Releasing Your Congregation to Worship

Over the last 30 years, Worship Leader Magazine has been…

Leading worship is not a formula. It’s not simply a technical skill.There are technical skills involved, such as musical proficiency and vocal ability, but the primary skills needed to be an effective worship leader are relational in nature. It is the ability of a worship leader to connect relationally with the congregation and with God that allows them to release the congregation to worship God. Here are five questions to always ask yourself.

AM I A WORSHIPER?

Is my heart prepared to meet with God? Am I filled with the anticipation of meeting with God? Three times Paul writes, “Be imitators of me.” Could I say that to the group that I’m leading worship for? Lead the life of worship that I live. People believe what they see, and they will follow the leadership of an authentic worshiper who is passionately in love with Jesus.

WHAT IS THE PRAYER OF THIS CHURCH?

Worship is sung prayer, and every church has a prayer. My role is to pro- vide language, through songs, for people to express their hearts to God. That means I need to be connected to the needs, the frustrations, the joys and the sorrows of the congregation. When my prayer aligns with the prayer that is in their hearts, it allows them to cry out to God both in celebration and confession.

WHAT IS THE FATHER DOING IN OUR CHURCH?

Jesus said, “I only do what I see the Father doing.” People come to meet with God. They want to hear His voice. Are you aware of the Father’s activities? Are you leading in a way that is consistent with the ministry He is already doing? People respond to leadership when it’s in alignment with God’s work in their lives.

IS MY TEAM PREPARED TO FOLLOW?

Have I done a good job in teaching them the prayer language of the church? Do they know the songs? Do they play from the chart or from the heart? If I take a left turn in response to God’s leading, will they crash and burn or turn with me? This requires that I spend time worship- ing with my team during rehearsals or other less-formal times. A well-prepared team makes it effortless for a congregation to participate in worship.