Worship Leaders by Stephen M. Newman Pastor of Worship and Arts October 31, 2006

What to do? How do we teach our people worship so they will become true worshippers of the living Lord? Fortunately, there are some good studies out on worship for small groups. There are great teachers of worship such as Tom Kraeuter and Bob Fitts. There is a wide variety of teaching tools on this site if you need help and truly want to help your people become better worshippers. Teach them and they will learn should be the motto of any worship leader. It's as simple as that. No tricks or gimmicks, just pray, study and teach. God is calling His people to worship Him in spirit and truth. Are you listening to His voice on the subject? He is moving across our land and if we don't catch hold of it, we may lose it. I love the line in "The Untouchables" when Sean Connery asks Kevin Costner, "What are you willing to do?" in regards to Costner catching Al Capone. Elliot Ness wanted to catch Al Capone but didn't know how. Sean Connery's character asks him this question to see how serious he really was about catching the notorious mobster. The bigger question for us needs to be, “What are we willing to do to teach our people true worship?” Are we willing to step out and do what the Bible tells us to do? Are we willing to take flack from those who oppose our positions? Are we willing to lose our jobs over our convictions and calling? Will we ride the wave of comfort until we retire? Will we jump from church to church to avoid the conflict of this touchy subject?

I have to do what God has called me to do. I have, and will continue, to bring on uneasy times as I challenge people to grow in worship. Worship isn't a comfortable thing, and those who are worshippers know it. True worship causes us to abandon our comfort zones, to die to self, and give totally of ourselves because God is worthy of it. There is nothing for us to gain from being true worshippers except the knowledge that we are being obedient to God and His calling on our lives. Yes, we worship because He is worthy of it and nothing else is appropriate in the presence of the Living God, but we begin the practice of worship because the Bible tells us to and gives us clear direction on how to do it.

I encourage you to join forces with me and hundreds of worship leaders around the world, as we commit our lives to teaching worship to the ones God has placed in our churches. It won't be an easy road, but it will be the most rewarding thing you do in ministry. They may be impressed with your talents, but they will be blessed as you reveal your heart and teach them to worship. Nothing moves me more than to see a believer who doesn't understand worship make the transition to a worshipper before my very eyes. As people learn more, their knowledge increases. When they understand more, they cannot help but become true worshipping believers of the living, awesome God. They will never be the same.

Page  1  |  2

Printable Version
Email this Page to a Friend	Add Your Opinion

Balance I am blessed by your love for worship and the necessity for the church to have it as well. I am the worship leader and have been given the freedom and liberty to lead under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Most of the time, there is no preaching, b...more Submitted by: Dana Snyder Location: Cadiz, Ky The truth hurts Steve, What a great article to open my eyes to the needs of people in my congregation. I am now a volunteer worship leader but have served in the pastorate for many years and the greatest scene is to see someone move from the spectator side to the p...more Submitted by: Richard Location: West Des Moines, IA Thank you so much! Thank you so much for this article, I was in the same position of standing in judgement of people. This article was an eye opener. I'm very excited to see what the Holy Spirit will do through this study. Thank you. ...more Submitted by: Angel M. Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Add Your Opinion

See All 9 Opinions >>