Worship Leader Probs

We have been talking about values that we embrace as a team. So far we have talked about the values of Preparation, Authenticity, Character & Teamwork.

This week, I want to talk with you about Excellence.  Leading God’s people in worship is an awesome responsibility. It is also a privilege.

It is my goal that each and every weekend we would make incredible music. We will always rehearse our parts and work at technical cues like sound, lights and video because we want our services to be sharp, creative, well crafted and Excellent.

In my life I have had the chance to work in churches as small as 100 people and now, as large as nearly 3,000 and many in between. I remember back in the smaller church days when I was just a part-time worship leader while attending college that something used to really get to me. In this particular church there was very little organization, preparation or planning. We just basically “let it roll” every Sunday. One part that got to me was the special music. I can remember a young man who sang a lot in that church and when it came to the special music time in the service he would stand up, pull his accompaniment trax out of his back pocket, walk back to the sound person and hand it over and then slowly walk to the platform. The whole thing took at least 3 minutes. That’s 3 minutes of a group of people just sitting and waiting. I’m all for moments of silent worship from time to time but this took it to an extreme!

I remember watching this and thinking, “Wow, we can do better than this.”

If you got called to sing with Celine Dion or on Broadway or with Chris Tomlin or with The Eagles (seriously, insert your favorite group) or got the chance to play in your favorite band, how would you prepare? How carefully would you prepare the details of the music? How much time would you take to get ready?

Each and every week we come before God Almighty, who spoke the world into existence. HE deserves the very best gift that we can offer and so do His people. We want our services to be Excellent but not just for the sake of being so. We are offering ourselves and our gifts back to God as we lead in worship and we want to do that to the very best of our ability. Whether you sing in the choir or praise team, play in the band or serve through technology (sound, lights, video, etc…) I would encourage you to pursue Excellence as your offering of worship unto the Lord.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. … And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly … and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God through him.” (Col. 3:12, 15-17)

We offer our Excellence as a gift of thanks and praise to the Lord.