A Worship Leader’s Guide To Understanding Their Lead Pastor

This is a guest post from Jeff Leake, Lead Pastor of Allison Park Church (where I lead worship). Check out Jeff’s blog here. You can follow him on Twitter here.

What is he thinking?

Where is he/she coming from?

Don’t they get it?

These are often the thoughts that two people have when they are viewing life and leadership from different vantage points. It is often the case that ‘creatives’ and ‘leaders’ – ‘worship pastors’ and ‘lead pastors’ will view the world from slightly different angles.

Functioning with differing perspectives can be highly frustrating, and yet it can also be incredibly liberating and extremely beneficial to the function of the local church. I think it should be said that it is TOTALLY ACCEPTABLE to have a unique vantage point. If we all think the same, then life will become monotone and dull.

What has to happen, however, is ‘creatives’ and ‘leaders’ must do the hard work of listening and disclosing so that the two can come to an agreement on VALUES and work together based on the same VISION of what they are trying to produce.

My assignment today is to represent the Lead Pastors and try to define the way we think (or at least I can describe how I think…every Lead Pastor is a unique).

#1 – I VALUE WORSHIP MORE THAN MUSIC

Musical excellence is a beautiful thing. When a song is written well, arranged right, and performed with skill – it is moving, inviting, and inspiring.

But if the music is great and the heart is not right – then the entire experience falls flat in my book. Even more beautiful is when skilled musicians become passionate worshipers.

#2 – I VALUE THE ENTIRE SERVICE NOT JUST THE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE

When a service begins a Lead Pastor is thinking about the entire service. The flow. The timing. The message. The response of the people. He is responsible for the entire event and wants to make sure that the ministry that has been designed hits the target.

What is disheartening to a pastor is to see the musicians disappear from the service after their ‘gig’ is over – to see them disengaged about the rest of the service.

#3 – I VALUE CONGREGATIONAL RESPONSE MORE THAN CREATIVE EXPRESSION

Actually, I value both! I think it is incredible to see artists write, arrange, and perform. I want to see an artistic wave released within my church.

But even more than that, I value every individual having the chance to engage with the presence of God during a worship service. When the two are in conflict, I almost always choose the path of congregational response.

#4 – I VALUE THE PEOPLE OF MY CONGREGATION

Every song sung and every set designed has an impact. Sometimes volume, song selection, and arrangements can cause controversy within the church. As a pastor, I have to deal with that. Don’t get me wrong – I am not afraid to deal with complaints and concerns. When there is a principle to stand for – I am ready to take my stand.

What helps is when a Worship Leader understands the impact of their decisions and appreciates the leadership of their Pastor. It is also helpful to understand that these people with concerns are not just complainers – they are MY CHURCH!!! I love these folks. I want to lead them, care for them, and help them experience necessary change in the most painless way possible.

#5 – I VALUE THE PRESENCE AND POWER OF GOD

My deepest passion is to help people experience the life-changing presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. When pastor and worship leader are in unity and working together – the songs, the message, and the altar response can form a powerful package of ministry that can make an eternal difference.

These are just a few of the values that I hold dear. As I said earlier, each Lead Pastor is unique. What needs to happen is open conversation – not as much about styles or preferences – but about the VALUES upon which ministry is built.

Question: What are the values of your lead pastor? Are they similar? You can leave a comment by clicking here.