We all know worship is meant to be an act of surrender—a moment where we take the spotlight off ourselves and fix our eyes on God. But can we be honest? Lately, it seems like worship music has embraced a little too much “Main Character Energy.”
Instead of singing to God, many modern worship songs feel like we’re singing about us—our feelings, our victories and our plans. The shift from “You are worthy” to “I am brave” may be subtle, but it raises a critical question: Are we glorifying God, or are we glorifying how God makes us feel?
The Rise of Main Character Energy in Worship Songs
Historically, worship music centered on God’s greatness, majesty and redemptive power. Songs emphasized communal worship and focused on God’s attributes rather than the worshiper’s experience.
Over time, however, there has been a shift. Modern worship songs now often reflect personal narratives, with lyrics like, “You make me brave” or “This is how I fight my battles,” centering on individual struggles, victories and personal breakthroughs.
This shift resonates deeply in a culture that values individual expression. Worship songs reflecting themes of fear, anxiety and triumph feel tailor-made for those of us navigating economic instability, mental health challenges and cultural upheaval. These songs create a powerful emotional connection, making them feel deeply personal and relatable. Singing them can feel like therapy—a way to process struggles through faith.
But there’s a fine line between relatability and self-centeredness. When worship becomes more about our personal journey and less about God’s unchanging character, are we inadvertently making ourselves the focus of the story?
The Backlash of “Me-Centered” Worship
Not everyone is thrilled about this shift. Critics argue that “me-centered” worship songs dilute the purpose of worship—to glorify God. Instead of praising God for who He is, these songs often feel like self-affirmations wrapped in spiritual language. Theological depth sometimes takes a backseat to emotional resonance, leaving us with catchy hooks but little spiritual substance.
“We’ve traded the eternal truths of God’s character for fleeting feelings of personal empowerment,” says a national worship leader who asked to remain anonymous. “It’s not that these songs are inherently bad, but they’re incomplete. Worship isn’t just about what God does for us; it’s about who He is, period.”
This critique extends beyond lyrics to the broader worship culture. The emphasis on big lights, fog machines and cinematic experiences can sometimes feel more like a concert than a communal act of worship. While these elements aren’t inherently wrong, they can subtly shift the focus from God to the individual on stage.
The Theological Implications
Worship is meant to orient our hearts and minds toward God. It’s an act of surrender, a declaration of His lordship and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty. When worship becomes overly focused on personal narratives, it risks losing sight of these core principles.
Consider the Psalms, which are often cited as biblical examples of personal expression in worship. While many psalms are deeply personal, they almost always return to God’s character and works as the central theme. Modern worship songs that fail to make this pivot risk becoming spiritually shallow, offering emotional catharsis without theological depth.
Scripture provides clear guidance on what worship should look like. Psalm 96:1-2 calls us to “Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.” The focus here is not on our feelings or experiences but on God’s glory and His redemptive power.
Similarly, Romans 12:1 reminds us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is true and proper worship. These verses underscore the need for a vertical orientation in our worship, directing our praise upward rather than inward.
Less Us, More Him
Worship isn’t static; it evolves with the times. The rise of personal narratives in worship music reflects the culture we live in, but it’s crucial to strike a balance between relatability and reverence.
Songs that focus on God’s greatness, His unchanging character and His redemptive work—what some call “vertically lyriced worship”—should be the emphasis and goal of the Church.
As we sing, whether in grand auditoriums or crowded gymnasiums, let’s remember who the real Main Character is. Worship isn’t about centering ourselves; it’s about recentering on God. He’s the one worthy of all the glory, all the honor and all the praise.