BOOK SUMMARY: SING! HOW WORSHIP TRANFORMS YOUR LIFE, FAMILY, AND CHURCH - BONUS TRACK TWO - WORSHIP AND SONG LEADERS

See Hebrews 2:11-12

CHRIST OUR WORSHIP LEADER

Christ is the Choirmaster of heaven and earth. The outworking of our service should be informed by the knowledge that Christ is our mediator and leads us to praise God.  We must lead in a way that points people to Christ, not us.

DEFINING THE ROLE

In most churches, the singing is usually lead in one of there ways:

(1).  A "worship leader," who has an active role and is usually a lead singer.

(2).  The service is all lead by a pastor, which a lead singer and musicians in assisting roles.

(3).  As above, but with instrumental or choral-based leadership.

In every context, it is assumed that the pastoral leadership is working with the music/production team.

QUESTIONS FOR WORSHIP AND SONG LEADERS

(1).  Am I walking with the Lord? - Your primary relationship is your own relationship with the Lord.  You don't step into "worshipper clothes" when you walk in front of others. You are to be a worshipper all week long.  Lead with joy and thankfulness. This doesn't mean you should fake happiness. Joy in God should be your steady heartbeat. 

(2).  Am I in good relationship with my church leaders? - You are to be following their leadership and vision, not your own. If you can't get along and serve in that capacity, consider moving somewhere else so that your frustration doesn't breed division. Good communication should exist between the worship leaders and church leaders.

(3).  Am I investing in relationships with my music team? - There should be an environment of mutual encouragement, friendship and enthusiasm for each other's gifts.  

(4).  Am I choosing good songs? - Aim for songs that are like the Psalm which provide a vast vision of God's character. Find songs that show how we fit into the redemption story and give us a broad grasp of the human experience. Ask: Is this true of Christ and what He has done for us and will do for us?  Does this song provide language for sincere praise and renewed faith and loyal obedience? What image of Christ is being preached in song to the unbeliever? After the service, ask: Did the congregation sing well? Was the Word proclaimed? Was it honoring to the Lord? 

(5).  Am I committed to serving my congregation? - You are with your family. They are looking to you for guidance and not a performance. Part of your worship is to serve their good.  Be prayerful. Every word you speak should thoughtfully serve the purpose of the singing within a particular service. It's been observed that most congregations would prefer a wider range of musical style and expressions than the worship leaders are willing to give.

(6).  Am I encouraging the congregational voice? - Help people find their voice. A song may suit the congregation in a different key. Singing to lead in a church is not the same as singing to be a soloist or singing for a recording.  When leader other in singing make sure the first words you sing in a verse or chorus are very audible so the congregation can follow you. A visible deep breath is also helpful, too.  

(7).  Am I being myself rather than trying to be someone else? - Don't feel the need to copy someone else. God has given you the gifts and life experience you need to lead the particular flock at that particular time.

(8).  Am I mindful of the work of the Holy Spirit? - Are we testifying to Christ as the Spirit does? See John 15:26.  There are moments when a person in leadership may change course a little and do something different than what was practiced. Don't confuse spontaneity with the same thing as following the Spirit. The Spirit works through preparation as well.  The Holy Spirit is not necessarily at work more when peoples senses are heightened due to well-played music or good lighting.  Exercise caution in this area because how people "felt" is not a good indicator of whether God was exalted or not. 

(9).  Am I growing old gracefully? - You gotta know when your time is up and it's time to let the next generation leader.  Equally, don't allow youth to be an idol in church. A music team should be multigenerational. 

(10).  Am I walking with the Lord? - It's the first question to ask. And it's the last question to ask.