Thoughts for worship leaders

I had some feedback from a few people on my last post about worship.  This post addresses some of their ideas and concerns about the leading of worship.

I firmly believe that you cannot be an effective worship leader if your heart isn’t right with the Lord.  However, does it take more than a committed heart?

1 Chronicles 15:22 tells us that David chose Kenaniah to be in charge of the singing “because he was skillful at it.”

Psalm 33:3 tells us that musicians are to “play skillfully”.

Where does the skill come from?

God gives us each our own unique set of gifts and abilities.  Is that enough?

1 Chronicles 25:7 talks about musicians who ministered in the tabernacle were trained in singing to the Lord.

We must be diligent in developing our skills. It is our responsibility to develop our God given talents so they can be used to worship Him.  We should practice and know our music – that means everyone – choir, instrumentalists, soloists, etc.

Now with that in mind, remember that God isn’t listening to the sound of our music or the quality of our performance.  He’s listening to our hearts.  What impresses God is a broken and contrite spirit.  (Psalm 51:17)  Never take pride in your polished performance.  Rather be humbled that God has gifted you and allowed you to privilege of leading worship. 

So which is it?  Skillful performer or broken heart.

I think effective worship leaders are both.

The more comfortable you are with the music, the more you can focus on God.  You can’t focus on God if you don’t know your music and you are struggling with the notes and the words. 

Also, you can’t lead people into worship if they are confused with which words to sing or what verse are they are on.  The leaders need to give clarity to the worship and minimize distractions. 

Worship leaders need to possess a calm and joyful countenance.  Your face needs to communicate peace and hope.  If you are well rehearsed, know your music, and know the order of worship, you can relax while you lead and your face will radiate your worship. 

Good leaders help draw attention to what and who is important.  They help people focus.

Leading worship requires a sincere heart that is fully committed to God but it also also requires skill and preparation.   Remembering the goal is not the perfect performance.  The goal is causing people to see Jesus and come to him in humble adoration and praise. 

It’s really all about Jesus.