We’re all imperfect beings. And let’s face it: things go wrong.
Leading worship, we have all at one time: gone off click, sang the wrong verse, dropped a wireless pack, had straplocks fail, dropped sticks, hit a wrong note, unplugged our instruments… The list goes on. It seems like every time this happens, it happens at precisely the wrong time – which is mortifying. It can happen anywhere to anyone, in the middle of a set, in the middle of a prayer, or in the middle of a song. It’s a terrifying feeling, and it seems like the world is ending, and that all eyes are looking at you, laughing, mocking and judging. You feel that you’ve let your band, your congregation and your God down, and failed as a worship leader for being entrusted with this calling – and then failing. How can someone who messed up while leading worship be trusted to lead worship for others? You can become discouraged, want to quit. Every time this happens to me, I begin to tense up, stress, become self-conscious. I have to force myself to open my eyes and look out into the crowd, where I notice something interesting.
The people are worshiping.
How is this even possible? We’ve been off-click the entire song, the chord changes were muddy, and I sang “unforseen” instead of “sloppy wet.” How can they be worshiping when we’ve failed so much? But then I remember – it’s not about us and how well we play. It’s about God. The God who loves us, and abounds in grace. He will use us, even or mistakes, because He loves the broken people that we can’t help but be. Our mistakes on the worship platform aren’t going to prevent His name from being glorified.
Don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying that we shouldn’t play well. We should always strive for excellence so that we can off our best to the Lord. But when things go wrong, we need to remember that it isn’t the end of the world. God has called us to serve, to lead people in worship. Not when we are perfect musicians, but right now. Even in the midst of our mistakes. As long as we approach the platform with humble hearts and open hands, He will use our gifts for His glory. No matter what.
