Does Music + Emotion = Worship?

Welcome to De-Commissioned, a place for former members of the Great Commission movement (aka GCM, GCC, GCAC, GCI, the Blitz) to discuss problems they've experienced in the association's practices and theology.

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[Outtathere]

I would like to know what some of you think about this: Does an emotional experience mean that you have truly worshiped God?

A little background on why I am thinking about this first. I ran into a few people I knew from the movement this past week as they have converged on my city for Faithwalkers. We used to greet each other with hugs when I was in the movement, but since I left it has been somewhat awkward. I can see it in their eyes and hear the apprehension in their voices as they offer me a cordial handshake in place of the hug and the greeting of "brother". All that to say, I listened to a FW message this morning. For the life of me, I couldn't figure out how I got sucked in! After a little reflection, I realized that I hadn't been worked into an emotional high through music, lights, videos and the like before I listened to the message. All this leads me to ask this question: If you take away the lights, music, emotionalism etc., what do you have? What did Dorothy discover when she pulled back the curtain?

Also, has it been difficult for any of you to find a "good church" because you haven't found a place with upbeat music? I have had several conversations with others who have left and have had a lot of difficulty to find another church home because they find the music "lacking". I am so thankful for the church I am currently in, but I have noticed that I am often critical of the style of music. It is less of an issue now, but in retrospect I feel that this is a somewhat shallow attitude that I have had. In my own reflection, I think I still struggle at times with equating the emotional experience with worship.

I would like to know what all of you think. Was it difficult for you to separate the musical experience from true worship after leaving? I also believe that many people may be led to leave the movement and may turn to this site for assistance and guidance when they do. I thought it might be helpful to have a discussion on this to assist them in finding a healthy church when they leave and not to judge it based on the style of music but on the content of doctrine and practice.

[Huldah]

Oh. Wow. Yes, the music played a huge part in making the church attractive. Not just in Sunday services, but in the smaller fellowship meetings. Even when life in the Rock started to turn sour, the music was a comfort that helped to make it all a little more bearable for a while. And I did miss the music after I left. Even when I could stand to start attending church again, it was hard not to feel that my new church was sadly lacking at first, even though the new church (unlike Solid Rock) was grounded in Biblical truth by a seasoned and well-trained pastor.