Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors, Teachers, & Worship Leaders?

Where did the term “worship leader” come from?

If it’s not found in Scripture, is it really necessary?

Even though our modern church culture makes such a big deal out of it, does God?

Does worship leading fit into the biblical paradigm of ministry?

I think these are important questions to wrestle with. If this is something that I’m giving my life to I want it to be biblical.

Paul says in Ephesians chapter 4 that he “gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers.”

While he doesn’t add “worship leader” to that list, a worship leader can function within any of these ministry gifts.

Here’s what I mean:

• An apostolic worship leader may break new ground and naturally release other worship leaders into their calling.
• A prophetic worship leader may clearly hear the voice of God for a particular congregation and speak/sing it over them.
• An evangelistic worship leader has a heart for those on the ‘outside’. He may go places that other won’t in order to reach the lost and bring others into the presence of God.
• A pastoral worship leader may approach what he does with a sensitivity to the people he leads and explain what is happening so people don’t feel lost.
• A teaching worship leader may feel a strong sense of the “why” behind the “what”. He may choose songs that are rich in doctrine and lead people to understand what they are singing.

You may be one or a combination of a few of these.

Truth is, the Bible is filled with references to music, singing, worship, and the exaltation of God. And God calls people to be skillful leaders.

I don’t know about you, but I feel privileged to stand before a local congregation and lead them to encounter the greatness of God every week.

Question: How about you? What type of worship leader are you?