The Worship Leader
Worship Leaders
by EXW Staff
June 03, 2007
By Sally Morgenthaler
draws attention to self by: dressing in revealing, loud, or ultra-trendy styles; contrived, too big, or too many gestures; talking too much; focusing on own experience; singing and/or playing too loudly; exaggerating movements when playing instrument; displaying vocal or instrumental "virtuosity" for show; monopolizing front and center stage
clones his/her "worship leading" style from the Christian subculture
strings together a series of prefabricated gestures and jargon
tries to "work the crowd" to manipulate
tells how/pressures people to respond
inflexible with the worship order; does everything according to plan
searches crowd for signs of approval
disallows or interrupts silence
dislikes giving up the microphone to others
visibly depressed by smaller crowds; goes through the motions
takes "worship as a life" seriously
lifts up God
leads people to worship by worshiping
consumed with a passion for God and an integrity of heart
I ask only one thing, LORD: Let me live in your house every day of my life to see how wonderful you are and to pray in your temple. -- Psalm 27:4
You were told that your foolish desires will destroy you and that you must give up your old way of life with all its bad habits. Let the Spirit change your way of thinking and make you into a new person. You were created to be like God, and so you must please him and be truly holy. -- Ephesians 4:22-24
keeps Christ's redemption at the forefront; relates God's story to people's own stories
personal goal: invisibility
deflects attention from self by: dressing in style but modestly; using gestures as natural expressions of personal worship; talking only to provide context or reveal more about God; focusing most on the character and works of God; heard but not distracting; playing to express, not for an "effect"; offering skill to God as a sacrifice of praise; occasionally moving to the side to become less visible
allows God to fashion his/her own style out of unique personality, gifts and experiences
worships spontaneously, heartfelt
fosters an atmosphere of worship then steps back and lets God meet people
gives people options and lets them find their own way
prepared, but sensitive to what God is doing
stays in touch with the people in order to sense their needs
lets go of control, allows God to speak in the quiet
mentors others in worship leading, gives them opportunities to lead
celebrates God authentically, no matter how many are in the pews
Casting Off the Glitter
It's a given that nobody will ever "arrive" as a worship leader. But if you or someone under you is responsible for weekly worship and is displaying several "worship performer" characteristics, some decisions must be made and made quickly. Corporate worship is the single, most life-impacting activity of the church. Are we going to sabotage God's work just because we don't have the courage to face reality?
And the reality is this: Before any of us can engage people in the authentic, interactive adoration of God, we must first of all become worshipers. That may mean stepping down off the platform and getting our lives in sync with God. It may mean sitting in the pew and learning how to worship for the very first time. Depending on our situation, it may mean a process ranging from weeks to years.
But, face facts we must. There is only One worthy of our praise and that One desires truth, not pretense; being, not performance. If and when we step back up and get behind the microphone, we must do it as an instrument, not the object of praise. And we must be willing to cast off our "glittering image" so that we reflect only the glorious image of Christ.
Our LORD and God, you are worthy to receive glory, honor, and power. You created all things, and by your decision they are and were created. -- Revelation 4: 11
After many years in worship ministry, Sally Morgenthaler, author of: Worship Evangelism (Zondervan 1996), is a consultant with congregations developing their own worship evangelism models.
Used by churches all over the world to help teach worship, the Experiencing Worship study can help your worship team too.
Your team will learn why we worship and gain a better understanding of how to worship.
One user said..."Your 5 week study course has made a tremendous impact on my life in the study of worship... I would like to express my thanks for a well written study course that leads into a higher realm of praise and worship."
This is the debut album by EXW friend Paul Langford. Paul is a Chicago based singer, arranger, keyboardist, producer and conductor. Paul has a career that spans 14 years. Paul's work includes arranging for groups like GLAD, Voices of Liberty, VoiceTrek, The Chicago based "Caroling Party" and Day of Discovery Singers. His arranging has appeared on recordings side by side with greats like Gene Puerling and David Maddux, and he has sung with Don Shelton, Bonnie Herman and Bob Bowker, among others.