A person making coffee in Italy takes about four years before they earn the title of a "coffee barrista." Four years of falling in love with the coffee, of learning how it works, growing more and more passionate about their coffee.
Here in New Zealand, a place far less passionate about coffee than Italy, a kid can walk into a cafe and get a job for the weekends, and call themselves a coffee barrista after being just shown how to use the machine. The result unfortunately, is really bad coffees. But they are carrying and representing a title that is meant to be earned and honoured.
It's a similar situation in worship circles; we call ourselves "worship leaders" when we have actually only been shown how to sing some songs and perhaps pray some prayers and read some scripture out, but unfortunately, this is not doing the title any justice.
A title which is new to my ears, "The worship artisan", is an incredible title to sit and ponder upon. It paints a far greater picture of what a worship leader is and what responsibilities they carry. It paints a picture of a passionate person, who is in love with their God-given craft, who grows and extends their craft, putting in the hard work. It paints a picture of someone who is excited about worship's past, present and future. It paints a picture of someone who is excited about the bigger story, and the role that they play in it.
It's time we call a "coffee barrista" a coffee barrista when they are one.
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1 comment:
Hear, hear!
I was at a workshop for worship leaders about a year ago. One of the points that was made is that anyone can lead worship as long as they know a few chords. Now, I don't want to say this isn't true, because God can work through anyone - in fact, He seems to like working through those that are the weakest!
But when it comes to receiving a title, to being labeled a craftsman, there definitely needs to be a bit more depth to the skill and to the passion for the art.
I am a so-called "coffee barista", although now I hesitate to call myself one! I have always been passionate about coffee, and so it was a joy to be able to deepen my knowledge about the beloved bean and receive my title. What I found disgruntling was that many of my co-workers, who had received the same title as I, didn't even drink coffee!
It is definitely time for the depth of one's passion to dictate one's title, instead of the lure of the title dictating one's passion.
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