Re-examining the title of Worship Leader (part 1)

 

Have you ever thought about the title of 'Worship Leader' that gets used so much these days? I must confess, it didn't cross my mind or bother me for many years. However, now that I have thought about it, it has begun to do so.

It was during a Worship Central retreat with Tim Hughes and Al Gordon where this was jolted into sharp focus for me. The group was discussing various aspects of 'worship leading' when it was said that in fact it is the Holy Spirit who is THE worship leader. All we should be doing is following where He leads and doing our best to help others follow Him too. So in the worship setting we are (or should not be) leading at all, but rather following and enabling others to follow as well. Bishop Graham Cray suggests that the Father (God) and the Son (Jesus) are engaged in an eternal conversation, or song wiht each other. It is by and through the Holy Spirit that we are invited to join in!

However, leadership is a necessary part of the job description. If not during our times of corporate sining in the macro perspective, it certainly applies in the micro perspective. When we look at organising, pastoring, building relationships and taking responsibility for the group of musicians with which we have been entrusted - that requires leadership!

The leadership used here, I would suggest, should be the same style that we see Jesus using in scripture: servant hearted leadership. Where we are humble, share responsibility, and give encouagement. Where we build up, and not tear down. We need to nurture and develop the gifts and talents we see in others. We must prefer others above ourselves. We need to be honest and offer gentle and constructive criticism that is always clothed in love. We ourselves shold not be afraid to recieve criticism or friendly adivce and should create healthy and open relationships within our teams to make this possible.

It has long been thought that Lucifer (who later became Satan) had the job description of 'Worship Leader' in heaven before he fell into sin. Isaiah 14:12-15 tells us that wether he was worship leader or not, it was Lucifer's pride and arrogance that made him believe he deserved the worship that belongs to God alone. He tried to place himself above God. As we know, this ended badly for Lucifer and he, with all his followers, were cast out of Heaven and out of God's presence.

In our front-and-centre position as band leaders, or worship facilitators, we are in a vulnerable position. we could so easily become rock-star-divas where it's 'all about me'. Where the band needs to play perfectly so that we look good. Where the worship, applause and sometimes the unfortunate celebrity-like status becomes the main focus of our fulfilment and purpose. Where we get addicted to performance and hunger for acknowledgement and praise - Let us run far away from these things, lest we too, like Lucifer fall from God's grace.

We have only looked at the 'leadership' part of the termonology 'worship leader'. There is a lot more still to unpack in the other part of this title, but I will leave that for my next 'Worship Journal' blog.

Prayer:
Holy Spirit, help us to always remember that You are the worship leader. Tune our spirits in to You so that we may follow with confidence. Equip us with You power so that we can help others come into Your presence. Thank you for the responsibility of leading our worship teams and help us to lead in a godly way. Holy Spirit, may we grow less as You grow more. May you increase as we decrease. All worship belongs to You! Hallelujah!
Amen