Music Theory. Those two words either fill you with complete dread or tremendous gratefulness.

I used to hate theory. When I was younger, I just wanted to play “music.” I didn’t have time to waste on chord diagrams, treble clefs, and dotted eighth notes. I wanted to be creative – to play music as I felt it.

I didn’t realize how misled I was.

Music theory builds your creative intuition. Without it, you have no language to work from. It’s like being in a foreign country and not having the ability to communicate. The more you know the “rules,” the more understanding you’ll have when you want to break them.

But I can understand the intimidation. I studied music in college and took 16 credits of Theory I, Theory II, Theory III, and Theory IV. Most of you probably don’t want to sign up for that. So the question begs to be asked: “What do you need to know in order to succeed as a worship leader? What theory knowledge will help me lead my team and my church better?”

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As I look back on the people who had the most influence on my life, it was because of they’re vulnerability.

They were willing to open up their life in a way that helped me see inside my own. Sure, they had a strong relationship with Jesus. But they didn’t just talk about it. They understood grace. They lived through eyes of compassion.

It’s one thing to be talented. It’s another to have a long list of skills. But it’s another level of influence to be emotionally healthy.

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Have you ever worked with someone you couldn’t stand?

If so, you probably wouldn’t consider that situation paradise. I’m sure it was character building, but not a place you want to invest yourself, long term.

In the ministry world, there’s probably no more tumultuous relationship than a Lead Pastor and a Worship Pastor. There’s more misunderstanding on both sides of this equation than in any other role in the church. But when these two leaders are in unity, respecting what each other provides, there’s no stopping what God can do.

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For those of us who have been leading worship for quite a while, it’s healthy to look back and see what we are leaving in our wake.

Because there’s a generation behind us that is observing, learning, and picking up what we’re putting down.

I don’t know about you, but I’ve been immersed in many viewpoints when it comes to corporate worship:

• It’s all about flow.
• It’s about structure.
• It’s about excellence.
• It’s about the Spirit.
• It’s about good songs.
• It’s about spontaneous songs.
• It’s not about songs.
• It’s about trendy.
• It’s about hymns.

At one point we were all concerned if clicks and loops would hinder the moving of the Spirit.

I don’t think we’re in danger of not using enough click tracks and loops. The danger now is an over-dependence on them. It’s too easy for us to pull off songs with tight execution and call it done.

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