We say that worship is about the glory of God.
You probably use the phrase quite often: “It’s all about you Jesus”. But oftentimes our worship experiences look nothing like what we sing.
There’s a stage. A band. A talented vocalist. Cool songs. Entertaining lights.
Where is the glory of God?
This is a tension I wrestle with every time I lead worship. How is God getting the glory? If I’m honest, I’d rather people leave impressed with my voice, my leadership skills, and my talent.
But my heart cries out for something more. I want God to receive the praise He is due.
How is God glorified when we lead worship? How can we ensure that happens every time?
Watch Coldplay, U2, or Arcade Fire concerts. Hands raised, oftentimes tears streaming down faces. What’s the difference between that and what we do? What sets the church apart?
What are you communicating with your center stage band, roaring sound system, and flashing LED lights?
Do people come and go mindful of Jesus or your performance?
I’m not saying the church is doing everything wrong. There’s enough of that pointless chatter going on. But I’m asking us to evaluate ourselves.
5 Ways To Glorify God This Weekend
This Easter weekend, how can we draw attention to the cross?
Here are a few things I’m going to do:
1. Pour out your heart – As musical performers and worship leaders, don’t worry about “keeping it all together”. In the moment, it’s more important that you pour out your heart. Your congregation needs you to bare your soul in the presence of God. Hold nothing back.
2. Draw attention to truth – The best way I’ve found to glorify God from the stage is to draw attention to truth. Declare Scripture. Sing Gospel-saturated songs. Lead your congregation in a skillfully planned worship set that teaches, engages, inspires, and convicts.
3. Treasure Him – Jesus isn’t an addition to your life. He is the greatest treasure one could ever find. He is the joy that surpasses all other joys. Remind yourself of this every day, not just from the stage.
4. Share Your Story – The heavens have a story. The skies declare a story every day. So should you. Be relentlessly positive, uplifting, and encouraging about what God has done, even if you’re in the midst of a trial. He is always good and His praise needs to be declared.
5. Live it – There’s no fast track to glorifying God. There’s no simple, mindless method. It’s your life. The best worship leaders stand in awe of God on Monday morning. They can’t wait to spend time with Jesus on Thursday afternoon. The whole “being in front of people” is a nice bonus, but it’s not the main event for the heart set on the glory of God.
At the end of the day, pray that people don’t just remember your talent. Pray they encounter the glory of God for themselves.
Declare it. Pray it. Live it.
Question: How else is God glorified when you lead worship? How do you make sure He is the center? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
And again I say Amen!!! Have a blessed Easter with your family…. 🙂
You too, Lisa!
Closing in on Easter, I’ve been reminded of my lack of appreciation for what Christ did for me on the Cross. I feel like i’ve been on auto-pilot, getting things done and crossing items off my task list, all while neglecting to spend time with God and thank him.
I guess I’ve been failing at #3 and #5 as of late. At least I have the Holy Spirit tapping me on the shoulder via this post 🙂
Thanks, Friend.
I was convicted when taking communion this morning. I failed to recognize the miracle of my salvation and the miracle of the cross. Lord have mercy.
We had communion last week and it was the same thing. I just ate the wafer, drank the juice, and went on with my day. How tragic is that?
A wake up call for sure.
goog stuff man, I need to read this to the team this week to get their minds and focus in the right place.
Awesome. Let me know how it goes! Thanks Adam.
Do you lead worship or facilitate worship? Maybe it is simple if His presence is there, and He simple IS there/here to be worshiped, in faith, and/or by revelation of His glory. The standards for his priests in the old testament seem daunting, like only a select few could make the cut. I don’t how to judge if another’s offering or worship is acceptable to Him. It is not about religion that is void, heartless, or mindless. It is filled by the praises of His people and possible through His mercies & sacrifices and done in our bodies as we are a body of one, brought into life by His own body’s death and resurrection.
Reaching out across (his cross) to others is as important as reaching up (his cross) to His Father. I would say true worship is when these meet and we discover that “He is alive!”
Happy Easter David, may the light of the risen Lord continue to shine upon you!!
Thanks bro! Same to you!
I’m not a worship leader, but I am a worshiper of God. I believe that you will not be a worship leader if that is not your passion and if you don’t want to lead people into the worshiping of God. If you flow in the spirit and your heart totally screams out to God – He will be glorified! He is glorified with every word you sing or talk and every breath you breathe for Him whether it is in leading worship or only worshiping on your own.