Beyond Sunday Worship

Worship Podcast & Blog

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?

Songwriting for Worship – Brian Doerksen

The past few days I had the privilege of attending Integrity’s Seminars for Worship with my worship team. I so appreciate the experience and humility that Paul Baloche, Brian Doerksen, and Kathryn Scott bring to the table. I wanted to share some songwriting thoughts that I gleaned from Brian’s session on “songwriting for worship”

  • Our world is crazy about the visual – the God of the scriptures continues to invite us with his written and whispered words.
  • Never use a song publicly that doesn’t move you to worship privately.
  • Write for the ‘gap’ – don’t imitate others. Look for where a certain truth or style is missing.
  • Worship music involves writing for the church & self-expression, clear lyrics (meaning then sound), and simple, creative music.
  • Recording artist writing involves self-expression, unclear lyrics (sound then meaning), and creative music.
  • How does the songwriting process actually work? – seeds of inspiration; days of perspiration.
  • People have the misconception that God gives songs. He actually gives seeds. It is our job to cultivate the soil and grow the song.
  • People need 2  things to sing your song – Reason (they want to say what your song says) and Affection (they need to love the song).

The Heart of Worship: Obeying God

Beyond the music, beyond the songs, beyond the band, lights, gear, rehearsal, and setlists, is your life. A life that needs to love God’s Word and do what it says.

As worship leaders we need to set an example not only in our musical excellence but in how we live our lives. Consider I Timothy 4:12

“Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.”

  • Speech – are you glorifying God in your words?
  • Conduct – are you glorifying God in your actions?
  • Love – are you glorifying God in how you treat others?
  • Faith – do you actually believe the song lyrics you lead others in singing?
  • Purity – are you glorifying God in abstaining from sexual sin?

Does what you declare on Sunday oppose what you live Monday-Saturday? Are you more passionate about music and performance than you are living a holy life behind closed doors?

5 Worship Albums You Need to Hear (if you want to)

1. Elevation Worship “Kingdom Come” – A sick worship album from the boys down in North Carolina. Inspired by how this team works with their senior pastor Steven Furtick to reach their city and inspire faith. Great production, great songs.

2. All the Bright Lights – Though not a worship album per se, I recommend this album for your personal worship. Instrumental, gentle, epic, cool. Enjoy.

3. Casey Darnell “EP” – Absolutely love this. Of the 5 songs here I wish I could lead all of them. Truly heartfelt songs and a great voice.

4. One Sonic Society “EP” – Love the tunes on this record. A couple are also found on the new Hillsong record. Really strong lyrics and a cool vibe.

5. Always been a fan of Charlie Hall. While his songs are not easily singable, nor the most corporate, they are super challenging, cool, and prophetic. His lyrics are not typical and are always refreshing.

Why Does God Want Us To Sing?

Whenever I run into you at the grocery store, I don’t burst into song.

Whenever I come to your house, I don’t cross the threshold singing “You Are Great”.

It’s not that I don’t like you; actually, you’re pretty swell. But why is it that when it comes to God, we sing?

Why does Scripture even place such a huge emphasis on “singing unto the Lord?”

Why don’t we just recite the facts and get it done?

Bob Kauflin has some helpful thoughts:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBJ348bebnY

I also love how John Piper says it:

“God is so great that thinking will not suffice, there must be deep feeling; and talking will not suffice, there must be singing.”

The Gospel is not merely meant to be thought about. Or analyzed. Or debated. It should cause you to worship.

When we begin to understand the glories of God, we respond with love and adoration.

We can’t just know the facts about God. We need to worship.

Question: What are your thoughts? Why does God want us to sing? You can leave a comment by clicking here.