Worship 'Leader'

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase ‘worship leader’?

More often than not we think of someone playing some music, singing some songs.

So why ‘leader’?

Many churches and organizations look for talented musicians to lead the worship ministry, in the intent that people will respond well to the music. That’s no bad ideal. But I don’t believe it’s enough to help our people engage with God.

Here’s a good question - why do people come to church?

This should provoke interesting discussion. If it’s to hear the preacher, to enjoy the music, or simply because that’s what I do on a Sunday, I think our people are missing the point. All through Scripture God is revealed as wanting a continuing relationship with his people.

So, when I go to church, I want to meet with God. Preaching, music, readings, prayers etc - and being with his people - all help me to do that one thing.

And let’s face it, most of us are pretty lazy and without leadership happily return to the lowest common denominator (don’t believe me? Weight loss is a multi-billion dollar industry here in the US - people want leadership and hope)

When you lead, are you more interested in the music you play or the place you want to take your people?

Sure, we don’t want the music to be a distraction by being so bad it’s almost unrecognizable. So spend time working on the music. But don’t be fooled that it’s the most important thing - it’s a powerful vehicle we use to relate to God, but keep in mind that very thing - it’s a vehicle, and the Father’s heart is the destination.