I'm betting that Mondays are a recovery day for most Worship leaders around Christian circles. I know they are for Preachers. ;) I wanted to post today to give a verbal nod of respect toward those who lead God's people to exalt Him each week.
I Chronicles 15: 22 says, "Chenaniah, leader of the Levites, was instructor in charge of music, because he was skillful.". Being a leader of worship is a gift and a calling. It requires so much besides mad vocals and crazy instrumental riffs. It is so much more than those not involved in the process could ever know.
As the daughter of a Minister of Music and member of our church's worship team I have a front row seat to see all the ways the Spirit uses our Worship leaders. Here are some observations:
They are prepared: They work weeks ahead to design a worship set that is Biblically accurate, provides continuity with the message, and is built to draw the congregation into expression. There are so many elements and technical issues that must flow or they become a distraction. All this has to be coordinated behind the scenes. The team has to stay current on the trends and new music. They write or arrange with great giftedness. They work their craft.
They are gifted: Each week I can't believe how blessed we are to be led by musicians who are on a par with ANY of the best professional musician, secular or sacred, period. They are being obedient to a calling and the results are glorious.
They are leaders: They see the music being produced as a mere conduit for creating an environment in which the body can give wings to their love and adoration for God. They know the goal is participation, not performance. They use their gift of exhortation to cheer the body on as they engage in the worship instead of spectate.
They have a ministry: No drama, no egos, no temperamental creative tantrums. No divas, no rock stars, no peacocks, no agendas for stardom. They are fully committed to pastoring the hearts of our local body. They are committed to the overall vision and are team players. It's not uncommon to see them visiting hospitals and deathbeds and serving on mission outings. They are not building their platforms, they are building God's Kingdom.
They are servants: They arrive early and stay late. They embrace the relentlessness of the fact that Sunday is always coming. They leave their blood, sweat and tears on the altar every week. Their families are on-board with that sacrifice and share that burden.
They are vulnerable: As the "faces" of our worship services they are transparently laying out the tenderest and most intimate of their moments with God for all of us to witness. They deal with nasty criticism, they have to make hard decisions, they have to battle weekly with the fear of man. They struggle with stage-fright, introversion, and sore throats, fussy/sick kids, and spiritual dryness, and heartbreak and wardrobe malfunctions and do it all in a spotlight with a camera in their face...very humbling.
They are legit: They really do love Jesus. They walk with Him. They press on to know Him. They are students of His word. They take what they do as seriously as if they were heart surgeons or airline pilots or the secret service. And I guess in many ways, they are all those things. I get to see them on their faces in prayer, before God, for their people. I see them weeping over the lost and begging God to move. They are the real thing.
I know this is true of so many faithful and talented worship folks all over the world. I also know they are quick to give glory to God. But it never hurts to hear that you are appreciated, respected, and loved. Have you told your worship, production, technical, and media leaders thank you? Are you following their leadership with a loving and joyful heart? Do you support them in prayer? Let them hear from you and most of all, next sunday, let them hear you singing your guts out!
Thanks! That was a good reminder for all of us to be grateful and to LOVE LOUD through prayer, action and words those who serve us every week, so faithfully and so excellently. I know for myself, the worship always prepares my heart, it opens it for the Message, so when the Message starts because God has sent "Judah" 1st, I am openhearted, ready to receive His Great Word! Thanks! Have a great week! PS... We pray for Pastors on twitter on Fridays and our worship leader Carl is on that global prayer list, He is getting prayed for, a HUGE GOD Hug! http://thebridegroomscafe.com/ssdigdeep2.htm
Posted by: Kmac4him | 04/24/2012 at 08:22 AM