Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast

Worship Leader, Do You Worship?

Reading this title may have made you laugh. I mean, isn’t that what worship leaders do? Worship? Well, you would hope and pray so. But there are a lot of factors that contribute to this not happening. Lack of spiritual maturity, routine, boredom, stressful church life, etc.

Worship leaders must maintain a constant discipline of worshiping God behind closed doors.

We’re good when it comes to the stage, but how are we when it comes to the silence? We’re good when it comes to picking out hit worship songs but how are we when we are alone with Jesus? Do we have anything to say or are we bored out of our minds?

If you long for a successful worship ministry you have to fight for a vibrant prayer life. I say ‘fight’ because it will not happen naturally. Weekly church ministry can be very busy and the secret place crowded out.

Here’s a healthy practice: remember why you started leading worship in the first place. I hope it was the result of a work of God in your life. You then desired to be in His presence. You wanted to see His glory. Have you maintained that desire? Have you stoked the flames of your passion for Jesus Christ?

I remember when I first started leading worship. I truly felt God’s anointing – almost like He was right there with me, pushing me out there to lead. I didn’t really want to at first, but I really did want to worship. True, heartfelt worship was the center of all the music I did. God help me keep that passion.

Here’s the takeaway: begin a discipline of worshiping when no one is watching. Close the door and spend time with Jesus. Sing, dance, shout (don’t disturb your neighbors), cry, pray. This may seem elementary, but the more ‘professional’ we get, the less we do the most important things.

Worship Leader, Do You Love the Word?

This is the second post in a series on “What Makes a Good Worship Leader?”.

Sometimes I’ll look at worship leaders and see a huge passion for music, songs, and even God, but not for Scripture. Great worship leaders love the Word of God. They know the Word of God informs their worship. The more they ‘see’ of God in His Word the more their hearts are expanded to worship God in a greater light. Matt Redman always says, “The more we see the more we love”.

I promise you with all my heart, you WILL burn out as a worship leader if you don’t have a regular pattern of Scripture reading. Not just reading but worshiping through the text. Music can only sustain for a time. Songs can only sustain for a time. But the Word of God is enduring and will light your heart on fire when you are dry. When I’m dry (which seems to happen often!), I’ll read Scripture and realize how massive God is. It helps to realize that when you have to prepare a set list and lead worship multiple times a week!

Your roots must go beyond Guitar Center, CCLI, and Worship CDs. Make your main inspiration the Word of God and how He reveals Himself in it. Take time to worship as you read.

This also helps with leading your team. Lead them to what God says in His Word. Expand your view…expand your worship.

DS

 

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?

Worship Leaders: Don't Listen to Too Much Worship Music

Is it possible to listen to too much worship music? Why would I even address such an issue? Am I one of those indie listening types who enjoy taking shots at Christian music because it is bland and lacks creativity? Sometimes. But that is not what I’m trying to do here.

I’m writing to my own heart. I hope this challenges you as well.

In the last 20 years, worship music has risen to the top of all Christian music. I don’t have facts, but I guarantee you it makes the most money. It is accessible. It is encouraging. A lot of it is very good and good for your walk with God today. I’m a worship leader. I listen to a lot of it. I even write my own songs and sell them.

My concern for worship leaders is that we spend so much time listening to professional worship albums that we feel pressure to mimic that sound/experience in our churches. Let’s be honest. You probably don’t have a David Crowder/Chris Tomlin/Hillsong quality band every Sunday. You work with volunteers. You work with the young inexperienced and the older over-experienced. You work with the 13 year old with his Mel Bay chord book and the old 70s rocker who can shred better than you can talk.

I think there is a beautiful value in that.

Yea, it would be nice to have the same team of professional musicians that you travel the world with and crank out songs with your eyes closed. I’m not saying we should disregard improvement. We have a lot to learn from the pros, but becoming Hillsong should not be your goal. Your goal should be to invest in the people God has given you today. Be a spiritual leader. Pray for them. Teach them. Love them. Laugh with them. Care for them.

Don’t be discouraged if your band doesn’t sound exactly like the new United album that just came out 15 seconds ago. Work on improving the quality of your band but don’t use them as a means to your self-glorifying goals. See their need. Bring them higher. Love them. There is more to what we are doing than click-track tight music and emotional sounds. The Holy Spirit wants to connect with His people through your worship leading.

God has given you an amazing opportunity. Be faithful.

The Most Influential Worship Leaders in My Life

Throughout our lives we all have people who directly or indirectly influence us and help us become who we are today.

With the release of my first album, I am incredibly grateful for a few worship leaders who taught me so much about music, spontaneity, prophetic ministry, songwriting, theology, and much more. I have not only listened to worship music over the years, but have been a complete nerd when it comes to them – studying the musicians, producers, songs, artwork, ministries, and fill in the blank.

Following is a list of the most influential worship leaders in my life and why they are special:

David Ruis – this amazing Vineyard worship leader has taught me so much. Vineyard worship in general was very formative in my journey – intimate, prophetic, passion for the presence of God. In the early days David wrote songs like ‘You Are Worthy of My Praise’, ‘We Will Dance’, and ‘Let Your Glory Fall’. More recently he has taken a tremendous departure into prophetic, intercessory electronica. I was once at a conference where he opened his worship set, reading and singing a scripture. He always has a Bible with him. Prophetic, creative, weird, and powerful.

Matt Redman – Matt has taught me so much about songwriting. He is able to say the most profound truth in the fewest words. Along with his unbelievable songwriting, he has a very humble disposition when leading worship. He is not flashy, but simple and God-directing.

Reuben Morgan – Melody and simplicity. Wow. Reuben’s songs are much more well known than himself. His songs are very singable, the melodies are incredibly stirring, and the content is awesome. My recent favorite is “Stronger” off the new Hillsong “This is Our God” album.

Brian Doerksen – Not only are Brian’s songs outstanding, he delivers them in a way you can feel. I get the sense that he feels Scripture and truth deeply. He has taught me how to connect my brokenness to the Father heart of God. I think my obsession with speaking scripture also comes from Brian.

Lindell Cooley – My life was changed during the Brownsville Revival. I never experienced the presence of God like that and never experienced worship like I did with Lindell. Incredibly prophetic, passionate, and spontaneous. He led worship like a desperate, wild man. I guess that’s a good thing.

Delirious – The band that introduced a whole new style of worship. These guys seemed to carry a song for my generation that really led us to run hard after God. History Maker, anyone?

Who are your biggest influencers?