Before you lead worship, before you go play your songs, before you lead your band, before you invite the congregation to participate, there’s something you need to realize.
Something that should fill you with childlike awe and wonder.
This will sound so obvious it’s scary. But I think we forget about it.
God is in the room
We need to recapture the essence of what our gatherings are all about.
Heaven comes to earth.
Eternity bears upon the hearts of men.
Now, stop and think about that. That is a miracle. Amazing. Unfathomable.
What would happen to your worship leading if this was always at the forefront of your mind?
What would happen to your band if they were constantly made aware of God’s immediate presence?
How would your congregation respond if the knowledge of the Holy was impressed upon their minds?
What if you were more impressed with God than you were about the new song you’re introducing?
What if…?
What To Do?
Before you lead worship, you’re probably always a little nervous.
You’re wondering if your drummer will remember his parts.
Wondering if the people will like your new song.
Wondering if your pastor will fire you when nobody responds and you embarress yourself and the music is so bad the Holy Spirit refuses to show up so you’re left in a puddle of shame and end up homeless, eating trash under a bridge, fending for yourself.
See? This is where worry takes you 🙂
The point is, right before you lead worship, forget about THAT.
Focus on ONE THING: God is in the room.
Allow that truth to humble you, excite you, envision you. That way your worship leading won’t be about whipping up a hyped frenzy. It will stem from humble adoration.
You’ll lead with a calm confidence and leave your selfish pride behind. You’ll lead people to Jesus. You’ll take your worship leading to another level.
Question: What helps you focus right before you lead worship? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
What helps me is just sitting or praying by myself before and just letting God to take over my hands and my mind and my heart…There is nothing else I can do. But to let go of control…
Good stuff, man.
Thanks for sharing! I always try to focus on prayer during the songs. It is sometimes hard when you are trying to play guitar riffs while talking and leading the worship, but I’ve learned to do it.
Yea, I’ve decided I don’t like to lead worship AND play lead electric. It’s too much to think about and distracts me from leading. Props if you can pull it off!
Love this perspective David. One thought that has really helped me overcome the fear that I might be “fired … and left in a puddle of shame and end up homeless, eating trash under a bridge, fending for yourself.” 🙂 Hey it could happen …
God likes me. He has my back. He accepts us in our weakness. He is for us not against us. The reason you are in that place of leadership is because He wanted you there. Perfect love casts out fear.
Keep it God-centered.
Great thoughts David. The temptation to not TRUST that God is revealing his presence to the audience during that hour is a strong one.
I’ve been thinking about that a lot, Phil. Do we depend on our planning more than we do the Holy Spirit? The truth is, the Holy Spirit is always revealing Jesus to people. It’s comforting to rest in that. Thanks!
Beautiful response, man. So true!
This is one thing that I not only try to do with myself… but I always try to get our team to settle in, settle down, and be still just for a moment. To take in what we are about to do. And who we are about to worship.
When we do this consistently, we usually feel a great peace regardless of the outcome. I’m reminded of Psalm 46:10.
This is a good practice David. God is in the Room!
“settle in, settle down, be still” – love that! I may have to use that phrase 🙂 It’s amazing how little teachings like this can really focus your team. Thanks man!
I ask / pray: “Jesus, be the worship leader today.”
David, I found your blog after a read your guest post on Jeff Goins blog – glad I found you! Regardless, I love the profound simplicity of this particular post that “God is in the room.” It’s an important reminder for all of us – thanks for sharing your ministry with those of us who are unable to attend your church!
Tor, it’s great to meet you. Thanks for connecting. I look forward to it.
Great post, David. It’s so simple, but it’s the only thing that needs to be at the forefront of our minds. That takes a lot of pressure off of us to “do worship” and allows us to simply worship. I like it.