If I were to poll worship leaders across the world, I’d imagine most would say they don’t love to talk.
Most would prefer to sing, close their eyes, and worship their hearts out…in front of people. The problem with that is it’s not leadership. There needs to be a heart to love, lead, and connect with people in the room. That is why you are a leader. That is why you are on stage.
But the answer isn’t just talking a lot. We all know the difference. Too much can oftentimes be a distraction.
In my recent interview with Christy Nockels she called it the difference between leading aggressively and leading with authority. Aggressive leadership is being bold and based on personality. Leading with authority is, as Peter calls it in I Peter 4:11, “leading in the strength that God provides.”
That’s what we’re talking about.
Where Does Authority Come From?
It’s an important question to consider.
Because if authority comes from your personality, that’s a problem for introverts. Introverts don’t naturally like to do what a worship leader needs to do – talk in front of people, be the center of attention, gather and influence.
An extroverted personality might enjoy those environments more naturally. But that doesn’t mean you carry authority. Many people mistake an authoritative, anointed worship leader as one who just knows how to work a room. Authority is different.
Authority on stage comes from authority in secret.
Authority as a leader comes from learning how to be led by the Spirit.
How King David Developed Authority
Here’s why: authority isn’t something external, it’s internal.
King David was anointed the next King of Israel because of his heart.
But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart'” – I Samuel 16:7
Sure, he had the skills to lead but he developed a closeness with the Lord that prepared him for leading a nation. He had history with God.
Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, because he has defied the armies of the living God'” – I Samual 17:36
His authority came from experience. His authority came from proving what God could do in trying circumstances. He didn’t just have intellectual knowledge, personality, or looks. Think about it – his own Father didn’t even invite him as one of his own sons to be chosen. But God had chosen him.
[bctt tweet=”Authority on stage comes from authority in secret.” username=”dsantistevan”]
So rather than just focusing on being bold, aggressive, and having killer stage presence, focus on this:
- Developing authority in prayer
- Memorizing God’s word
- Singing to the Lord
- Knowing God
- Spending time in the unseen
- Praying without ceasing
- Loving your enemies
What do you say? How are you developing your authority as a worship leader? How are you training young worship leaders to lead with authority over aggressive stage presence?
What are your thoughts? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
[ois skin=”Beyond Sunday 2″]
Leading IN worship is something much different than Leading Worship.
The latter requires an attitude that I am significant and others won’t worship unless
I “do something”.
This is much like how we cannot command the scriptures but we can and must present the commands found therein.
Leading IN worship is being with others in the context of a group whose intent is to worship God.
“Leading worship” is a phrase that has come to mean,
“Get in there and do your thing or else, we’re all sunk.”
“Music is necessary if we are to worship God, and”
“Acts of worship are to be done before men” (prayer, alms)
WE WHO LEAD IN WORSHIP SETTINGS DO WELL TO REMEMBER
Leaders are given authority to teach, preach and instruct one another, but never asked or allowed to instruct the bible, the Spirit or God himself. (Ephesians 4:11-16)
When commanded to sing Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, we do not see the call for any leadership.
Jesus never moved without authority. He never felt obligated to reveal the source of his authority. We all know that the temple priests operated on a false authority and the results were evident. This is what they asked Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” (What a great question for me to ask myself!)
Our authority is
“Greater is He that is in you…”
The best test for me to know by what and whose authority I do anything of consequence is to see the fruits, measure them against the scriptures and call them for what they are.
PHILIPPIANS 3:3
“For we are the true circumcision, who
1- worship in the Spirit of God
2-And glory in Christ Jesus and
3-Put no confidence in the flesh”
If there is a stage–then there is a show.
If there is act, then there is a performer.
If there is to be worship, I must empty myself in the manner of Christ, get out of the way–especially if I am in an assigned position of leadership..
In such a context, if I am cognizant of authority and power, I probably am abusing it.
At all times, my attitude will be showing. “Have this attitude in you which was also in Christ Jesus…” Philippians 2:4-10