A True Worship Leader
 

I have a great set of tools...does that make me Mr. Goodwrench?
 I have a great camera...does that make me Ansel Adams?
 I have a Bible...does that make me Billy Graham?
 I have a guitar...does that make me Chet Atkins?

The answer to all of the above is a resounding NO!...of course. Nor does being a minister of music, choir director, song leader, musician, or singer translate into sanction as a true Worship Leader. True Worship Leaders are, indeed, a rarity. It grieves me deeply when I hear the title of Worship Leader being used so indiscriminately and casually. Sometimes even the choir members are even referred to as worship leaders. They simply are not. If there is a deep need to "spiritualize" their efforts, then perhaps a more appropriate term would be "temple singers". Worship leadership is very serious business. Leading the masses into the manifest presence of the Most High God does not happen with a casual, slap-happy attitude. Improper worship leadership produces one thing; quite simply, dead works worship. Whom is the Father seeking to lead his people into his presence?

Several main-line church groups are now re-naming their "Ministers Of Music" and deeming them "Worship Leaders" in an effort to create a new marketing personae that seems to be aligned with other churches that have experienced tremendous growth as a result of a dynamic worship leadership and response. This is not a matter of semantics. The sad fact is that white-washing the music minister with a new title is much like a face lift on a woman whose lips are pursed from years of bitterness, and whose brow is deeply etched with suspicion and discontent. The face lift provides only a temporary change in her appearance as, in only a short time, the lines begin to return as evidence of the true condition of her heart. These folks need a testimony, not a new title; a visible testimony of a relationship with the Father that is so intimate that the passion eclipses everything else in life, and subsequently spills over into their relationships with others likewise. This lifestyle, when developed by the congregation as well, then produces synergistic, dynamic worship. A true Worship Leader succeeds in modeling worship when the congregation develops a daily lifestyle of worship following his or her lead.

True worship is a matter of heart, not art. Art becomes stylistic and subject to selfish desires and ambition, and appreciation. Music in the church has historically been a bone of contention and created great division in some circles. It is sad that the one thing our Father desires the most (true worship) is tainted as a result of division caused by squabbles over musical styles. This, of course, is second only to the color of the carpet for a new building project. Somehow, that scenario does not line up with His desires, does it? Simply because worship is a matter of the heart of expression...not the art of expression. A true Worship Leader must "offer him or her self as a living sacrifice; holy and pleasing to God for this is their spiritual act of worship" as Romans 12:2 commands us. We are called by God to excellence in performing our craft, but not at the sacrifice of the heart of true worship. More time can be expended on the sound system monitor mix than the preparation of the hearts for worship.

Worship leadership goes far beyond any seminary training. A degree in pastoral studies does not constitute a worship leader. Training in music theory, administration, adult and children's choir growth, vocal and instrumental conducting, and concert/dramatic production does not produce a true worship leader either. 

Neither does talent constitute a Worship Leader. A Worship Leader can not be just a performer, nor rely on his or her expertise as a vocalist or musician to validate a worship ministry. Talent is given to us to honor God, not ourselves. There is no room for musicians and singers to have "flesh flashes" concerning their capabilities. Godly character should never be eclipsed by talent.

A great sounding choir and top-notch musicians do not insure that worship will take place. Technology enhances, but does not produce worship. Weekly planning sessions will not produce true worship. Cookie-cutter/template worship services certainly do not produce worship. Worship is the product of seeking an interaction with the Heavenly Father that is real, vibrant, and dynamic. The "First Love" experience is a prerequisite to true worship. Passion and desire to are of the utmost importance, and if the music minister is oblivious to the need for these to be in operation, how, then, can he or she lead anyone else into the inner court? The dynamics of worship leadership are critical. Modeling true worship is not evidenced on the platform alone. True worship is a lifestyle that witnesses to others every day.

A true Worship Leader is developed through years of study and implementation of God's precepts of worship rather than man's concepts based on mere tradition and experience. A true worship leader fosters a level of intimacy with the Father that will be evidenced in the corporate setting when the atmosphere is open to the leading of the Holy Spirit. If a fellowship is to "worship in Spirit and in truth" an openness to the leading of the Spirit must be in operation and the Fruit of the Spirit abounding. 

A true Worship Leader will seek these attributes and model them with an expectation that those he leads will follow the same.

Loving Spirit
Submitted
Selflessness
Thankfulness
Humbleness
Gentleness
Kindness
Goodness
Patience
Truthfulness
Self Controlled
Sacrificial
Able To Model Worship
Hunger For The Manifest Presence Of The Lord
A Student Of The Judeo-Christian Heritage
First Love Passion for the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
A Desire For Excellence
More Heart Than Art

Are you interested in becoming a true worship leader? Do you desire to have a worship ministry that is so engulfed in the presence of the Lord that it seems as though you are prostrate before the Lord in Solomon's temple? Are you tired of template/cookie-cutter worship services that are so mechanical and seemingly void of any worship at all? Are you tired of playing a game of chance with the worship dynamics of your fellowship? Are you tired of "Playing church"? Would you like to give true worship it's proper place in your life and the life of your church? 

If you hunger for regaining your First Love experience, please contact me as soon as possible. Let me visit with you concerning your goals either personally or corporately in the area of worship.

Simply return to the Worship Dynamics page and fill out the request form and I will be in contact with you shortly.

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