Stage presence. It’s a conversation that excites some and infuriates others.

Some pay attention to it, others don’t seem to care.

Truth is, you can’t afford to ignore it.

But let’s set the record straight. Your stage presence is important, but not of primary importance.

Just as your talent doesn’t force the Holy Spirit’s hand, neither does your boundless energy. He isn’t waiting for your voice to hit high notes, your team to sing certain songs, or your stage energy to reach higher levels of insanity.

God isn’t waiting for you to develop better musicians, use Ableton Live, record a live album of original songs, and get booked for youth events around the country.

Here’s the reality: The Holy Spirit is present, ready, and moving…no matter what.

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I don’t know about you, but I have a hard time with fast songs.

I just don’t really care for them. I don’t really love to jump around and dance. My default life disposition isn’t celebration and exuberance. I’m what you would call steady – cool, calm, and collected. My emotions don’t drop too high or too low.

Some of you may be the opposite. You eat up the fast tunes. The more four-on-the-floor, synth driven happy grooves the better. Get rid of the minor chords, for God’s sake, You want to celebrate! You have no problem jumping or spinning or actually dancing. When things take a serious turn, you start to feel more uncomfortable.

Every worship leader wants to see people be more expressive. Nobody likes a bored room. We want to see people engage – sing, lift their hands, and move a bit.

But we all know the tension. In our gatherings, we have a wide variety of people:

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How you think about worship makes all the difference.

It’s either a job title or it’s who you are.

It’s either a song you sing or a lifestyle you lead.

Sometimes I wonder if it’s more of a career for me. Which is silly to think about. How can something so pure, so miraculous, become an activity I dial in?

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Many status updates have been written. Article after article. But it’s hard to put into words the kind of tragedy we are experiencing in our culture.

If you’ve ever experienced tragedy, you know how difficult it can be to count it all joy. To sing. To have faith.

Maybe you received a terrifying diagnosis. Or you lost your job. Or the offering plate passes by as you wonder how you’ll pay your bills. Maybe you and your spouse are disconnected and feel like it’s over. Maybe a family member has died. Maybe Orlando, Houston, or France.

Whatever the case, as worship leaders we need to be sensitive to grief and lament and make it a regular part of our worship gatherings.

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I wonder…if Jesus were to evaluate our worship would cool be a value?

If the Son of God stepped into our Sunday morning services, would impressed be a word He’d use?

It’s time for the worship leaders to arise who care deeply about people and care deeply about the presence of God. A kind of worship leader who knows the people he serves and knows the God He worships.

If you enjoy fashion, that is no problem. But that’s not your strength as a worship leader.

If you have a trendy voice, that is a great gift. But it’s not your strength as a worship leader.

If you are a skilled songwriter, that is wonderful. But it’s not your strength as a worship leader.

If you have a ton of on-stage energy, that will serve you well. But it’s not your strength as a worship leader.

What sets you apart? What makes you a great leader? It’s your ongoing hunger for God’s presence and a deep compassion for people. Period.

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