What are we aiming for when it comes to leading worship? What is success?
Man, that was a great night of worship!
That was such an awesome song!
The band was totally killer tonight!
You are such a great worship leader!
If I were completely honest, I’m usually satisfied if the band does well, I sound good, and I receive compliments about my talent.
But that is not enough.
I crave the praise of man, befriend my pride, and settle for what feels good too often.
As the old adage goes,
“I’m sorry, Lord, for the thing I’ve made it when it’s all about You. It’s all about You, Jesus. I’m coming back to the heart of worship.” – The Heart of Worship by Matt Redman
What’s the deeper truth we are striving for?
What is the aim of our hard work?
What is the eternal legacy of our worship leading?
Lead In The Light Of Eternity
I can think of at least 5 things that guide why I do what I do:
1. Making disciples
Being a worship pastor is more than being called, anointed, and using your “talents”. It’s about making disciples. It’s more than just making friends – it’s leading your friends to the cross. It’s reproducing yourself. It’s falling in love with Jesus and trembling in the light of His glory…together. It’s working to make your team members wholehearted followers of Jesus.
2. Leading people into God’s presence
Re-read that. Meditate upon that privilege. We have a sacred responsibility to lead God’s people into God’s presence. I don’t want to squander that by stealing the Master’s glory. Make it your goal and aim to shine a spotlight upon God’s glory and get out of the way. That’s a goal I will gladly give my life for.
3. Modeling what it means to be a worshiper
As I’ve walked various trials in my life, I’ve discovered that worship leading has more to do with what goes on off the stage than it does on. Worship leaders lead by the example of their lives – how they respond to trials, how they worship behind closed doors, how they don’t give up when the going gets tough. They keep turning their eyes, lifting their hands, and responding to God with their hearts.
4. Raising up the next generation
As a worship pastor, I feel a tremendous amount of responsibility for the next generation. I want to pass on a fiery passion for Jesus to those who look up to me – to those who follow in my path. Not just a passion for well executed worship songs or great gear. I want to raise up worship leaders who love Jesus – who want to spend their lives connecting human hearts to their Maker. I’m humbled by this calling.
5. Guarding my passion for Jesus
I know this seems like a no-brainer, but it’s been one of the biggest challenges of professional ministry. In all my goals I don’t want to forget THE goal – loving Jesus with all my heart. Not faking it, but really, honestly, purely, pursuing the heart of God with a relentless passion. I never want to slow down. I refuse to be satisfied. I will not be stopped. I want to be like Jesus.
Thinking about your legacy now will ensure that you’re making a difference today.
What about you? What are some worship leading goals you are striving for? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Bro, I cannot tell you how often I get sad when someone says, “I love your voice” or “worship today was so rockin'” – it’s like lessons in totally missing the point. Speaking of points, you’ve made several good ones. That IS the point of being a worship pastor. Great post, bro.
Thanks Shannon. When you lead, are there specific things you do to draw attention to “the main point”? Be interested to hear what you do.
Great post David! I’m not a worship leader, but I am a pastor, and it junk much of what you’ve said can directly translate to any pastor. The goals I think are the same, the gift used to accomplish those goals is just different.
Very true, Dustin. I suppose it’s just as easy to settle for the praise of man if you’re a pastor as well. Where do you pastor?
If music isn’t worship it would stand to reason that being a great worship pastor has almost nothing to do with music. Well put here, I agree on every point.
Thanks, man. Well said. The best worship pastor I know isn’t even that great from a musical perspective. I think those with the most talent may have a greater barrier to leaving a lasting legacy. You become dependent on it.
Great post David! I am a worship leader and every time I lead the congregation to worship it breaks my heart to see them not that responsive especially if the songs are new. Our team have done our best to lead them into the true,heart of worship. But when the congregation sing aloud, I stop to let them savor the time to sing their hearts out and worship the Lord. But its not always like this. Its been a struggle for me but your post gave me strength to grow in my craft for the Lord. Cheers! 🙂
Thanks Loren! There’s definitely and ebb and flow to congregational worship life. Keep serving them well and push through the hard times. God is using you!
Dude, I love your heart and you are saying what needs to be said.
I would add “keep growing in the Lord and lead from the overflow of that” – this applies personally and corporately.
I always thought there was something wrong with me when I got extremely sad when someone commented on my voice or the band. Then I realized my reaction was because their sentiment wasn’t enough, I wanted the glory to be reflected back to God and not on me. Then one Sunday our drummer comes up to me and says, “Carolyn, I….uh…well….” He didn’t know what to say, but he felt the need to respond. And I thought, YES! Finally! I was able to take him aside for a moment and have a brief conversation with him and I was able to share the burden on my heart for people to respond to God and not our talent! He was blown away by Jesus and I rejoiced that the Lord answered my prayers. I will not just stop there, and be satisfied, I will continue to lead on and off the stage as to bring my Savior glory and win him fame. Thank you for the encouragement David! The Lord bless you and keep you.
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