Darlene Zschech on Wasteful vs. Worshipful Worship
In this compelling episode of The Walk podcast we feature Darlene Zschech—an iconic voice in worship music and a beloved pastor from Australia. Known globally for her profound role in shaping modern worship music and for songs like “Shout to the Lord,” Darlene shares her personal journey of transformation from performer to worshiper, as well as her reflections on the importance of understanding the ‘why’ behind our worship.
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A Journey of Surrender
Darlene Zschech’s testimony is rooted in transformation. Starting her career as a paid singer at just 10 years old, she had to unlearn the mindset of a performer when she became radically saved at 15. For a time, she stepped away from singing in church, allowing God to rewire her heart and deepen her understanding of true worship. As Darlene recalled,
“The performer in me had to sit down as the worshiper in me had to learn to rise.”
This period of discipleship was crucial. Darlene shared how she was discipled in the Word without any attachment to her musical talents, allowing her to discover her identity solely in Christ. It was not about performance, but about the grace and love of God that redefined her. This shift in identity would later shape her understanding of worship as something far deeper than mere musical performance.
Overcoming Opposition: Instruments and Expression
Interestingly, Darlene’s journey in worship was not without its challenges. When she first brought her keyboard to church, the elders refused to let her play it, seeing it as an unholy instrument—“the devil’s instrument,” as Darlene jokingly recounted. It was only after persistent efforts, including starting a band with her now-husband Mark, that she found freedom in using her gifts to minister to others.
However, even after joining the church’s worship team, she faced another challenge: the expectation to suppress her expressive style. “I was told I was too expressive and needed to calm down when I was singing to God,” Darlene said. This too required years of unlearning, as God worked in her life to bring her to a place of freedom in His presence.
A Devotion Like Mary’s: Reflections on John 12
The focal point of the episode was Darlene’s reflection on John 12, where Mary of Bethany anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume—a symbol of extravagant worship. This act of devotion was met with opposition, as Judas Iscariot criticized Mary’s offering as wasteful. However, Darlene drew a profound lesson from this passage, emphasizing the difference between worship that is seen as wasteful and worship that is truly worshipful.
As Darlene explained, once someone experiences the miraculous power and mercy of Jesus in their life, their devotion takes on a new level of depth that often won’t be understood by others. “The people around Mary did not understand her devotion to Jesus,” she noted. Reflecting on her own life, Darlene shared how even within her own family, some members see her dedication to Jesus as wasteful. Yet, she is firm in her conviction: “That’s okay because I know my why.”
The Power of Knowing Your Why
Darlene stressed that for worship leaders, understanding their ‘why’ is essential. “Once you know your why, it will frame everything else,” she said. This personal question of value—what we truly treasure and why—lies at the heart of leading others in worship. For Darlene, it’s not about performance or fulfilling obligations, but about living from a posture of “worshipful surrender” that brings glory to God.
The distinction between worship that is wasteful and worship that is worshipful is crucial, especially in a world filled with opinions and opposition. Darlene believes the gap between these two perspectives is widening, and worship leaders must intentionally cultivate a culture that fuels authentic devotion to Jesus. As she warned, “What we tolerate today will become tomorrow’s normal.” It’s vital to lead from a place of true reverence for the presence of God, avoiding the trap of reducing worship to a mere performance.
The Boldness of True Worship
Drawing further from Mary’s example, Darlene encouraged worship leaders to bring offerings to God that are bold and costly, even if they defy the opinions of those around them. Mary’s act of worship not only pleased Jesus, but also defied the cultural norms of her time. As a woman, her boldness in worship was even more significant, as it elevated her own sense of value in the eyes of God.
Worship, as Darlene described it, is not something we offer because it “makes sense” but because “He is God, and He is worthy.” Our entire lives, from head to toe, should be an offering of worship to God in response to His transformative power in our lives.
A Metaphor for Leadership: Washing Feet
Before closing the episode, Darlene shared a beautiful metaphor for leading others in worship, which she received from God years ago. When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He set an example of servant leadership. Darlene explained that she now sees her role as a worship leader through this lens. “Every time I come to lead others in worship, I metaphorically wash their feet so that they see Jesus and experience Him.”
This act of humble service, modeled by Christ Himself, is Darlene’s guide in worship. She prays that every time she leads, her offering will help others to see and respond to Jesus more deeply.
As the episode concluded, Darlene prayed for worship leaders, thanking God for the privilege of knowing and serving Him. She urged leaders to remember that what they do is not wasteful, but worshipful. Worship leaders are called to bring glory to God by leading their congregations in authentic worship that reflects His worth and transforms lives.
Darlene’s prayer encapsulated the heart of the episode: that God would be glorified, that His name would be lifted high, and that the urgency of the Gospel would stir leaders to respond with true devotion.
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