Ask the Worship Doctor // Worship in Worship

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I was asked this question: As a worship leader, how much worship can I actually do while leading? It seems like my mind is always on the band, or the flow, or the time, or something other than worship. Aren’t I supposed to be worshiping the Lord up there? What a great question. I thought and prayed for a long time before I decided it was time to tackle this one. Before I get going, just a heads up to those who may be new to these articles: I am a working worship leader of more than 20 years and I believe in speaking straight; no generalities couched in “spiritual lingo.” So if reading a straight, honest, from the heart point of view makes you nervous, you might want to skip this one. Sometimes I get kind of elaborate, almost academic in my answers. Not this time. The answer to this question is too important. So I will keep it honest and conversational.

I have heard many worship leaders speak on this issue and there are several points of view. It is so interesting that these points of view can be so contradictory. On the one hand we are supposed to lead by doing, so obviously all of our attention should be focused on our own relationship with God and Christ as expressed in our music and leadership. BUT, if we get too wrapped up in our worship that is bad because then no one can follow us. BUT, if we work really hard on making what is happening on our platforms accessible to our congregations and we don’t feel like we are worshiping, well then that is bad because now we are not leading by example. Now add to that all of the noise surrounding scriptures calling us to excellence and practice as was the Levites call, AND YET, we are supposed to be loving and accepting to all as Jesus said, so that could mean we have people on the platform who need to be nurtured and who might make mistakes that distract us. Now of course we can add the pressure of a pastor who is not the ideal partner to us, or a congregation who is not receptive to what we do no matter how well and inclusive it is done, and, well friend, you have a recipe for questioning yourself, not just the amount and quality of your worship on the platform, but in all aspects of your leadership responsibilities.  So why does this hit us so hard?

The reason is because we are human and somehow instead of accepting that fact and understanding all of its ramifications, worship leaders have accepted that they are supposed to be some kind of super human who is able to manage personalities, plan worship, lead it, accept the praise/criticism that comes with leadership and all the while blissfully worshiping God on the platform in some transcendent, intensely personal, highly emotional event. What we need to do instead is reassess our definition of what constitutes worship.

I have been taught, and currently teach to anyone who will listen, that how we live life itself is an act of worship. So, when I sit down at my desk to plan worship and I submit my will to the direction of the Spirit- that is an act of worship. When I stand in front of my choir or my band and I bring all of my skill and experience to bear to make us the best musical team we can be, so that God may be glorified- that is an act of worship. When I am on the platform in a worship service and I use my God given ability to take a near disaster and fix it on the fly so that it is transparent to those who are there to worship God- that is an act of worship. When I read an article like this one through Church Collective or some other source in an effort to improve my skills and understanding- that is an act of worship. The fact of the matter is that anything I do in the name of and for the glory of God the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, in submission to his will and as an effort to be his disciple and follower is an act of worship.

Not every worship encounter with God is a transcendent, intensely personal and emotional event. However, we do need those times. So let me give you some points of advice that I believe may help you as you struggle with this question of worship during worship.

1. Broaden your definition of what it means to worship as you lead. Do not be limited to some short sighted example that says if you are not emotionally moved then you have not worshiped.
2. Be sure to give yourself credit for the acts of worship that lead up to your worship service. I realize that others do not see those. Your relationship with God is not about what others think it should be, but what you know it to be.
3. If you cannot find a way to have transcendent, intensely personal times of worship as a leader, then find another place where you can. These times of worship in another community make me a better worship leader in my own community. Not only will this feed you spiritually, it will help you remember what it is like to be in the pews every week. I for one regularly attend worship in other churches so that I can spend time as a worshiper with no leadership responsibilities. I usually go on Saturday nights, but I am sure you can find a church near you that offers worship outside of times that your church meets.

I hope this helped someone who is struggling with this issue. It is one I have struggled with more than once in my ministry. If you would like to contact me and discuss your particular situation or issue, or just hear more about these, then PLEASE GET IN TOUCH! My website is TheWorshipDoctor.com. I care about your ministry and I want to help wherever possible. Be on the lookout. I have more questions from The Church Collective to answer and they are coming up soon.

For now, the Doctor is Out.