I Don’t Want to Watch People Worship Anymore

Maverick City and the Trend of “Uncut” Worship Experiences

At first listen to Maverick City Worship I thought, finally. A worship experience that feels real.

That’s why, years back when someone mentioned that Mav City’s production choices didn’t sit well with them, I scrunched my face up. What could be wrong with this level of authenticity?

They mentioned something along the lines of a forced and manipulated worship experience which I shrugged off then but now I see.

Maverick City makes Christian music sexy.

It’s appealing to watch so many conventionally attractive millennials singing in beautiful harmonies, wearing a good amount of plaid and Jordans, and so visibly excited to worship. Their videos send the message that this is what millennial Christianity looks like — well-dressed, talented, and as an added bonus, filled with the Spirit.

But there’s something about the brand of raw un-cut authenticity and the carefully crafted watch-me-worship setup that draws me to pause.