Recently I was listening to a podcast of an interview of Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks. He talked about how important it is and how hard he works to make sure the fan experience is incredible at a Maverick’s game. Whatever it is – the music, the dancers, the half-time show, the kiss-cam and everything in-between – it’s got to be fun, engaging and worth it. This makes sense to me – after all, the living room couch, the lack of lines at my refrigerator and the HD television on my wall make a pretty good case for me to experience the game at my house.
Mark also said something interesting that caught me off guard at first, but made sense to me five seconds later. He said that if you work for him and you start “the Wave” you will lose your job. You get one warning, but if you happen to start a wave again you don’t work for the Mavericks anymore. (I’m not so much agreeing with the firing part, but hey, if that’s the rule, that’s the rule…right?) His reason for being anti-“Wave”? He says that nothing kills the energy in the arena quite like the wave. I couldn’t agree more. The wave is lame.
Which got me thinking about some of the ways that the energy is killed in a church service. I do think that the atmosphere and vibe in a worship service is important. There are moments, moods and moves that can enhance or distract a time of worship. I really do believe these things matter. As a worship leader I can help provide an environment that augments the experience and I can also make moves that kill the moment. I know, God can do what He wants, when He wants with whomever He wants – but I try not to disregard the role that I might play in the process. So, in the context of starting “the Wave”, here are the top 5 Killer Moves I’ve made:
1) The Twist
This is when I unknowingly decide to sing something different than the actual lyrics of the song. Of course it’s not the end of the world but it isn’t good considering everyone else can see the actual words behind me on the screen. The Twist move is really bad when you sing something that actually makes sense – but is not accurate and maybe not even appropriate. I’ve done this. I cannot repeat what I sang because God has forgiven me and if he’s not going to bring it up, then I’m not going to bring it up either.
2) The Mashed Potato
This move has everything to do with a lack of concentration and the location of a capo. As a guitar player I can play in any key with different fingering because of a capo. The Mashed Potato comes in when I start the song in a certain key and everything is sounding fine until the band comes in. As they enter in they are playing in the intended key, but because I’m not, it quickly turns into what we call a train wreck. The song is an immediate mashing of two keys, close together but not related well at all. I’ve done this. I’ve done this with just me and one other person. What’s horrible for whoever is playing with me is that they look like they got it wrong because I started the song! That’s when I look at them condescendingly and mouth the words, “You silly, foolish band member, didn’t you know I was going move this song up a half-step at the last minute?”
3) The Watusi
This move is me going back and forth trying to figure out why something is not on. It might be my guitar or my microphone but I’m reaching back checking the light for my guitar or I’m reaching up to check my mic switch. More often than not there is a problem because I’ve forgotten to turn something on. When this happens I’ve just made a killer move. The Pastor has made a great closing point, I’ve started the song and as I begin to sing I’ve got no voice. It merely looks as if I’m whispering sweet nothings in my mic and this is never, ever the case. I’m actually really trying to be heard.
4) The Funky Chicken
This move is me raising my hand to lead others in clapping on the beat of the song. (Let me add a disclaimer here that I in no way believe this is THE way we practice hand clapping in worship as the bible mentions clapping – I actually just think it’s a great way to participate in the worship in another way besides singing.) Ideally, it’s nice to have everyone clapping on the 2 and 4 beat. However, I’ve made the killer move to have everyone clapping on the 1 and 3 beat. You may not think this is a big deal but trust me when I say that this turns into a very clear display of un-hipness. Very much like the Funky Chicken.
5) The Hokey Pokey
Sometimes my right foot is in, sometimes my left foot is in. Personally, this is all natural and I can’t help myself but since I’m in a sense dancing I thought I’d throw this in the list because I’m sure for some of you, this kills your moment. I can’t keep my feet still and since some of you are probably thinking about many other things I do to kill the moment, I thought I’d beat you to the punch. I’m sure that the movement of my feet is distracting. For you, I’ve put this as a killer move. You’re welcome. I’m glad I could take care of that for you.
Speaking of you… What are the killer moves you make or have made when you are in a worship service? I could give you a list, but if you’ve got your own ideas I’d love to hear them. What’s your version of “the Wave” (the thing that kills the moment for you or those around you)?
One more thing, I’d love to get the “kiss cam” going in our church service to use during some of our transitions. Please let me know how awesome this would be. Thanks!
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Jason Martin 
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