There’s nothing more beautiful than the local church – the redeemed people of God, called out of darkness into light, made righteous in Christ.
It is every growing, expanding, and though far from perfect, it is the hope of the world.
The statement I just made might have caused you to say “amen”. It may have stirred your heart. But living out this passion is another story – but may the most important story your life can tell.
So many worship leaders are waiting for the day that they can “move on” from their churches. Waiting for the day where they can have the same, top notch band at all times. No more mediocre musicians to “deal with”. No more sound & tech issues.
Or, maybe the rockstar, worship leader dream isn’t what makes you discontent. Maybe it’s the fact that you are frustrated in your role – not enough musicians, time, or appreciation for your hard work.
I want to plead with you in this post – embrace the mess. Dive into the tension. Love your church.
There’s no greater people to serve. There’s no more worthwhile mission. There’s no higher vision.
A True Rockstar Vision
Your life investment of leading people into the presence of God and releasing people into ministry is a rockstar vision. Your systems of giving mediocre musicians a place to grow and develop is more rewarding than hogging the stage for yourself.
There’s nothing wrong with the traveling, itinerant musician or speaker. I’m not here to demonize anything done outside of the local church. God’s not opposed to your ministry reaching a wider audience.
But you are also meant to serve God’s people somewhere – in a specific place. Put down roots. Submit to a pastor. And this isn’t just for full or part time church staff pastors. This is also important for artists and evangelists whose calling is to go.
5 Benefits of Staying Connected to a Local Church
Here’s a few reasons why we need you to put down roots in a local church:
1. Submission to a Pastor – I know, you and your pastor may not always connect and agree on everything. But for your life to have the greatest impact, you need a pastor. Someone who can watch over your spiritual well-being, speak the hard truth to your heart, and guide you in discerning the will of God and what’s best for your life.
2. Serving Someone Else’s Vision – There’s something about owning someone else’s vision that is good for your soul. You learn how to make someone else succeed. You learn how to live for more than yourself. Plain and simple, you learn how to serve, hustle, and give your best to others. These are indispensable lessons if you plan to lead your own ministry, business, or movement.
3. Living for a Greater Mission – Without the accountability of a local church, I would probably succumb to ignoring God’s values in service to my own. My heart is so prone to wander. By rooting myself in a local church, I’m reminded of God’s mission in the world on a weekly basis. I’m challenged to reach the lost, care for people, pray for people, fast, and live for heaven.
4. Sustained Impact Over Time – What do you think will have the greatest impact? An evening of ministry in a city or years and years of relationship-building, discipleship, and investment in a community? Sustained ministry over time is far from glamorous, but the rewards can be massive. I’m not criticizing evangelists and artists who tour – our varied gifts is what makes the body of Christ work. I’m simply wanting to spotlight the difference sustained impact over time can have.
5. A Community – When you travel or church-hop, you may meet a lot of people who like you. They appreciate what you do. They are your fans. But you need more than fans. You need a community. You need friends and family who know the real you. They see your faults and still welcome you in. They see your giftings and still speak the truth to you. You need friends who invest in you and you invest in them. You pray, fast, laugh, grieve, and hang out together through life’s seasons.
I hope you feel challenged and encouraged. You need a local church and your local church needs you.
Now it’s your turn to share. I would love to hear about your church.
Question: What tensions have you experienced as a worship leader or “artist” in a local church? What are you learning? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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Thanks for the reminder of the importance of staying connected to the local church. As musicians, and artists in general, I believe the local church body helps us stay grounded and gives us that accountability that we so much need to be healthy, fruitful followers of Christ.
The church I serve in is multigenerational, and truly multicultural. One of the tensions I face is integrating different styles of worship, such as gospel music into our worship sets when I, myself, am not familiar with leading or playing gospel music and when we our other band members are not there as well. Any suggestions for simple gospel songs to start off on? Or gospel artists to listen to get some examples of commonly song gospel songs in a church setting that doesn’t have a choir?
Hey Corey, thanks for the comment! To be honest, I’m not much of a Gospel music guy myself 🙂 Israel Houghton is my only personal recommendation in that area, as his songs seem to transcend different styles. Any other readers want to chime in?
Your thoughts today in this message are very timely. Sometimes its best to stay on the vision even if you have had a day of feeling out of the vision. Replenish has been a good book for me – Our Worship Arts Leader recommended it. Very important to stay connected for the vision and community. In a larger church that can sometimes be a hard task.
Victoria, I’m not familiar with the book. Who is the author?
So so true!! The grass always seems greener on the other side. One may look over the fence and see the ‘perfect’ church. If you are quick to move to that church, you might just be the one who’ll spoil things. I’d rather stick with these people who knw my weaknesss and appreciate my strengths coz that’s family!
Yep – I believe it is quite impossible to find the “perfect” church. When you bring together a bunch of broken people things are bound to get messy. But that’s also the beauty of it!
I just found your blog today and I have found the articles I’ve read so far to be both challenging and encouraging. My ministry background includes having been in worship teams since I was a teen, touring with a country gospel band, and leading worship for several years.
The church that I lead the worship service for is small and very much a multigenerational multicultural family. My husband and I were called to this church 10 years ago and have seen a changes in building location, pastoral leadership, attendance, and lay leadership. As difficult as it is to see people leave it is equally delightful to see new families come in and choose to stay! Much of what I have been learning, recently, is how essential sound doctrine and theology in worship is to the spiritual growth of our church. Also, everyone who has come into our church has a rich history of personal experience and encounters with God that I would be wise to explore. These are active worshippers who desire God’s presence and my task is to merely direct them in worship of the Lord in spirit and in truth.
Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment! Love what you said about sound doctrine & theology. How are you making that a practical reality in your worship services?
Thanks for the suggestion David. I really like the songs Israel Houghton puts out.