Jan25
What Does a Worship Leader Do? Pt. 1
Before I start this series, I wanted to give you some background. Eight years ago, after I had served as a pastor for twelve years, C.J. Mahaney invited me to assume the new role of “Director of Worship Development” for Sovereign Grace Ministries. One of my assignments was to study and train others in the practicals of biblical worship, particularly as it relates to music.
As I studied Scripture and read books like Engaging with God by David Peterson and Adoration and Action, ed. by D.A. Carson, I quickly realized that the Bible, especially the New Testament, didn’t give much space to my role as a worship leader. None, to be exact. The more I read, the more I felt I was reading myself out of a job.
There’s no question that the role of the worship leader has been exaggerated in recent decades. Some pastors give 1/3 to 1/2 of their meeting to singing, led by a musician who has little to no theological training. Gordon MacDonald comments, “For many young people choosing a church, worship leaders have become a more important factor than preachers. Mediocre preaching may be tolerated, but an inept worship leader can sink things fast.” (Gordon MacDonald, To Find a Worship Leader, Leadership Journal, Spring 2002) In addition, the rise of “worship artists” has intensified the often unhelpful connection between pop music culture and congregational worship.
Ultimately, our worship leader is Jesus. He is the only mediator between God and man, and the perfect man who sings God’s praise in our midst. ( 1 Tim. 2:5; Heb. 2:12) He is our high priest who has offered the perfect sacrifice of Himself to insure our entrance into the holy places. ( Heb. 10:19-22)
However, in spite of the all the pitfalls and abuses, musical leadership is modeled in the Old Testament ( 1 Chron. 15:22 and many Psalms) and can be an expression of wise pastoral care in the local church. Congregations can be taught, pastored, and led as they sing God’s praise. In fact, a pastor is the ideal candidate for leading congregational singing. But in many churches, that’s just not possible. Pastors are put in the position of finding someone to “lead worship.” But who are they looking for, and what is that person’s function?
A few years ago, I was asking myself that question and formulated a definition of a corporate worship leader (with the help of my good friend Jeff Purswell) that I’ll be unpacking in the days to come. Here it is:
An effective corporate worship leader,
aided and led by the Holy Spirit,
skillfully combines biblical truth with music
to magnify the worth of God and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ,
thereby motivating the gathered church
to join him in proclaiming and cherishing the truth about God
and seeking to live all of life for the glory of God.
Read Part 2 of What Does a Worship Leader Do?
For more on this topic, download the following free messages from the Sovereign Grace site:
Jesus: Our Access into God’s Presence by Mark Mullery
The Worship Leader’s Role by Bob Kauflin
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Hey Bob:
Your comments about searching in vain for the specific category of “worship leader” in the New Testament struck a chord with me. I see much discussion in various contexts about the biblical justification for “worship leaders,” “youth pastors,” etc. Some seem completely unconcerned that we are multiplying leadership positions with virtually no biblical precedent. On the other hand, some argue a strict regulative principle and would abolish any leadership position not directly reflected in the New Testament.
Perhaps in a future post you could share your thoughts about balancing the practicalities of ministering in our time and culture with the need to be sure what we do is truly derived from the Word of God.
Looking forward greatly to the current series!
Allan Sherer
Comment by Allan Sherer — January 26, 2006 @ 10:22 am
You are putting voice to so many stray thoughts and lines of questioning that have been trapped in my head over the last several years. I look forward to this series.
Comment by Patrick Donohue — January 26, 2006 @ 10:47 am
Bob,
As a member of the congregation, many never realize all the work that is put into creating a service and executing it. For ‘worship leaders’, the songs they sing, how they sing them, what instruments to use, which verses to sing, the theological reasoning behind it, when to transition, when to pray, how to do communion/offering, and so much more has to come into play when planning a worship service. I know that it is done a lot around this world, but I think that it is too much for a minister to lead the singing and preach. There is so much preparation. Plus I firmly believe in the congregation taking part in the worship so that they will take ownership also. Good thoughts though. This stuff makes me appreciate everyone so much more!
Comment by Lindsey — December 13, 2007 @ 12:14 pm
I think that what you are saying about worship leaders is so true, and important to note. I think that choosing a leader for worship is a difficult and very important task. I think it can make or break some congregations. The thing that stinks about this is then people are choosing their church service based on what they like when it comes to singing. I really liked your insight about Jesus being our one true worship leader.
Comment by Jen McGauley — December 14, 2007 @ 6:54 pm
I believe worship leaders should have as much theological training as preachers. Think of the sermons you heard as a child. Can’t remember them? Now think of the songs you heard? Music resonates with our hearts, connects with our emotions, and unites our voices with other worshippers. If the preachers shared the same sermon three times in one month, he or she would be fired. But if a worship leader shares the same song multipe times, we begin to enjoy it more, memorize the lyrics, and sing along from our hearts (not just our mouths).
Comment by Steve — April 10, 2008 @ 2:30 pm