November, 17, 2008

Val City, Georgia —Local church worship leader attempts to pass legislation to bail out fashion “unhip” worship teams.

In this season of economic uncertainty, many hard working, average Americans are feeling the crunch on their bank balance. Some are having to cut down on their road trips, others are eliminating Christmas splurge shopping, and still others are being forced to cut out their snacks. From Wall St. to Main St. Americans are feeling the pinch.

The church is no exception. Though there seems to be a slight increase in attendance due to the fear of an uncertain economic future, charitable donations have steadily declined. Church budgets are growing smaller and are facing the axes of miserly commitees these days.

Which is why local worship leader and self-described singer/songwriter, Smitty Q. Motlin, has worked tirelessy to get legislation passed for what he calls a necessary Worship Team Bail Out. After attending a huge leadership conference he noticed a huge difference between the “look” of the conference band and the band at his home church.

“I try to lead by example, I use a lot of hair product and wear vintage tees, but sometimes I feel like my team doesn’t get how important it is to look good when leading worship,” he says from the lobby area of his church building.

“The Church has a mission to reach people. And, if people come in and see a band that looks like a motley crew of rag tag individuals, it doesn’t help. Look at any major successful corporation. All the members of those teams dress for success, be it by uniform or by unspoken dress code,” said Motlin from behind a shiny black baby grand in his home church sanctuary.

“All I’m saying is that, if banks and automakers are getting a little help from the government, why shouldn’t we too?” raved an animated Motlin.

Motlin attributes the cause of the declining participation during worship services to a lack of fashion awareness by his team. But he casually suggests that it’s not the team members’ fault.

“Because of the current economic crunch,” he says, “more and more worship team members are finding they can’t afford to buy skinny jeans, white studded belts, fidel castro caps, or even slip on vans or chucks.”

These items, along with shades and vintage rock and che tees, are staples for the “hip” worship leader.

“I mean who doesn’t want to look cool? My team just can’t afford it. Which is why I’m working night and day to get legislation passed for a bail out for worship teams all across America that are being hit hardest by this crisis,” he continues.

When asked what he would like to see if this bail out were passed Motlin responded, “I believe God’s heart would be blessed if worship teams all across America were able to buy cool clothes.”

It’s not known if the legislation has even made it to a politician’s desk or not, but it is apparent Motlin sincerely believes his efforts will help.

If you are a worship team that has been affected by hard times and believe that this proposed bail out is something that would be of benefit, you should contact your state representatives and let them know.

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For a great discussion on fashion and the church worship team please visit this forum thread at The Worship Community.