The Worship Leader
This is an article Tim Hughes wrote on a subject I already whole heartedly believe in.
Tim Hughes
Recently we had a training night with our worship team where we looked at the role of the Worship Leader. We explored the idea that actually the WL isn’t just the person leading from the front – it’s the whole band. This changes everything.
For too long I believe in the Church we’ve undervalued the role of musicians in leading us in worship. Often there is high expectations that the ‘WL’ i.e. the person leading the singing, will be a leader of integrity, humility and authenticity – and rightly so. But sometimes we turn a blind eye to the rest of the band; perhaps we think that they are only there to provide the sound and make up the numbers and therefore it doesn’t matter how they live their lives.
In the bible we read about the Levites – a people set apart to minister before the Lord. For ALL the musicians and priests involved it was a holy calling, a great responsibility. We’ve been discovering and trying to work out how as a big team we can all take hold of this call and use our gifts to lead worship effectively. In one sense we’re building a greater commitment to team. We’re all involved in encouraging one another to love and good works. We’re all trying to live a life of worship that overflows in the expression of song every Sunday. We’re all preparing our hearts to lead, praying that God would awaken people’s to worship as we gather on a Sunday or whenever it is we lead. We become aware that as a drummer I need to be listening and alert to what God is doing – sensitive to the lead of the Spirit. A change in drum pattern or a build here and there can affect where the song goes – impacting the worship. A keyboardist playing a riff at a certain moment might open up a bit of space for people to soak in God’s presence and respond to His great love. A singer passionately responding in worship can set the tone and draw others in – encouraging people to participate rather than spectate.
This is still Tim Hughes but I feel exactly the same way about my team.
I know for me, working with musicians who think like this is so important. It’s a joy to lead alongside others who are also sharing in the responsibility. It’s amazing to look around in a time of worship to see other musicians/worship leaders passionately engaging with God and leading the congregation.
I believe we need to build the sense of team and set the bar high. What we are involved in is so much more than playing through a few songs. We are responding to the Almighty God and leading His people in praise and worship. To do this we need gifted musicians who love God whole-heartedly and love their neighbour as themselves. We need to grow teams full of worship leaders, rather than leaving that responsibility to one person alone.
I also just read that he is about to release a live CD with about half new songs and half old songs. You better believe I’ll be picking that one up:)