I found out a while ago that I am, in fact, Norwegian. My blood grandfather was full-blooded Norwegian. That might explain why I find myself drawn into and at home in the Lutheran church. That might explain why I tend to be a bit more “stoic” and “melancholy” at times.
But, I am an artist. I’m also a performer. I’m also part Irish, which pretty much throws all of the above paragraph out the window.
Is It Passion or Performance?
All of this leads me to a question: is it possible to be a passionate follower of Christ, more specifically, in my case, a passionate follower of Christ who happens to be a worship leader, and not show intense emotion?
I was evaluated by a dear friend and trainer and one of things he told me is that I needed more passion and more enthusiasm. Is that me?
Throughout my high school and college life I’ve always performed. I was in theatre, band, choir, musicals, you name it. I can put on a different self fairly quickly. The question then: is that a dangerous place to be?
Can Performance Become Genuine Passion?
When I get up to lead on Sunday morning, do I “put on a different self” and force myself to act with more passion and enthusiasm to help lead the congregation in that way or does that become a show or a pretense? Can this type of passion be learned and nurtured and become genuine?
I don’t know the answers to these questions, and I’d love your help. Do you deal with this situation in your own life and if so, how do you address it?
