Worship Handbook
Worship Leaders
by EXW Staff
October 22, 2006
Henderson Hills Church - Edmond, OK
•The emerging choir is not primarily about performance; it is
primarily about worship.
•It's not about being slick; it is about passion.
•It's not about acquaintanceship; it is about family.
•It's not about momentary emotion; it is about eternal
significance.
•It's not about competition; it is about servanthood.
•It doesn't view talent as primary; it does view character and
faithfulness as primary.
The Worship Leading Choir stands before a congregation as a well-schooled, unified battalion, locking arms to come both humbly and boldly into God's presence, realizing that every word that enthrones Jesus dethrones the enemy. When it sings, it is not to impress, but to inspire. Its audience is not the congregation; their joint audience is God Himself.
Expectations of a Worship Leader
Lifestyle
As a worship leader, it is important that you have a growing walk with Christ. Realizing each person is at a different point in their spiritual life, we all are called to become more like Christ each day and to “grow up” in the things of Christ. We must be careful in all areas of our lives because we serve in a very “high profile” ministry. Whether you know it or not, just by leading in worship each week, you represent this ministry, the congregation of Henderson Hills Baptist Church, and most importantly, the Lord Jesus in all aspects of your life and the way you conduct yourself. You are expected to live a life that brings honor to the name of Christ; after all, this is what worship is all about.
Personal Worship
You can’t lead someone to a place you have never been. It is also very difficult to lead someone to a place that you haven’t been in a while. The point here is that “personal worship precedes corporate worship”. It is very difficult to worship corporately if you haven’t worshipped first of all privately. You are encouraged to spend time during the week in personal worship. A daily time of reading God’s word, praising Him for all He’s done, petitioning Him for your needs, etc. is highly important for you to be a great worship leader.
Rehearsal Attendance
We must be accountable to each other regarding rehearsals. It doesn’t make much sense to not come to rehearsals and then expect to be fully prepared to lead in worship on Sunday morning or for a production. We value rehearsal attendance. As a member of the Celebration Choir or Orchestra, you are expected to be at all rehearsals, performances, worship services, etc. Realizing situations will arise that will keep you away; we simply ask that you contact the worship ministry office so we can know how to minister and pray for you. You can call our ministry hotline 24 hours a day and leave a message (341-4663 ext. 350).
Worship Service Attendance
As stated above, it doesn’t make much sense to say you feel called to a ministry and then not to carry out that calling. Understanding that situations do arise that could keep you from serving on a particular Sunday, you are expected to lead in worship every Sunday that you are able to serve. The church was created and designed by the Lord Jesus Christ to be a place of service for Christians. It’s not a place to serve whenever it’s convenient or “feels” right. If there is a Sunday you know you will be gone or unable to serve, just call the worship ministry office or the hotline and let us know. Again, we would love to know how to pray for you and minister to you, as you are away or sick.
Musical Ability - Celebration Choir
While this is a lower priority, there still must be a degree of musical ability to serve in this ministry. No where in scripture does God call a person to serve in a specific area without first equipping them with the talents and resources they need. An ability to read music is not required! It helps but is in no way a requirement! You should be able to sing in key with the rest of the choir. You should be able to blend
your voice with the rest of the choir. Don’t worry, if this ever becomes a problem, Larry will tell you! Any other musical ability is greatly appreciated but not required!
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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.