WorshipCentral

A while back I did an interview for a magazine. I thought I'd post some of the answers in case anyone found them interesting.

1.    When choosing musicians for my worship band, should I choose someone who is more spiritual over someone who is a better musician?

Worship is a spiritual thing. It’s so much more than simply playing a few songs. It’s about honouring God in the whole of our lives. When we express our worship through song we come and sing love songs to God. Songs that glorify Him and tell of His worth. When I’m choosing musicians for a worship team I look for people who love God and are passionate about Him. The worship will fall flat and will be empty if it is led by good musicians who are not in love with God. I would always choose heart over skill. However the goal is to find both. Amazing musicians who are living for the glory of God.
 
2.    Sometimes before leading worship I feel my heart is not totally prepared or right with God. Should I still go ahead and lead worship even though I feel this way?

I think the first thing to realise here is that you’re not on your own if you don’t feel totally prepared or right with God. Often when I lead worship I feel so inadequate. Sometimes as I’m about to lead I’m convicted of a wrong attitude or an inappropriate comment. However we must realise that we don’t draw near to God because we’re good enough. We come because through the blood of Jesus a way has been made to come before the Father. We can now boldly approach the throne. I find this truth incredibly liberating. For me if I’m aware of anything that is not right in my life before God I will ask His forgiveness. When you prepare to lead ask God to search your heart and then spend time getting right before God. Then go for it. Step out and lead God’s people in worship.

The other reality is that sometimes we don’t feel like leading worship. Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you feel distant from God. At these times we have to chose to worship. God is worthy and all deserving of our worship at all times. If you are struggling long term and have felt it’s been a constant battle to lead worship then perhaps it would be appropriate to talk to your pastor.

3.    What will make me most effective as a worship leader?

I once heard someone say that you can’t lead people where you haven’t been yourself. Although there are some limitations with that statement, I think it contains a lot of truth. You can’t effectively lead people into God’s presence if you are not regularly entering in. It’s so important for worship leaders to embrace the hidden place. I love the story of King David in the bible. When he was anointed to become the next king of Israel, straight afterwards he returned to his day job. He went back out into the fields and cared for the sheep that had been entrusted to him. That shows humility. If you follow the life of David, in so many ways we see that it was in that hidden place that God imparted so much into his life that helped him to lead God’s people. When I first started playing the guitar I would spend hours and hours worshipping. It wasn’t because I wanted to be a worship leader. It was because I loved Jesus. Looking back I can see how it was in those times that God really met with me and prepared me for all that he had for me. I learnt about His character and fell more in love with Him. If you want to be more effective as a worship leader then waste yourself on worshipping Jesus. Spend time coming before Him in the quiet of your room. Don’t do it to prepare a set list. Do it because your heart is overflowing with praise.

4.    What is a common pitfall you run into as a worship leader? What do you do to avoid this?

I think a key area where worship leaders often stumble is with pride. Music is such a powerful medium. Put someone on a stage, play some emotive songs and that person is going to get some attention. The question is then what do you do with that? Do you remind yourself that you are just a guy or a girl worshipping Jesus, or do you embrace the attention and feed off it? When people are saying flattering words about you it’s a very addictive thing. Before you know it you’re living for the praises of others. For myself I’ve been so grateful for friends and family who keep me grounded. People who love me for being Tim and are there to tell me when I’m out of order or getting too big for my boots.  Pride comes before a fall, so seek humility with all your heart.

5.    What do you think your ultimate role as a worship leader is?

My ultimate role as a worship leader is to direct people to God. I love the words of John the Baptist – “He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30) That is the aim of every worship leader. I hope to do this when I lead through song – but I also hope to do this in the way I live my life. My desire is that people would see Jesus increase in my life. In the way I speak, the things I do and in who I am.