I can remember the day I received the highest compliment ever.
To be quite honest, I didn’t know what to say in response.
My flesh was offended.
But my heart was smiling.
This person said, “Worship was so good, I forgot you were even there.”
Why was my flesh offended, you may ask? Because I want compliments that are aimed at me. I want people to be amazed by how talented I am.
I want to be known, recognized, and adored – not forgotten.
But the more I’ve thought about it over the years, the more I’ve realized the profundity of that compliment. THAT comment encapsulates the ultimate goal of leading worship.
The Ultimate Goal of Leading Worship
What is the ultimate goal?
Becoming invisible.
Leading people to a place where they don’t need you anymore.
Making God’s name famous.
Giving people a greater sense of God’s glory than your own gifting.
Is this just romantic worship leader idealism? I mean, come on, of course people are going to know you’re there. Yes, but I’ve seen what it’s like when a room is completely enraptured by God.
And I’m desperate for THAT.
That’s why I crave the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Because if all I’m doing is playing music, I’m not serving God’s people well. God’s people are best served when in the presence of God.
Have you experienced it?
The combination of God’s Word, God’s Spirit, and the hunger of His people all collide in a beautiful explosion of worship. You could leave the stage and people would still be crying out.
No need for cheerleading anymore.
No need for worship leading because the Holy Spirit is leading people.
I crave it.
I long for it.
I pray for it every time I lead.
Do you?
Question: What’s the highest compliment you’ve ever received? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
For further reading: “It’s Not About Your Church Logo, Name, or Sermon Series Title”
Btw, if you thought this post was helpful, consider sharing it with your social network via the sharing icons below. I would really appreciate it! You’re awesome..
I’ve only had compliments like this a couple times. Like you, my flesh would rather hear more about how awesome I am at leading worship, but I just do the best I can at killing my pride and making sure I don’t ever take credit for God’s handiwork.
One of my favorite moments in leading worship (you might remember this) was back in 2004 at MN’s youth camp. We were doing Misty Edwards’ “Favorite One” for a good 15-20 minutes and we eventually just faded out and the students kept singing for another 5+ minutes without any music or help from those of us on stage… Just pure, authentic, God-centered worship. It was literally awe-inspiring.
I’m certain heaven will be something like that and I want more of that in my church.
I remember that, bro. I also remember playing “Let Your Name Be Glorified” for like an hour at praise gathering. Remember that? Definitely the type of corporate worship I long for.
Yeah, I do remember that! Thinking about it makes me want to schedule worship nights more often 🙂
LOL…funny….I heard the lead singer from 10 Shekel Shirt say that a Long Time ago…like…maybe 10 years ago….I thought that was pretty cool…
I actually started praying for that before I lead worship…that people would forget about us playing and just focus on christ…
That’s awesome! I used to love the Ten Shekel stuff.
Absolutely, the best compliment you can receive as a leader is, “We didn’t even notice you. We only saw Jesus.”
Sometimes I think our slick productions and “pursuit of excellence” do more to distract from the Gospel than they do to promote it. We (I) tend to lead by thinking great production or great vocals will lead people to a deeper place with God when that couldn’t be further from the truth. If that is the case, then we are just leading with emotion and “tickling fickle ears”. I believe people really want (need) honest, personally-relevant, God-centered, Scripture-treasuring worship.
We must decrease and He must increase.
Good word, David.
BTW – I’ve “borrowed” some html code from your posts for my blog. I’m a nerd like that. Hope you don’t mind. 😉
Very well said, Toby. Wow, you just stirred me up 🙂 Our musical excellence needs to be drenched in the Holy Spirit. Without it, we have nothing.
Enjoy the html code. I’ll send you a bill soon 🙂 ha!
I think it was “You got a perfect score on the SCL Metrosexual Worship Leader Scorecard”.
(ok…not really)
Ha! If anyone can pull it off, it’s you Justin 🙂
Thanks, David, that means a lot ;).
Haha! Classic test! 😆
hmm.. best compliment ive ever recieved…
“Dude, seriously, thats the best you can do?”
-David Santistevan
But i think you were just joking 🙂
I said that?
Yes! This is what it’s all about. Loved this, dude.
Thanks bro!
I remember one Sunday, there was a point the entire band could have walked off stage and I honestly don’t think anyone would have even noticed. The entire congregation was so much in the presence of God that we were “gone”. My husband, who plays guitar with the team, said it was the most powerful experience he’d had and really opened his eyes as to what “worship” is all about. He’s a new believer and thought that worship was just the songs before the sermon. That church really started when the sermon began.
That’s awesome Rebekah. What a perfect example! Love it!
For me the best times of worship have been when the people were so passionate for God they didn’t need a worship leader.
Highest compliment? “I really experienced the presence of God …”