Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast & Blog

Worship Leader, What’s Your Story?

A worship leader’s goal is to bring attention to God. They are there to stir people’s affection for Christ. Good worship music is more than just being moved by strong talent. We can get that anywhere.

What makes a worship leader unique is that they have their own personal story in God. They have a history of knowing Jesus. This helps them lead others.

They help others worship in tough times because they’ve walked through tough times. They help people rejoice in the Lord because they have learned/are learning how to rejoice.

They’ve struggled and overcome by the blood of the Lamb. They’ve beheld His glory. They’ve seen God do miracles. They’re not just acting out someone else’s songs. They are living what they sing.

They are on the journey of living for Jesus Christ. They ACTUALLY long to be in His presence. They’s why they do what they do. The stage isn’t a place to vent their musical frustration.

They don’t just take the job because they can’t ‘make it’ in the real world. They possess a strong desire to turn people’s attention to what is most important in the world – God.

Good worship leaders have a history of knowing Jesus. They don’t just fake it. Pursuing Jesus is a way of life and nothing delights them more than to help others do the same.

What’s your story?

What Makes a Good Worship Leader?

Ever been in a service where after you left you said, “That was great worship”? There are things we normally think of – a worship leader with a great voice, a tight band, cool songs, intimate lighting, etc. Yea, these all lend to an enjoyable experience. But what are true attributes that constitute a good worship leader?

A worship leader must:

  • Have a story
  • Love the Word of God
  • Worship behind closed doors
  • Connect well with people
  • Study his/her craft

Over the next few days I want to unpack what each of these mean. Matters of the heart are matters we cannot ignore.

Stay tuned.

DS

Catalyst Compassion Moment

I referenced this moment in my message at APEX last night. I know it’s a bit long, but it is worth your time. Challenging, powerful, life-changing.

DS

Next Week = Leadership Week

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Hey folks. Just wanted to let you know about something awesome coming your way next week. My good friend, Ben Davis (aka @iambendavis), is hosting a leadership blog gold mine (not sure what that means). All week, gifted leaders from around the country will share on different topics pertaining to life and leadership. I had the privilege of writing, though I am probably the least awesome.

I would share my post with you now on The Invisible Leader, but I think I’ll just whet your appetite for next week. Stay close to Ben’s blog, my friends. It’s gonna be good.

DS

 

What Makes 'Time With Jesus' Worth It?

I have a challenging set of questions for you today. What makes ‘time with Jesus’ worth it for you?

  • Is it the fact that you can sit down and get a breather from an over-crowded lifestyle?
  • Is it so you can get a blog post out of it?
  • Is it so you can impress someone with your knowledge?
  • Is it so you can feel better about yourself?
  • Is it so you can interact with all your Twitter friends?

I’m not saying any of these things are bad. But I find myself (all too often) spending time with Jesus with my blog open and Tweetdeck staring me down. It’s almost like if I don’t get some important piece of revelation than my ‘time with Jesus’ was a waste.

I want to return to the beauty of loving Jesus and spending time with Jesus for WHO He is. The revelation He gives me isn’t a means to impress others or advance my career, but to stay rooted in holiness and exclusive passion for Him.

Time with Jesus is worth it every time because I…am…with…Jesus.