THE WORSHIP LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO POINT TO GOD (not “ME”)
Much discussion has been made over the distinction between church music that is sung to God (or about God) and songs about our relationship with God. Since its inception, modern praise and worship music has often been criticized for being overly abundant with lyrics that are relational in nature. Yet more and more worship leaders and composers in the last half-decade are speaking out regarding the need for more songs focusing on God and his attributes to be written and sung. Mike Pilavachi, pastor of the UK Soul Survivor movement, asks: “How many songs do we sing that are just about God and do not (emphasis added) bring us into the story? How often is God not only the object but also the center of our worship? I am sure we need to sing more songs that praise Him for who He is, irrespective of what He has done for us.”[1] Louie Giglio, leader of the Passion youth worship movement, echoes Pilavachi’s sentiments: “So if you want a quick glimpse into how small you are (in relation to the whole of creation) as a leader, take note of which pronouns consume you: ‘His,’ ‘He’ and ‘Yours"; or ‘I,’ ‘me’ and ‘mine.’”[2]
Sally Morgenthaler, author of Worship Evangelism, speaks of her own journey as a worship leader and planner, and how she has come to recognize the need to put primary focus during worship on vertical communion with God rather than horizontal reflection:
"As a young worship leader, I focused on creating worship experiences, on making sure people felt like they’d met God before they left. As a worship planner, I still ask myself the question, how are people going to encounter God in this time of worship? But increasingly, I’m focusing on the God of our experience, not the experience itself. The reason for this is that it’s entirely possible to feel close to God without really focusing on who He is. It’s entirely possible to work ourselves into a worship euphoria without distinguishing between god generic and God incarnate. And in this age of spiritual pluralism, that difference is pivotal."[3]
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S NEED FOR A SOLID BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
One of the key reasons I chose to attend seminary was because I believe that effective worship leading is greatly enhanced with solid biblical teaching at a level that can best be provided through seminary training. If worship leaders are truly taking a larger role in the life of the church and their position during the weekly service, a well-developed theological and biblical groundwork needs to be in place to guide their decisions in music selections as well as their leadership towards others. A casual understanding of biblical truths and/or an incomplete comprehension of theological issues (especially when facing a congregation that potentially brings with them a myriad of experiences, opinions and perspectives) can hinder a worship leader’s ability to best minister to their congregation. British recording artist and worship leader Vicky Beeching addresses this very issue when reflecting on her theological training:
"I chose to study Theology with the aim of going into full time worship ministry afterwards. I always hoped that it would have a good affect on my song writing and worship leading, and it did. My lyric writing improved as I got to know the Bible in more depth, and I could be sure that I wasn’t writing heresy! It also taught me a lot about church history, and biblical interpretation which has been useful in my teaching and seminars. Parts of the course were challenging, as some views taught at Oxford were more liberal than my own beliefs. But I learned to only take on board the things that sat right with me. Overall it was a great experience, and I came away with a rounded view of what people think of Christianity and an even stronger commitment to my own beliefs."[4]
ENDNOTES:
[1] Mike Pilavachi, “God Centered”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218176; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[2] Louie Giglio, “Little Leaders”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218191; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[3] Graham Kendrick, Mike Pilavachi, and Sally Morgenthaler, “The One Thing”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218192; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[4] Interview with Vicki Beeching, “A New Voice From England”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=260103; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006
03 April 2009
02 April 2009
04 September 2007
Back to the Blog
For the vast multitudes who have missed me while I've been gone...
I'm back.
I suspect that the part of my brain that remained committed to maintaining this blog decided to shut down once finals were over at Fuller last June. Not that I haven't had any strong thoughts regarding worship since then... I just plain forgot to make it over to this here web page.
As previously hinted, some significant things have developed that have impacted me as a worship leader...
1) ATTRITION
At church, we've struggled with some significant losses on our worship team over the last few months. Back around Easter time, we had the luxury of multiple individuals who could fill in playing most instruments (except, naturally, PIANO) in our rotation. As of now, we basically have one bass guitarist, one rhythm guitarist, and one "switch-hitter". (We were down to one drummer again during the summer, but are gratefully not only back up to two, but three!) Not only am I grateful for the past blessings of a large rotation, but I am looking forward to how God will continue to provide in the coming month. (Translation for those who don't speak Church: "I miss our old friends, but God hasn't let us down yet.")
The loss of worship team members has allowed for some unexpected creativity in putting together weekly teams. We've had some strong Sundays with vocals stepping up a notch; we've had a few fun almost "unplugged" services; I even got to have fun by playing bass on a few tunes a month ago. (I don't know how fun THAT was for the congregation, though.) And I've enjoyed watching the talents of those "who remain" being stretched and challenged.
2) OPPORTUNITY
I find myself this fall with an additional opportunity to grow as a worship leader: I've been chosen as one of six "chapel interns" for Fuller Seminary during the 2007-08 year. The six of us will work together with faculty and staff to plan and coordinate the weekly chapel services held each Wednesday on campus.
Last Thursday, I attended an all-day retreat for the six of us, along with our supervisor, Ed Willmington, and the current director of chapel, Doug Nason. During the last hour of our retreat, we discussed the first four or five chapels of the school year and did some brainstorming. After almost a decade of planning worship services essentially on my own, it was both refreshing and disconcerting to have to plan and brainstorm in a committee. Definitely a positive experience, but a very new one as well.
More to come...
I'm back.
I suspect that the part of my brain that remained committed to maintaining this blog decided to shut down once finals were over at Fuller last June. Not that I haven't had any strong thoughts regarding worship since then... I just plain forgot to make it over to this here web page.
As previously hinted, some significant things have developed that have impacted me as a worship leader...
1) ATTRITION
At church, we've struggled with some significant losses on our worship team over the last few months. Back around Easter time, we had the luxury of multiple individuals who could fill in playing most instruments (except, naturally, PIANO) in our rotation. As of now, we basically have one bass guitarist, one rhythm guitarist, and one "switch-hitter". (We were down to one drummer again during the summer, but are gratefully not only back up to two, but three!) Not only am I grateful for the past blessings of a large rotation, but I am looking forward to how God will continue to provide in the coming month. (Translation for those who don't speak Church: "I miss our old friends, but God hasn't let us down yet.")
The loss of worship team members has allowed for some unexpected creativity in putting together weekly teams. We've had some strong Sundays with vocals stepping up a notch; we've had a few fun almost "unplugged" services; I even got to have fun by playing bass on a few tunes a month ago. (I don't know how fun THAT was for the congregation, though.) And I've enjoyed watching the talents of those "who remain" being stretched and challenged.
2) OPPORTUNITY
I find myself this fall with an additional opportunity to grow as a worship leader: I've been chosen as one of six "chapel interns" for Fuller Seminary during the 2007-08 year. The six of us will work together with faculty and staff to plan and coordinate the weekly chapel services held each Wednesday on campus.
Last Thursday, I attended an all-day retreat for the six of us, along with our supervisor, Ed Willmington, and the current director of chapel, Doug Nason. During the last hour of our retreat, we discussed the first four or five chapels of the school year and did some brainstorming. After almost a decade of planning worship services essentially on my own, it was both refreshing and disconcerting to have to plan and brainstorm in a committee. Definitely a positive experience, but a very new one as well.
More to come...
16 May 2007
Leading Worship in Spirit and Truth, Part 1
THE WORSHIP LEADER’S ROLE AS A PASTORAL ROLE
Disappearing are the days where the person in charge of church music simply picked good songs, clocked in and out for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, and sat politely on Sunday mornings until the various songs were performed. For churches that employ modern worship music, the leaders find themselves much more integrated into the life of the worship service. They are actively engaged not only with the conducting the music being played on the stage, but with bringing the congregation along into the act of corporate worship. A worship leader must lead with insight and compassion, recognizing their role as an integral part of the ministry to the congregation. British worship leader Noel Richards says, “A worship leader does need to lead with a pastor’s heart. God is passionately in love with us—whether we respond to Him or not. He loves His Church and we need to love those who we are trying to lead—even though at times we get frustrated with the lack of response.”[1] Casey Corum, worship pastor and director of production for Vineyard Music USA, elaborates: “We must lead (worship leaders) all the way to a pastoral love for the church; loving and serving people through their gifts.”[2]
Today’s popular worship leaders suggest that many of the roles associated with head pastors are also the responsibility of worship leaders. Vineyard worship leader Danny Daniels speaks of how the worship leader often acts as intercessor on behalf of the congregation:
"When we lead people in worship, we represent God to his people, and the people of God. This is the basic function of the priesthood. As such, a significant part of leading worship is seeking God on behalf of ourselves and the people. Unless he anoints the songs we sing, inhabits our praises and touches us in return as we seek him, we will not have worshipped him effectively. When we pray that these things might be accomplished, we are praying according to his will, and we can be confident of the Spirit leading us into a meaningful worship experience."[3]
Chris Tomlin further suggests that discipling others in the congregation should be a priority for worship leaders: “Always remember that you are responsible to the people you lead. God has placed you there to disciple. Do not be discouraged if they are not where you are spiritually, but continue to love them and lead them by example. This brings glory to God.”[4]
Viewing the role of worship leader as a pastoral role gives proper context and understanding for his or her duties, expectations and directives. Seen by the congregation as not only a leader of music, but as one of the leaders within the church, worship leaders have an awesome responsibility to maintain.
ENDNOTES:
[1] Noel Richards, “Journey Into Worship”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218162; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[2] Casey Corum, “Caring for Creatives”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=259977; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[3] Danny Daniels, “The Sound of Your Life: Character and the Worship Leader”; available from http://www.insideworship.com/resources/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2237&Itemid=2; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[4] Matt Redman (interviewer), “Chris Tomlin”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218185; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
Disappearing are the days where the person in charge of church music simply picked good songs, clocked in and out for rehearsals on Wednesday evenings, and sat politely on Sunday mornings until the various songs were performed. For churches that employ modern worship music, the leaders find themselves much more integrated into the life of the worship service. They are actively engaged not only with the conducting the music being played on the stage, but with bringing the congregation along into the act of corporate worship. A worship leader must lead with insight and compassion, recognizing their role as an integral part of the ministry to the congregation. British worship leader Noel Richards says, “A worship leader does need to lead with a pastor’s heart. God is passionately in love with us—whether we respond to Him or not. He loves His Church and we need to love those who we are trying to lead—even though at times we get frustrated with the lack of response.”[1] Casey Corum, worship pastor and director of production for Vineyard Music USA, elaborates: “We must lead (worship leaders) all the way to a pastoral love for the church; loving and serving people through their gifts.”[2]
Today’s popular worship leaders suggest that many of the roles associated with head pastors are also the responsibility of worship leaders. Vineyard worship leader Danny Daniels speaks of how the worship leader often acts as intercessor on behalf of the congregation:
"When we lead people in worship, we represent God to his people, and the people of God. This is the basic function of the priesthood. As such, a significant part of leading worship is seeking God on behalf of ourselves and the people. Unless he anoints the songs we sing, inhabits our praises and touches us in return as we seek him, we will not have worshipped him effectively. When we pray that these things might be accomplished, we are praying according to his will, and we can be confident of the Spirit leading us into a meaningful worship experience."[3]
Chris Tomlin further suggests that discipling others in the congregation should be a priority for worship leaders: “Always remember that you are responsible to the people you lead. God has placed you there to disciple. Do not be discouraged if they are not where you are spiritually, but continue to love them and lead them by example. This brings glory to God.”[4]
Viewing the role of worship leader as a pastoral role gives proper context and understanding for his or her duties, expectations and directives. Seen by the congregation as not only a leader of music, but as one of the leaders within the church, worship leaders have an awesome responsibility to maintain.
ENDNOTES:
[1] Noel Richards, “Journey Into Worship”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218162; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[2] Casey Corum, “Caring for Creatives”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=259977; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[3] Danny Daniels, “The Sound of Your Life: Character and the Worship Leader”; available from http://www.insideworship.com/resources/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2237&Itemid=2; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
[4] Matt Redman (interviewer), “Chris Tomlin”; available from http://www.worshiptogether.com/features/article.aspx?iid=218185; Internet; accessed 17 November 2006.
Leading Worship in Spirit and Truth (Introduction)
Last fall, I had to write a paper about worship leading and some of the thoughts future and emerging leaders should consider. I enjoyed writing the paper, but since it was assignment, I promptly forgot all about it when the term was over... until a friend recently mentioned that she had read it and appreciated the ideas I wrote about. (Thanks, Amanda!)
Sooo... I thought I'd share those same thoughts in this blog. There are five themes I explored regarding the role and responsibilty of today's worship leaders, drawn from the examples suggested by some of today's prominent worship leaders around the world. I'll start by re-printing the introduction in this post, and later postings will look at each of those five themes. Hope this is encouraging and helpful not only to worship leaders, but to congregants who recognize the growing role that worship leaders play in today's churches!
******
In the past twenty years, an increasing number of Western churches have seen the rise of a new role in church leadership: that of the worship leader. The shift for many congregations from traditional forms of music (including hymns and choral music) to modern choruses (often labeled as “praise and worship” music) has resulted in an increase of visibility, responsibility and accountability for those responsible for church music. In terms of visibility, many worship leaders spend as much time (if not more) during a weekly service in front of a congregation as the preaching pastor. Secondly, worship leaders carry the responsibility of maintaining regular dialogue with the pastors, coordinating with audio/visual technicians, and overseeing other musicians. Finally, worship leaders—like other church leaders—need to be accountable to the church body in regards to their interactions with others, along with how their personal walks with the Lord impact the life of the church.
Numerous leaders among the modern worship movement from the United States and the United Kingdom have spoken out about their concerns and values concerning the demands that press upon today’s worship leaders. After an examination of many of their interviews and articles from the last several years, some recurring themes emerge regarding their suggestions to fellow worship leaders. In future posts, I will attempt to discuss five such principles, principles that deal less with the technical nature of music and more in terms of leadership style, spiritual formation and wisdom in decision-making.
1. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S ROLE AS A PASTORAL ROLE
2. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO POINT TO GOD (not “ME”)
3. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S NEED FOR A SOLID BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
4. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S POSITION AS MENTOR
5. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S WITNESS AS A LIVING EXAMPLE
**************
Thanks for reading! More to come...
Sooo... I thought I'd share those same thoughts in this blog. There are five themes I explored regarding the role and responsibilty of today's worship leaders, drawn from the examples suggested by some of today's prominent worship leaders around the world. I'll start by re-printing the introduction in this post, and later postings will look at each of those five themes. Hope this is encouraging and helpful not only to worship leaders, but to congregants who recognize the growing role that worship leaders play in today's churches!
******
In the past twenty years, an increasing number of Western churches have seen the rise of a new role in church leadership: that of the worship leader. The shift for many congregations from traditional forms of music (including hymns and choral music) to modern choruses (often labeled as “praise and worship” music) has resulted in an increase of visibility, responsibility and accountability for those responsible for church music. In terms of visibility, many worship leaders spend as much time (if not more) during a weekly service in front of a congregation as the preaching pastor. Secondly, worship leaders carry the responsibility of maintaining regular dialogue with the pastors, coordinating with audio/visual technicians, and overseeing other musicians. Finally, worship leaders—like other church leaders—need to be accountable to the church body in regards to their interactions with others, along with how their personal walks with the Lord impact the life of the church.
Numerous leaders among the modern worship movement from the United States and the United Kingdom have spoken out about their concerns and values concerning the demands that press upon today’s worship leaders. After an examination of many of their interviews and articles from the last several years, some recurring themes emerge regarding their suggestions to fellow worship leaders. In future posts, I will attempt to discuss five such principles, principles that deal less with the technical nature of music and more in terms of leadership style, spiritual formation and wisdom in decision-making.
1. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S ROLE AS A PASTORAL ROLE
2. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO POINT TO GOD (not “ME”)
3. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S NEED FOR A SOLID BIBLICAL FOUNDATION
4. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S POSITION AS MENTOR
5. THE WORSHIP LEADER’S WITNESS AS A LIVING EXAMPLE
**************
Thanks for reading! More to come...
All By Myself
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to lead worship on a Sunday morning on my own. Just me, myself and I. No other vocalists, no guitars or drums, not even the comfort of a steady set of bongos. Just me and the piano for the entire service.
Initially, I knew that the Sunday in question was a week where many members of the worship team were going to be unavailable (out of town or otherwise committed to something else) that day. If I wanted to, I could have conjured up a person or two to help me out. But as I began planning the order of service for that Sunday, I decided that I would keep the schedule as it was and try it out by myself for a change. I've had the opportunity to stretch myself as a worship leader in the last year by experimenting with different formats (like that quasi-liturgy we did for Palm Sunday, which went very well, by the way) and different set-ups than the same ol' thing every week. Here was another chance to try something new.
Now, having said that, I have to admit that I don't really like leading all by myself. Of course, I did it for several years when I led chapel services at a Christian elementary school, but that was a very different audience with a different set of songs (mostly upbeat, "happy-clappy" stuff). But despite having grown up in the midst of my congregation and knowing them fairly well, it was still nervewracking. One of the beautiful things about being a piano player--and leading from the piano--is that there's a level of comfort and protection that you feel, sitting behind a large, black, blocky instrument several hundred pounds in weight. Feeling more confident as a pianist than a vocalist, it's easy to "hide" behind the keyboard while playing. Even though I'm the lead vocalist in leading worship, other vocalists singing helps me not feel so... well, exposed.
Fears aside, I went ahead and led by myself on the Sunday in question. And it went well, by most accounts. And the nerves disappeared, for the most part. (Of course, being the one who also picks the songs, it was easy to compensate by choosing songs that I felt strongest as singer and pianist.) I'm fine if the opportunity doesn't come around again for a loooong time, but I'm grateful for the chance I had to step up.
Initially, I knew that the Sunday in question was a week where many members of the worship team were going to be unavailable (out of town or otherwise committed to something else) that day. If I wanted to, I could have conjured up a person or two to help me out. But as I began planning the order of service for that Sunday, I decided that I would keep the schedule as it was and try it out by myself for a change. I've had the opportunity to stretch myself as a worship leader in the last year by experimenting with different formats (like that quasi-liturgy we did for Palm Sunday, which went very well, by the way) and different set-ups than the same ol' thing every week. Here was another chance to try something new.
Now, having said that, I have to admit that I don't really like leading all by myself. Of course, I did it for several years when I led chapel services at a Christian elementary school, but that was a very different audience with a different set of songs (mostly upbeat, "happy-clappy" stuff). But despite having grown up in the midst of my congregation and knowing them fairly well, it was still nervewracking. One of the beautiful things about being a piano player--and leading from the piano--is that there's a level of comfort and protection that you feel, sitting behind a large, black, blocky instrument several hundred pounds in weight. Feeling more confident as a pianist than a vocalist, it's easy to "hide" behind the keyboard while playing. Even though I'm the lead vocalist in leading worship, other vocalists singing helps me not feel so... well, exposed.
Fears aside, I went ahead and led by myself on the Sunday in question. And it went well, by most accounts. And the nerves disappeared, for the most part. (Of course, being the one who also picks the songs, it was easy to compensate by choosing songs that I felt strongest as singer and pianist.) I'm fine if the opportunity doesn't come around again for a loooong time, but I'm grateful for the chance I had to step up.
09 April 2007
Life, Death, New Life
Easter is the celebration of new life. Plenty of poignant reminders of the cycle of life, death, and new life seem to surround me this year as I reflect on the past few weeks.
Obviously, we look first to the example of what we celebrate on Easter morning, not to mention every Sunday morning that we gather together as church communities around the world. Christ experienced the reality of human death, and He demonstrated the victory over that same death on the third day.
In the midst of celebrating that very victory at church this past Easter Sunday, our congregation rejoiced in seeing and hearing our brother Scott during prayer time. He's the one I mentioned in a previous prayer request. Just under two weeks ago, we were considering the very real possibility that Scott would be going home to be with God. Evidently, God had other things in mind, as Scott was released from the hospital last Thursday. He even surprised us by stopping by at a party held at our house Saturday night. Talk about a great Easter illustration.
This past week also allowed me to reflect on resurrection from a second, contrasting perspective. April 1 was the birthday of my father, who passed away in 2003. Holidays and anniversaries (such as birthdays) are among the times when you miss a loved one the most after they've passed away. Easter also reminds us that we have not only a hope, but a firm conviction that death is not the end of the story for us. Jesus' promise of eternal life reminds me that I will be reunited with my father again someday, as we will both rejoice together in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
And in the midst of all of the talk of mortality, my best friend from childhood is pregnant with her second child while preparing to celebrate the third birthday of her first child (better remember to go shopping this week). Though we are not related by blood, I can't help but feel immense happiness whenever I hear little Jacob call me "Uncle Glenn." The joy of new life abounds.
When I reflect back on Easter 2007, I might have trouble remembering what songs we sang, or what we had for Easter dinner (which was quite delicious, thank you). I will remember that God chose to bless me with amazing lessons that helped bring out the true joy and Grace of the resurrection.
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.
Obviously, we look first to the example of what we celebrate on Easter morning, not to mention every Sunday morning that we gather together as church communities around the world. Christ experienced the reality of human death, and He demonstrated the victory over that same death on the third day.
In the midst of celebrating that very victory at church this past Easter Sunday, our congregation rejoiced in seeing and hearing our brother Scott during prayer time. He's the one I mentioned in a previous prayer request. Just under two weeks ago, we were considering the very real possibility that Scott would be going home to be with God. Evidently, God had other things in mind, as Scott was released from the hospital last Thursday. He even surprised us by stopping by at a party held at our house Saturday night. Talk about a great Easter illustration.
This past week also allowed me to reflect on resurrection from a second, contrasting perspective. April 1 was the birthday of my father, who passed away in 2003. Holidays and anniversaries (such as birthdays) are among the times when you miss a loved one the most after they've passed away. Easter also reminds us that we have not only a hope, but a firm conviction that death is not the end of the story for us. Jesus' promise of eternal life reminds me that I will be reunited with my father again someday, as we will both rejoice together in the presence of our Heavenly Father.
And in the midst of all of the talk of mortality, my best friend from childhood is pregnant with her second child while preparing to celebrate the third birthday of her first child (better remember to go shopping this week). Though we are not related by blood, I can't help but feel immense happiness whenever I hear little Jacob call me "Uncle Glenn." The joy of new life abounds.
When I reflect back on Easter 2007, I might have trouble remembering what songs we sang, or what we had for Easter dinner (which was quite delicious, thank you). I will remember that God chose to bless me with amazing lessons that helped bring out the true joy and Grace of the resurrection.
Christ is risen. He is risen indeed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
