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Passing on the Truth for Worship Leaders
Worship Leaders as Stewards |
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By Joe Gregory |
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One of life’s greatest honors is to lead those who love God in the worship of God. What a high calling it is—week after week to prepare oneself and others to bring glory and honor to the Name of Christ. However, with this high calling comes many challenges. One of those challenges can be stewardship.
Oftentimes those who serve the Lord in music/worship ministry sense a real lack in their ministry—a lack of money, talent, time and passion. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a music/worship leader can be a difficult task.
At times the challenges can sidetrack us from our purpose, causing us to lose focus. When this occurs, we can fall prey to seeing our roles as merely entertaining people, or worse, pleasing people. Inwardly, our pride can get the best of us, causing us to forget we are not the “attraction.” For when one is talented, the temptation can be strong to become the focus, the “shining star.”
In order for our work in music/worship ministry to honor the Lord, fulfill His purposes for our lives, and better steward all that God has given to us, let us look to key points from Scripture to aid us in our mission.
For the Glory of God
We must do all for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our aim, focus and passion must be given and used for the honor of the Lord. It is not for us to build a larger choir, an exciting band or a great worship team for ourselves or our local congregation—but to do so for the glory of the Lord. We may do this in a host of ways. First, we must ask God to purify our motives and redirect our efforts for His purpose. Second, we must work with all our might . . . no laziness, no coasting in the work of the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Complacency dishonors God and would be unfit for a Christian leader. As it has been said, “we must work as if it depends upon us and pray as if it depends upon God.” Third, we must lead others to do the same, understanding we lead by example. Musicians who serve on the platform or behind the scenes must do so for God’s glory alone! There are no prima donnas in the ministry! This understanding will need to take place by the Holy Spirit working in and through the worship pastor/leader. Musicians will need much training, teaching and reminding that their work is for the praise of the Lord . . . they all know this in their heads, but it takes God’s grace to implant it within their hearts!
Use What You Have
We must begin with what God has given us. God has assigned each of us our place, our “field” of service (Psalm 16:5-6). The Lord directs our paths, and people are not in our lives by accident. God has a purpose He wants to fulfill in each person and especially in us as music/worship leaders. First, avoid the trap of thinking, “Someday, when we get new talented people, then we will do this or that.” Second, we need to work with what we have been given as stewards. If we are faithful with the little, God will give the increase. Third, be on guard against going the “easy” route in ministry. One way to avoid this is by challenging and stretching ourselves as well as those entrusted to us. This is how we and others grow in our musicianship and more importantly, in faith and character.
Keep your own musicianship in order! We must strive to make it a daily habit to practice our instrument, whether that is the piano, guitar or voice. Let us discipline ourselves to maintain our own talents and gifts. This, then, will enable us to do likewise with others. We cannot lead people if we are unwilling to lead ourselves.
May we be thankful for what God has given and placed within our reach as music/worship leaders. We must seek to stop looking at other churches and what they have and focus on developing a thankful heart for what we have from the Lord.
Expand and Invest
We expand by recruiting! This is a difficult work for many, but it is vital for the work of the Lord. Seek and find those who can serve in the music ministry. We must not ask people to seek us out, but rather go after them with a voice of invitation, welcome and encouragement. Ways to venture out in recruiting could include phone calls, mailings, texting and a personal follow-up. God will bless our efforts if they are offered for His glory and for the good of others.
A vital way for a music/worship pastor to serve is by investing in the lives of people both young and old. One way to do this is to meet people where they are. For example, we should get to know the people we serve. As we do this, it can provide a way for us to know where they might be in their musicianship. For instance, with a young child or teenager who may be in their first, second or third year of piano lessons or guitar lessons . . . invest in them by USING them! Allow them to play from time to time for pre-service, offertories or to participate alongside adults in the worship band. At times, use children and young people to sing in the worship team with other adults. This is part of stewardship. In doing so, we are encouraging them to use their talents for the glory of God and for His service. It gives them something vital in ministry . . . experience. This creates a “workshop” in their lives for a calling to ministry in the future!
Prayer
Lastly, yet by far the most important . . . pray! Prayer can be the most neglected spiritual discipline of a leader’s life. It is through prayer and time with the Lord that we become more like Jesus. Remember, our ministry flows out of our prayer life, out of time spent with the Lord. We must never rely on our talent, wit and experience to meet the needs of people. We as music/worship leaders must go before God and allow Him to make us men and women of prayer. Spend extra time throughout the day in prayer, humbly admitting that without the help, aid and anointing of God, our work will be for naught. Prayer must be the center of our personal lives and our ministries.
Develop an intercessory prayer ministry for your congregation. Consider scheduling people to pray during the services somewhere within the church building. This can be very helpful to the tone and flow of the worship service.
Final Note
In the end, let us walk with God in humility and purity—surrendering all to Him. May we seek His rule and reign over every area of our lives—both our personal and public life each day. It is only as we walk and serve the Lord in the way of holiness that our lives and ministry become fruitful, thereby blessing people and bringing glory to God.
Joe Gregory has served as a pastor of music and worship for 33 years. He is now serving as the Lead Pastor of the First Church of God in Jefferson City, Missouri. He is a graduate of Gulf-Coast Bible College (now Mid-America Christian University) and the Houston Graduate School of Theology. He and his wife Tracy have three children and live in Holts Summit, Missouri.
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing by Charles Wesley
1. O for a thousand tongues to sing
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