Why I Didn’t Like Gateway Worship

Posted on Feb 22, 2012 | 32 comments

The first time I attended Gateway Church I didn’t like the worship. They seemed overly excited to sing. So I stood there–in the back, with a clenched jaw, and hands buried deep in my pockets.

My resistance to take part was odd to me, because I thought I was a worshipper. But there I was, not worshipping.

Gateway Worship

Reflecting on that season of my life, I think I’ve narrowed down three reasons for my response.

  • I Was Jealous – I consider myself a “creative.” I like to come up with new ideas and start them–whether that involves music, teaching or woodworking. I enjoy making new things. Creatives tend to judge their success against other creatives in the room. That first day at Gateway I was looking at a group of musicians and worshippers who were far better than me, and I became jealous.
  • I Was Experiencing a New Flavor – The kind of worship at Gateway was different from anything I had experienced before. When I encounter new flavors of anything I become reluctant–food or otherwise. New flavors take getting used to. A new husband may find the flavor of his new wife’s spaghetti different from what mom used to make. But wisdom tells him to embrace the new flavor without disparaging the old. Both are good. Both are right. Love ya mom. Time taught my spiritual palate to enjoy the new flavor.
  • I Didn’t Get It – Gateway wasn’t over-singing or inauthentic. They were the opposite: real, pure, beautiful. I eventually caught it; and like many others, I moved from the back to the front, lifted my hands from pockets to the air, and found a clenched jaw shifting into an open mouth full of praise.

These days I get to lead with these wonderful worshippers. Most are still better than me, but I don’t care. I love them, and I learn as much as I can. God used Gateway Worship to challenge more than my craft or my worship. He was challenging my core; and I’m grateful. I don’t want to be the guy in the back with pockets full of hands anymore.

Over the next few weeks I’m going to share some of my heart about worship. I’ll use this blog post as the summary page that links to them all.

How to Worship a KingIn the meantime, my good friend and fellow pastor, Zach Neese, wrote a book about worship. He uses this writing to unload his soul and connect people to the life and presence of God through worship. This is one of the best books ever written on the subject of worship.

I’m giving away one copy of the book. So to shamelessly mimic the great Michael Hyatt, you may qualify for the drawing by (1) leaving a comment below describing why you want the book–leaving a comment on Facebook doesn’t count–AND (2) post a tweet to this blog on Twitter.

I will use my own purely subjective judgement to select the recipient on Friday, February 24 and connect with you for delivery.

Why would you like to receive a free copy of Zach Neese’s book, “How to Worship a King?” Only comments left on the blog qualify for the book contest, so leave a comment below!

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the products in the post above were given to me for free, but I receive no compensation for their promotion. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”


  • Julie Shanks

    I’m the first to say unashamedly I want this book. I love Zach’s heart for worship and for reaching other’s for Christ. I am a fellow worshipper & can learn from his insight. Like you Rob, I’ve learned to appreciate different flavors of worship. 

  • Parent of Teenage

    Robb – Interesting post.  What got my attention is that we are dealing with the same issue with my teenage son.  He is an outgoing, excited video-game freak that will talk to his friends online for hours.  However, when we enter into workship at Gateway he just stands there looking straight ahead and doesnt sing a word or even clap.  I sometimes wonder if he is “anxious” about how he will look or sound when he sings, but it bothers me greatly as a dad.  While I am praying for freedom for him, your post reminded me that maybe there is something more going on spiritually that I am not aware of. 

    Thank you for your post as it has me thinking a little differently as to “why” he isnt worshiping.  I would like the book for him to read as a “family assignment”, but if someone else is more worthy I will understand.

    Thanks again for the post.

    • Jjapg3456

      I am a parent of a teen and having the same problem with mine.. I also attend gateway with my hands in my pockets.. Don’t own the book but after reading your post I may have to buy it.. And hoping one day to be the one to move from the back seat to the front. God bless you and thank you

      • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

        Time helps make the transition from back to front. I pray your heart will grow to love and embrace worship more and more!

  • Tricis

    Thank you for your transparency. What a testimony!

    I would like to hear Zach’s heart for worship and what the Lord has taught Him about how to worship Him because I wAnt to worship Him more deeply and passionately. It’s what we were created to do and I want to worship wholeheartedly shutting out anything that would distract in seeking Him first, Hid Kingdom.

  • Josh Hildebrand

    Robb,
    I had the same experience my first time at Gateway. Unfortunately, that first visit has been my only visit as I live out of town.
    I would like the book because I pastor in a church & denomination that has a very narrow view of worship. I hope to broaden their perspective on true worship and I believe that this book can help me in that endeavor. Been thinking about buying the book anyway. God bless!

    Josh H.

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      We need to get you back to Gateway so you can have a different experience!

  • Shawna Rollins

    Give the book to the parent of a teen. I’m currrntly reading it to our 14yr old son. It’s given him new information and he’s becoming inspired taking captive the lies he’s believed about God and worship.

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      My kids are enjoying it too!

  • Barbara Heilman

    I enjoyed your comments on worship! I love the church we belong to but altough I sit on the second row my hands are by my side. I grew up in a non-instrumental church. Legalistic and rigid. I want to worship the Lord without restaint and with more passion. Most importantly,in manner pleaseing to Him. I would love to read this book. I live in Osceola,Iowa and hope to attend Gateway the next time I’m in Ft.Worth( Alan Smith is my nephew).    

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      You have an amazing nephew! One of my best friends on the planet. I pray you soon experience a release in worship and freedom to be who God made you!

  • Tjtysl

    attended a Celebration of Home going for a Long time Family friend who was a Worshipper forever. And today was thinking of them and said I need to buy Jeannie (wife) Zach’s book and CD
    Cause he’s in Heaven doing some serious Worshipping!! Love Pastor Zach’s heart!

  • http://www.facebook.com/selahfalk Sarah Hastings Falk

    Hi Rob!  I’d love to win a copy of Zach’s book!  I’ve been eyeing it in the bookstore since Ps Craig gave us a sneak peek.  I love the picture he paints of worship and really want to learn to go to a deeper place in worship.  I believe that worship and prayer is our first and highest calling as believers, yet it’s too easy for that to be overshadowed by the things of life.  Part of my focus for the next season is to elevate ministering TO the King in priority in my life.  

  • Douglas Guess

    I think Josh should get the book!

  • Blest1998

    I didn’t “get it” at first either. Praise God that He kept drawing me back anyway. My life has been changed by worship and I would have missed out on something huge!

  • Nolvia

    Wow! I don’t envy your position of having to choose!  if I won the book, I would give it to Josh H……..

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      Frankly, I’m not all that envious of the position i’ve put myself in either;)

  • Babs Coppedge

    Rob,

    I feel as if you read the email of Anthony during our first year at Gateway. I’m going to make sure he reads this blog. It’s interesting to me to see this particular topic addressed from the heart of a worship leader; I love the insight you gave in helping us understand that we all journey, no matter our relationship to the particular path. This is a good read.

    As far as Zach’s book is concerned, my first thought was that I pray it goes to the exact “home” it’s supposed to go to. (How fun that you’ve elected to choose the recipient and that you’re not leaving it up to random selection!) If Zach’s book is anything like his Equip classes, then it promises to be deep, rich and yummy food. I attended his worship series last year that was filmed with the specific intent to reach other churches and … WOW! … the insight God gave him, the revelation that was unraveled those three weeks, it blew my socks off! I’ll be reading this book one way or another, and hope that whomever wins this gift passes it along to as many others to read as they can. 

  • http://twitter.com/JLLouthan Joseph Louthan

    So long as Gateway Worship throws a bone and sings a hymn every once in a while, I am good to go.

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      Can’t abandoned hymns. I think the theology in hymns needs to find it’s way into contemporary songwriting. But I do love the musical spin we give to the hymn.

  • Ptpenn7443

    I am a worshiper. I want to worship the Lord hoe He wants me to worship Him, in spirit and truth.

  • Erica

    I would love to have a copy of this book b/c i am a worship leader and would to grow in this role and to really know what it means to Worship the King and to be able to help people to enter into the very presence of God..

  • Rebecca Albrecht

    Having worshipped with the pattern of the Tabernacle of Moses many times in Israel I am really excited to read and apply what is taught in this book.  I am currently trying to write a protocol of worship and identity for the people of God about their bodies in parallel to the Tabernacle of Moses and Romans 12…….this I will take to Israel for our team of “prepare the way” of the Lord as we walk, move and pray the scriptures over and thru the land of God.

  • Craig

    I had a similar experience the first time I went to the Church of the Highlands in Birmingham Alabama. I grew up in church, I was in church when I was five days old, and every time the doors opened until I moved away to college. A few years ago my wife and I moved from DC to Alabama (only God could make someone make that move), so we needed to find a church. When we walked into the first church service there was an energy of worship I had never experienced. Grown men, worshiping with hands in the air. I told my wife I didn’t fully understand it but I wanted it. I wanted to take my worship to a level I never knew existed. God showed up in so many ways during worships services, while listening in the car (did know know that if you have a sun roof and lift your hands in worship is just looks like you are grabbing air and no one looks at you funny). In true worship there is true freedom. And when you allow Him to take you to the next level of worship, your relationship also goes to the next level of intimacy.

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      Love the sun roof comment–and love your heart for worship!

  • Joella Comp

    Robb, I would like a copy of Zach’s book to give to my daughter and her husband who live in England and who are trying to bring worship, in it’s pure and alive form as much as they can, to their tiny church in Dover, England, but they are both struggling in this effort. Their heart is in the right place, but at times it gets to be a battle, and they come away feeling defeated. Thank you for considering them for this gift. By the way, the name of their small church in Dover is Gateway.

  • http://www.facebook.com/EvanAgee Evan Agee

    Thank you for your transparency! I would LOVE a copy of Zach’s book because I want to become a better worshipper!

  • Cindy Greeley

    Robb,
    I have my husband in mind for this book.  We have moved from TX and now live in CO.  We attend New Life Church. The pastor is Brady Boyd, formerly from Gateway.  When I worship it’s just me and God and lots of tissues.  I am a crier.  The words melt my heart.  But it’s my husband who seems to not ‘get into it’.  And I just don’t understand.  He’s still ‘on the fence’ with his faith and belief.  Thankful he attends church with me, but he could get SO much more out of it, if his heart was more into receiving the worship element of the service.  I love Zach Neese….an awesome man of God!!

  • Txfamilyman

    Rob,
    If I were chosen, I would give the book to Josh H. And then match that with a donation at my expense of a copy of Todd McIntyre’s “Firld Manual For Your Home” for Cindy’s husband. Both pieces of literature are a must have!!!

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      You’re a generous man! I haven’t heard Ps. Todd’s lesson yet, but he’s teaching it at Equip starting this week.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Frances-Salazar/100002627619037 Frances Salazar

    Robb,
    Wow I love your testimony!  When we have invited guest or I notice someone like you…I often find myself praying and asking God to soften their heart and to release whatever is holding them back from worshiping HIM.  Most of the time if my guest comes back we start to notice that they slowing will come into worship…they start off by just singing and then the next thing you know their hands are up in the air and I just get so excited because some of these people have NEVER worship like that!!  I tell my friends that at Gateway, we don’t worship the worship team and the worship team is not there to entertain us but they lead us to a place where we come face to face with God! 

    As for the book, bless Josh because it would be awesome for his church to know how to worship our KING!

    Frances S

    • http://www.RobertBrewer.org Robb Bewer

      Great thoughts on how to help people–and you’re absolutely right about the worship team!


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