Last Friday, I led a night of worship at my church.
Now for any of you who are worship team musicians or fellow worship leaders, I know what you're thinking.
Music, worship team, contemporary choruses, and group prayer were likely all involved (No priest, stained glass, or organ/choir here).
While this style and approach to creating worship towards God is more common than ever, it is important to re-evaluate the central reason why churchgoers should sing music, and how an evening concert event can be made into more than simply a set of songs.
The most common error I have experienced in working with other worship musicians is that so much focus is put on creating a well-rounded program or service, that the planners never quite get to intentionally shape a worship experience. A worship experience including items such as music, group time, or other activities (likely taken from the 'youth group' scene) would trigger individuals from the congregation to open their heart to the Holy Spirit, and further an impactful personal relationship with Jesus.
How can worship leaders of the current Church revive this vision?
The first realization you must come to, and it can be very hard to come to, is that the term "worship" represents an outward expression of an inward lifestyle. Playing rocky or poppy music can help hook people's ear into the program, but after an initial celebration or energy boost, the team and church should start to absorb a theme that will teach them to improve their life - through your ministry as the worship guide, not the "musician."
I have discovered first hand that the initial stage of planning a time of worship is not taking song suggestions, finding band members, or even choosing a date and time for the event. Rather, "start at the end," with a vision for a spiritual summit that you want your congregation to reach by the end of this endeavor. Otherwise, you will find yourself unsure of where to take the atmosphere of your service - like hiking through a thick forest at night.
The same goes for any goals or objectives we may have in our lives - Although we are anxious about the here & now, there always lies a greater pot of gold somewhere in the future that the actions and mindset we hold now are contributing to.
So my final challenge to worship leaders (and all Christians alike) is to talk about God in a variety of contexts. Why do you participate in prayer & worship activities? Do you recall them throughout the week? Does your worship outwardly express your inward lifestyle?
