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.

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?

I’ve recently discussed this with my worship team and have also been reading about it. When it comes to ministry, which is more spiritual and God-honoring – planning or being spontaneous? My answer to this question is ‘yes’. I believe we need a healthy tension of both in order to be effective. We need to plan because the Holy Spirit can inspire our planning, hard work, and preparation. We need to be spontaneous because the Holy Spirit may want to do something that he did not speak in advance. Total spontaneity can be a lazy cover-up for diligent study and preparation. Forsaking spontaneity may lead to dead religious activity. When you love someone, you plan special gifts and activities that will make them happy, but you also speak your heart in the moment without thinking about it.

What does this mean for our ministries?

Pray. Plan what you are going to do. Seek God with fervency in the secret place. Take what you receive and give it away. But don’t just minister off of your list of plans. Hold it loosely. Maintain your heart of submission to the Holy Spirit that says:

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9).

and echoing the cry of Moses:

“If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).

‘God, we need to hear your voice and have your anointing upon our plans, but enable us to know your voice so that when you speak and call us in a different direction we will listen and obey.’