This is the fourth post in a series on “What Makes a Good Worship Leader?”
There have been many weekends that I’ve led worship where I’ve poured every ounce of my strength into the set list. Impeccable arrangements, great guitar tone, a kickin’ mix, well placed scripture reading, etc. I’ve done this only to find no one was really worshipping with me. Crap. Not a good feeling. I feel like saying, “Can’t you see all the work I’ve put into this? At least pretend you like what’s happening!”
A good worship leader is someone who connects well with people.
I mean, think about it. Random people are stepping into a room – some old, some young, some brand new, some having just lost their temper during the morning family commute. Some really wanting to be there, others just thinking about pajamas, pizza, and football.
We invest so much energy in the programming that we forget about the people. Worship leader, you are not a performer. You are asking people to join you in declaring the greatness of God. If you are depressed, impatient, mean, or insensitive to who you are leading, you will have a hard time. But a passionate, sensitive, likable personality can go a long way!
Invest time, prayer, and energy into relating with your band and congregation. Pray for them. Joke with them. Genuinely care for them. People in a congregation are there to meet with God. I’m not saying ignore excellence. I’m saying pursue excellent programming and excellent people skills. It’s that important.
People don’t really care about your guitar solo. They want to connect with a leader who loves God and loves to be WITH them.
Tanx so much this article, its really an answered prayer. God richly bless u for the work and investment.
Great post! Some time ago I was asking God what was on His heart. I heard “It’s about the individual. It’s always about the indivivdual.” Or the one! (I do like a good guitar solo, though!)