort of thing that needs to be said. Even worship leaders with the best of intentions can go astray....

[littlebluecheese]

You read my mind by this video.

[kwikemart]

Outstanding. I mean, it cut me as I watched and recognized small pieces of my own heart in the song. Thank you.

[markcguitar]

Question from the author! So this was just supposed to be a joke between Christian muso friends, but since it's gone viral, is this doing more harm than good? I'm considering taking it off youtube, as I don't want to be accused of 'stone throwing' - actually I'm a nice guy who loves worship. Do you guys 'get it' or is this in danger of being misunderstood? So yeah, should it stay or should it go? (to paraphrase The Clash)

[hereschenes]

Dude, you totally need to keep it. It's not your fault if people misread the satire. Don't be disheartened mate - the cause of Christ is aided, not impeded, when Christians point out Christendom's associated idolatry and goofiness, even if it's done in satirical fashion. Your detailed explanation is there for those who want it.

[TheJSavage]

this is one of the funniest things I've seen in a while. I'm a wanna be rock star turned worship leader...so i get this one a little too close to home. ha. good work. keep it up. everyone I know needs to see this.

[WileyUnionYouth]

Awesome. Leave it.

[acoustikarl]

I say keep it. But then I'm also a fan of Steve Taylor and some of his stuff was very pointed and critical, yet funny as well. "I Manipulate" for example. The points you make are very valid and we need to be constantly monitoring ourselves to make sure we don't fall into that mindset.

[ch4580]

leave it up...

those of us who kno u/hav come across u,kno that u'r sincere in what u do&say...&love your sense of humor &talent.We're laughin with u...&along side u,thankful4 the worship leaders we hav in th world,wealthy&poor.

what's next on your mind?

how about a parody of cliche artists (some mates&me (one bein a fairly well known WL,found ourselves at the brit awards venue the night before it was on, and joked of leaving a dictionary of cliches for James Blunt to write his next 'hit' from)

[lukeli1]

I think you did a good thing. Thanks for being humble!

[DustyDCM]

Why has anyone's got problems with this video - unless, of course, it's a bit too close to the truth for comfort for some of us?

We've gone from the iron rule of choirs and organists congregations to ... superstar worship leaders and bands; it's just human nature finding new cultural media to be less than church should be. Real maturity would mean we embrace musical variety which proclaims truth and give it all to God...

I say, "Good on you Mark!" - and to others, "If the cap fits, wear it!"

[elect7777]

@markcguitar Really VERY funny! I love it, please, I hope you don't have to take it down. One thing though, you've made me self concious about my south london lilt. Don't worry,  I'll get over it when I've made my first melion darluz.

[alien57]

Third time I've tried to comment. A good parody.

By the way ... Chad Kroeger isn't American ... He's Canadian as is Nickelback.

[alien57]

Great parody with some sad truth. No apology necessary. Good clarification.

By the way ... Chad Kroeger isn't American. He's Canadian as is Nickelback.

[pisquee]

That is the sound of a nail's head being struck.

[lastdaysguitar]

Mark,

I play guitar and serve in worship too... this video is scary true.

A lot of truth here - sad to say... it's obvious artisians are making thousands BEFORE really knowing the Lord.

I'm so sick of the trite little hooks and substance-less "productions"....

The saddest part is they cheat themselves - Our God is SOOOOO much more worthy to be praised than we could ever be! Not even a comparison!

[ImADrWhoAddict]

5 stars and favourited!

[percboy]

awe-frickin-some!!

[given2sing]

You are right on the money... I live in England now and there's a guy at our church with a full-on Martin Smith accent when he sings. You'd think it was Martin Smith... :-)

[davidransom]

Check out Asenscion of Heroes with Saviour Mahine, another comment on, well more on the entire christian scene than just the worship part. :)

[neshmonster]

You know what man? Don't even worry about apologizing in the least for this video, its sentiments are akin to the words in Isaiah 1. There is extreme corruption in the heart of man, and it manifests itself even in the church and the music industry; I don't believe there is nothing wrong at pointing out these (obvious) truths as satire. As an added bonus, we get a laugh out of this great video.

[jjr1567]

why all the apologetics? this is right on.

[rileytaylor1]

I love to lead worship to my God. But I do agree with this, it just seems this way, don't it? Sad really. One of the benefits of being in Seattle is that I don't see a lot of this. People here are very honest... if pagan as well. But at least they admit it.

Cheers to an honest video. Challenging and funny.

Peace.

[erasr]

well done.

[corvinrok]

I enjoyed it- its a good chuckle.. on the satire, I think if people have poor motives most of us can see it.. practically speaking the whole "industry" thing is basically a non-issue now.. the music industry, CCM especially, has vaporized.. having worked in the "industry" for 10+ years i can tell you what's left is just a few, big names, and everything else is gone.. but there's lots of room in local churches for honest worshipers with musical gifts and calling!

[daddydude]

Ironically, I had just finished sending an email to a friend in Oklahoma who is struggling with the whole Praise songs v. Traditional music in worship thing when one of the leaders of the Praise Team at our church emailed me this link. I see the honesty in the humor and challenge to stay real to our Savior and ourselves while dealing with the temptation to "make it big".

[leelike]

I actually wrote an essay about this; You know the one - Martin Smith's Essex Boy meets Ramsay Street, South Coast drawl.

Its not just worship leaders though, even the beatles did it. (take a sad song and make it bedder)...

[drewlyddon]

amazing... i lolled so hard!

[danablett]

before reading the information in the sidebar, 1 star. after reading it, 4 stars.

[markcguitar]

You're a legend! You would not believe the hassle I've got from certain people who didn't bother reading the info sidebar before jumping to all kinds of wrong conclusions about my motives etc!! 'quick to judge, slow to understand' huh? Thankfully that phrase definitely doesn't apply to you - you've restored my faith in YouTubers! :-)

[originalpeace]

lol

[alpharev]

Thank you for making this video. Why do we exploit being in love with God for money? Would we treat our husband/wife that way? Have we become a hoar looking for the quick buck? The only time (recorded) that Jesus ever got pissed was when people were selling shit in the temple. Isn't that what we're doing now?

[pizzaman100]

That was great!

[GrungeDiva]

Love it. I am a paid worship leader, and I am not at all offended, because I so get it. (I don't get paid much, but hey, I get to do what I love the most, praise God and play my music.)

[rkamrath]

Shooters often use shotguns when something more accurate is warranted.

(Like pulling people aside in private.)

[LifeSpringFS]

Loved it! This is a classic!

My favorite part? Did anybody else catch the Smitty 'Secret Ambition' reference?

Too funny.

Keep 'em coming!

[tomwehrle]

I heard it, witty.

[omegaguitars]

That is great....and oh so true. The funniest part to me was the soft cliche worship sayings at the end as the music fades. I cracked up all the way thru.

Fun stuff with a very real message.

[andycharlescrisp]

I must admit that I do feel uncomfortable about people getting paid for me to worship God.

The early Christians didn't seem that bothered about getting paid for their ministry - too focused on advancing the kingdom of God!

It is one of many ways that the values of the world have affected the thinking of the church.

[fasttrackguitar]

You nailed it. Every top worship song recycles the same clichés (Tomlins the master of it)

[mimififi30]

I love British parody...how I laffed!

keeping it real, bro, keeping it real.

GB

[ba55man51]

Genius ! Well done markcguitar.

I wonder how many CCM performers have seen this and are feeling a little hot under the collar... ;-)

[markcguitar]

Thanks Bassman! Hopefully it's a challenge to us all, me included! At the end of the day this video's just supposed to make us all laugh at ourselves and if it causes us to make sure our hearts are right, then that's a bonus.

[Supercrossed2000]

This sums up a lot of Nash "artist." "Artist" that couldn't or didn't cut it on the secular circuit default to the Christian scene.

When it comes to biz, Christian "artists" are BY FAR the most difficult to work with. . . from ego's from artist, down to accounting and getting paid. Shouldn't it be the other way around?

The "god-card" is my personal fav. "I'm sorry, I can't pay you right now. . .consider it an offering to the lord" as I get back on my new Prevost with the two slideouts.

[Frazertech]

Love it!!!

[formerliberal]

Thank you, puts the worship music industry in perspective. Blessed are those who desire to be humble by living in obscurity.

[joshmcfly]

P.S Look out youre about to become an internet sensation... I am now sending your video to the hype machine which will lead to you getting 1 million plays... better still be my guitarist when youre rich and famous (you could afford an immigration lawyer!)

[joshmcfly]

Oy Mark the reason that worship stars adopt the hybrid accents is because thats how jesus talks... obv...well, jesus and jurgen klinsman

[jonnyweston]

Brilliant!! Very well made!

Completely non factual however!

Jonny Weston

Christian Drummer

[realvoices]

brilliant, simply brilliant. And so, so true.

[rolanduzer]

Great video!!

[davidderbyshire]

I think this song just one of the signs of a growing restlessness about contemporary worship.

[jellyandme]

hey mate,

Just got back from leading worship at my church and this was exactly what I needed to hear (be reminded of). Thanks for sharing.

[Indiana255]

I know there's a disclaimer but it's funny cause it's true. There is a big difference between a good worship leader and someone who performs worship. How often have you had to stop singing because the worship leaders gone off on one or is singing in a key ordinary people can't reach?

[narniadreamer]

I love it Mark, my husband's going to crack up, he has experience with the kind of people you describe in the side note. Keep rocking for Jesus:)

[ch4580]

"and other things ending in '...ation' "

brilliant

[theforgiveness]

wait, so i shouldn't be in this for the fame/money?

crap....!

[dennisthemennis4]

I laughed so much thanks for this.

[mattandmary]

I think it was a bad call to put up pictures of the artists. I read the disclaimer... but a bad call none the less.

[markcguitar]

I'm in a lot of the photos - I did this to emphasise that the song isn't about specific existing artists, it's about the wannabes - read the info panel. e.g. it's about people who put on Martin Smith accents, not about the way Martin Smith sings his own songs! Sorry for any confusion. At the end of the day it's supposed to be a laugh and not to be taken seriously.

[spaarkie]

Laughed a lot at this - one of my mates is dancing at the front of an almost deserted New Eden Festival in Torquay - this was a very misleading camera trick - there were at least 20 of us there that day!

[markcguitar]

That was actually an awesome gig - it was such a shame the numbers were so small! That's what happens when Live8 is on telly and everyone stays home to watch U2 for free! (or is it that there wasn't a worship band as the big crowd puller? ;-)

[latrellsbo]

This is awesome and is so very true of the British and American market place today. When i was involved this trend was just starting to happen and that was 20 years ago !

[Marielacey]

The old saying is 'it would be funny if it weren't true'!

[rickhill2309]

its easy to be cynical

[fusedemotion333]

Finally, some one had the courage to call out people with this mentality.

[HanTheBooshLover]

Haha, awesome!

[07MOJDF]

I think you make a good point, but some Christian bands use the money they make to do a lo of good in the world! And they also use their fame to point others towards making a difference!

[ovlaicu]

So does Oprah, Angelina Jolie and Michael Jackson!!!

[markcguitar]

Read the info on the right - I'm not having a go at successful Christian bands (I'm IN ONE!) - this is specifically about worship.

[underskirt]

I've been thinking and saying that stuff to some people i think I could have written a book about it but your song says enough.

[matcrisp]

This is the best thing that I have ever seen. As funny as this is, it's very, very, very true. I used to work in this industry.

[poolehall]

I appreciate your honest comments about the video as well as the comical/satirical nature of this song.

[ashleyhousemad]

very good marky mark!!

(do you know a song called, 'La La Land by the way ... All Star United ... same sentiments!)