Hindrances to Worship

Women in Worship by Debbi Barnett Worship Leader November 09, 2011

Beloved Worship Leader, even though we are on the front lines, we are not exempt from any of the above situations. I want to add more to the list:

Adultery

Abortion, Rape

Lesbianism ............... (do I dare go on?)

Pornography

Prostitution,

Drug Addiction

This stuff - "this UN-dealt with stuff" can hinder our worship leading. About two years ago, a worship leader in my county committed suicide because of the pressure of an adulterous relationship. Just to let you know how close this hit home, I recently had to deal with one of these areas. I consider myself to be pretty free in my worship unto God. In the minds of many that I serve, it would appear that I was free to them, too. But, God knew I was not. Then the Lord uncovered me, and once again I was laid bare before Him. I had to deal with an abortion issue that I had went through at age 18. Listen, I'm already in ministry - and I'm "still dealing with stuff I thought Jesus had taken care of. I knew I was forgiven but I didn't know that I was set free. I didn't see that part until I dealt with it in Bible Study for Post-Abortion Syndrome. After the study, I saw a difference in my worship leading and in my life because I could see Jesus a little clearer now. I wasn't hiding behind the veil of covering the abortion up and not dealing with the reality of it. I had to face the fact that I murdered my child. I was forgiven the first time I asked for forgiveness, but I needed to be set free. I'm free and I can talk about it! (For more information on Post-Abortion Syndrome please contact any abortion clinic or ask a medical professional).

Looking back at the list, there are a few other things that I probably need to deal with. I can name at least five out of the thirteen I've noted. My husband and I have signed up for a Christian twelve-step program for damaged emotions. It doesn't mean that we are "basket cases," but it does mean we are working at trying to get healed through the power of the Holy Ghost in us. Our individual lives are healthier, and our marriage is stronger for it. The world will deal you a hand of "bad cards" and if you have never played the cards then it can be ... "spoiled milk" or "rotten eggs." You get the point! GET HEALED and pray for your congregation to be healed. The next time you see people not responding to the worship in the church - PRAY, because something may be going on much deeper than we think. Either they are learning or they are hurting.

"Father, in the name of Jesus, I pray for every woman or man drawn to this article. I pray, Lord, for their inner healing, and I pray that you will heal and peel away every hurt in their life. Keep us free to worship you, God, and free to praise Your Holy Name. We are just like onions in your hand. Peel away at your discretion, even though we may cry, we know the soup is going to be better when you are done with us. In Jesus' Name - Amen."

If you are dealing with any of these issues, please consult a trained Christian professional counselor because sometimes pastors are not equipped to handle these situations in depth. Get yourself healed.