9 Essential Traits of An Effective Worship Leader, Part 2

In Part 1, I listed the first five traits of an effective worship leader. As I said before, these nine traits do not necessarily reflect modern technological advancements, but are descriptive of any humble, God-fearing minister working in a local church--in any era, culture, with any style of music, or in any denomination. It's up to the individual minister whether or not to make use of the tools, people-serving skills and theological training available today. After all, serving God and His people is an eternal investment, and the dividends are for eternity as well, no matter how large or small the church or organization. Let's give God our best!



 The first five traits of an effective worship leader:

1. Serves the local church with excellence

2. Is a servant leader

3. Follows the direction of the Holy Spirit

4. Helps Christ-followers encounter God personally

5. Facilitates a God-focus in corporate worship


Here are the four remaining traits:


Trait 6: Assists the leadership in fostering spiritual growth of the congregation

The ultimate goal of a worship leader is to assist the pastor and staff in leading the congregation toward maturity in Christ. The weekly worship service--though the biggest and most time-consuming--is only one aspect of that goal. It is also our duty to create a nurturing environment within the teams we lead and in smaller group settings within the church. Many of our worship team members consider the worship ministry their primary point of personal and spiritual contact within the church. Therefore, it's important to implement “member care” as an vital part of the worship ministry. Member care involves ministering to each other, just as any small group or Sunday school class would.

We may not think about it too much, but the songs we teach and sing with our congregation each week are important tools in learning about God. They are also helpful during private prayer time, and to simplify memorizing Scripture. That's why it's important to scrutinize each song we use in worship, to make certain they are theologically sound (...just because it sings well, is on the radio and sounds cool, doesn't mean the song is Biblical).

Although it's impossible for the worship leader alone to meet all of the spiritual needs of each member, it's important to set up a system of volunteers within the team to help with things like hospital visitation, organizing meals (for those who are sick, going through a family crisis, or mourning the death of a loved one),  prayer, service projects for those inside and outside the team, etc. Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.(NIV)”

Trait 7: Makes Christ known to the local community

Each community has a unique culture and history. Understanding these important aspects will better help us minister to our neighbors. Rick Warren, founding pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, implemented “targeted evangelism” when he did a study several decades ago for his first church plant in Orange County. He created “Saddleback Sam” as a profile for the likely “Mr South Orange County,” listing his attributes, preferences and tendencies. Some have come to criticize this approach, feeling that it excludes others. But a good understanding of the community in which we minister is the first step in reaching it's citizens for Christ.

Also, many have neglected taking into account the history of a church or community; their preference may be to start from scratch with new ministries, programs, etc.. It's always wise, though, to get to know the personality of a church, to discover the assets and victories in it's history. The church may have had an important niche in the community that set it apart from other churches. Maybe it was a solid choir program, a strong children's music program, a yearly event, etc., that helped distinguish it.

As a new minister, tearing out the old and replacing it with the new--all for the sake of "modernizing" the place--may be throwing out the baby with the bath water! So, get to know the history of the church and community you are serving--honor it, seek to understand it, and build on it's strengths.

Trait 8: Makes Christ known throughout the world

Matthew 28:19-20 describes the Great Commission clearly: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 

As the local church, we have an opportunity to enlist our worship teams to reach beyond our community for Christ. Music is a powerful tool in evangelism, and planning for evangelistic opportunities will help fulfill the Great Commission that Jesus imparted to each us, maybe through a mission trip to another state or a foreign country. Whichever the case, reaching out beyond our walls, borders and continent to the world will always bless those who receive the Gospel, and will surely bless those who carry the message.

Trait 9: Does all for the glory of God

It's amazing how much effort we put into our worship services each week. It can be so daunting that, so many times, we forget that it's all for the glory of God. An offering, be it great or small, is measured by the heart of the giver. So many churches have insufficient means to produce big Sunday morning extravaganzas, while other churches splurge on incredibly expensive tools and world-class events. It's my desire to always consider that we are doing this for the glory of God--from the earliest conception of an idea to the final product. In the end, what we do for God won't be remembered as much as our attitude of worship in the process.

In Luke 21:1-4, Jesus spoke of the widow and her offering: “And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites. So He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty put in all the livelihood that she had. (NKJV)” 

It doesn't matter how large the ministry, how many people attend, or how magnificent the buildings, in the end, its all about GOD. Our efforts, while attempting to please people--like the flowers in Isaiah 40-- will fade away.

A Prayer:

God, may You alone be praised and glorified. Help me to remember that my pursuit of musical and technological excellence is fleeting if I don't have a personal relationship with You, and a love for Your people.  As I purpose to be relevant in this modern culture, may my heart have an even greater zeal to please You. AMEN!

Song Story: "Garments of Praise"

I recently received a request from Carman in Mason City, Iowa, asking if I'd tell the song-story of "Garments of Praise." The following is what I wrote in response. I thought I'd share it here:

In 1999, we were living in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. I had been working in a band that, at that point, had recorded three CDs with Maranatha! Music. I felt it was time to leave the group and, for some reason, was also dealing with personal struggles in the form of self-doubt and a lack of confidence. I made it a matter of prayer, and offered my troubled heart before the Lord. I randomly came upon the "Garments of Praise" passage in Isaiah 63. Through the hope gained in reading and applying the Word, God eventually led me out of that dark place.

I thought it might be a great passage to put to music. I was aware of the popular praise song with the same name, but I wanted to make my own version and start it out as a prayer--slow and in earnest--leading up to a point of a "hallelujah" celebration.

At the time, I heard of the Robin Mark project that Integrity Music (my publisher at the time) was developing; it was to be recorded in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and I submitted "Garments of Praise," thinking the song suited the Celtic style they were looking for. It was accepted and added to the CD's song list. I was surprised to hear that it ended up being the first song on the record, preceded by a long bagpipe intro.

My friend, Kelly Willard, surprised me one day, soon after the song's release, on a road trip we were taking with her husband to a retreat in Arizona. She kept talking of a certain song she had heard recently, and wanted to play it for me. After starting the CD, the familiar bagpipes flowed out of the car speakers as "Garments of Praise" began to play. Kelly smiled at me through the rear-view mirror as we cruised along the highway toward our destination.

That was a significant moment for me. I first saw Kelly in concert when I was 15 years-old in 1975 at Calvary Chapel Costa Mesa, CA. She was singing solo at the grand piano. Her songs and voice have inspired me to write worship songs ever since. I eventually met her after I signed with Integrity Music in 1992, and began doing studio sessions with her at Integrity's Mobile, Alabama studio. I am a big fan of Kelly Willard to this day. Her wink in the rear-view mirror was a fulfillment of God's promise that He would carry me through the struggles I had at the time "Garments of Praise" was written.

I recently did a worship concert in North Carolina with my buddy and co-writer, Gary Sadler. I told the story that the song was written right down the highway from the church. The song brought down the house that night! The song continues to bring out shouts of praise, and usually incites dancing in the aisles from churches who feel the freedom to do so.

I am truly blessed to have been the vehicle through which God birthed the song.

9 Essential Traits of An Effective Worship Leader, Part 1

A worship leader in the 21st Century is much more than a lead singer, or a choir director working out of a well-worn hymnal. When I started leading worship in the late seventies, we were on the cusp of a worship revolution that would take the church by storm, and hymns would eventually be overshadowed by the worship chorus, the hymnal with lyrics being projected on a screen. 

In the process, a worship leader's skill requirements have dramatically increased over the years in order to accommodate leading worship bands, technical advancements in sound and lighting, and the use of computers. Still, there is a basic core of traits that have always been present in effective worship leaders through the ages, and they continue to be essential, regardless of denomination or style of music. 

When I attempt to break down these traits, I choose 9 essentials from an historic point of view--one that doesn't necessarily take into consideration a building, technical aspects, or congregation size. Here, in Part 1 of two posts, I list the first 5 of 9 traits:

Trait 1: Serves the local church with excellence

Charles Dickens, in the classic novel David Copperfield, wrote, “My meaning simply is, that whatever I have tried to do in life, I have tried with all my heart to do well; that whatever I have devoted myself to, I have devoted myself to completely; that in great aims and in small, I have always been thoroughly in earnest.” 
 
The Free Dictionary defines the adjective earnest as ”With a purposeful or sincere intent; serious; determined.” As believers, we must earnestly give God our best, not our leftovers. In Colossians 3:17, the Bible says, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (NIV)”

As professionals, we want to always do well at our game. As Coach Pat Riley once said, "Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better." Not only do we strive for excellence as a personal standard, but it shows honor and respect toward our congregation and most importantly, God.


Trait 2: Is a servant leader 
 
Jesus is the archetype of servant leadership. Through His example we learn how to love, encourage, correct, cast vision, pray, focus and obey God, among many other qualities. Jesus never asked a disciple to go where He wouldn't go Himself. Ultimately, Jesus was willing to go to the cross on our behalf. He endured physical pain and suffering, rejection, loneliness, and taunting from his executioners and fellow condemned prisoners alike. He was willing to fight to the death for us. Through that example, we must not only lead, but we must serve others with their best interests at heart, even when it costs us greatly. 

 Sometimes leaders must ask others to do tough, challenging things. But on the other hand, we must also be willing to make personal sacrifices as servant leaders, sometimes to the point of washing feet, if that's what God calls us to do. Stephen Covey said it well: "What you do has far greater impact than what you say."

Trait 3: Follows the direction of the Holy Spirit

I've made many mistakes in my life and career by doing things without first asking the Lord . I operated on impulse rather than trust in God, and in doing so, always missed the “best” that He had for me. Thank the Lord for His grace by eventually getting me back on track!

The direction of the Lord is found in His Word, through prayer, through the wise counsel of His people. Sometimes when God asks us to do something that seems illogical or out of the ordinary, it's always good to be patient and follow the lead of the Holy Spirit. If the prompting of the Holy Spirit leads us away from a worship plan during a service, it's good to follow. I've seen God move in incredible ways when I have obeyed and moved away from my preset plan. 
 
Trait 4: Helps Christ-followers encounter God personally

As worship leaders, it's easy to think of our work as a service to the whole congregation, not as much to individuals. It must be understood, though, that as shepherds, we help lead the flock together, en mass, but that happens by moving one sheep at a time. We are not only charged with ministering to those in the general congregation, but also to those in the teams that we lead. We help our congregations to encounter God personally by:

• Designing weekly services to draw the individual into a one-on-One encounter with God.
• Choosing songs that teach Scripture and spiritual concepts to the congregation.
 

Trait 5: Facilitates a God-focus in corporate worship 

The term entertainment is usually misunderstood in relation to worship.  To entertain, according to the Merriam Webster Dictionary is: “to keep, hold, or maintain in the mind.” The Free Dictionary definition is: “To hold the attention of (someone) with something amusing or diverting.” Using techniques to hold the attention of an audience has been used by teachers and preachers all the way back to Jesus and the Sermon on the Mount. The stories told by Jesus helped the audience better understand and remember difficult spiritual concepts, just as good story-telling does today.

The goal of the worship production staff in planning the weekly service is to facilitate a God-focus for the congregation. Today, we use music, preaching and the Arts--with the help of video, sound and lighting--to tell our stories. The result, though, must be a focus on God and not on the techniques we use.



I will list the final 4 traits in the next post. Thanks for reading!

6-String Passion

This weekend, the Nashville Guitar Show was held at the Factory in Franklin. At just about every turn there seemed to be a familiar face. I was surprised to see Brad Whitford of Aerosmith perusing the aisles for a new vintage addition to his already burgeoning collection. Buddy Miller, Jeff Hanna (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) and several other notables made their way through rows of guitars, filling the crowded Jamison Hall.

I try to make it to the show each year. To support such an event helps to bring it back next year. The famous and unknown alike come back for the same reason: Passion for 6-strings.

Teisco model from 1968, same make and color as mine.

As I grow older, my love for guitars increase--not just for the instrument, but for amps, pedals and all of the accessories. My infatuation with guitars started when I received my first Teisco guitar and amp as a gift from my parents, back in the late '60s. I remember plugging the guitar into the low-budget amp, turning it all the way up, and hearing the glorious squeal and endless feedback. Nothing has changed in 45 years: I still like to turn my amps up to eleven, to get that compression, growl and sustain.

I was able to check out an ancient Silvertone recently that my buddy, Kevin Shaw, was repairing. Even though the amp came from Sears back in the day, it sounded amazing.

Kings of Leon Silvertone 1485 Amp in Kevin's shop

Almost everyone from the guitar show had a look of wonder on their face (with the exception of the wives and girlfriends who reluctantly joined them). The exciting first moment when we unwrapped our guitar, strapped it on and plugged into an amp was remembered as many of the guitars from our childhood made an appearance at the show--the price tags were exceptionally higher than when, as brand-new instruments, they sat on the shelves of stores like Sears, White Front (where I got my Teisco) and Montgomery Ward.

The opportunity to go back in time and get that "first guitar feeling" again was well worth the $15 price of admission. Even though I have many guitars and amps today, there's still a young boy inside of me wanting to join a band and play top 40 radio songs. I guess I'll always be on a journey to fulfill that dream...even though I've done so a hundred times over.

Worship Leaders Over 30 Need Not Apply!

In my last post, "Superman Leads Worship," I illustrated the modern responsibilities of a 21st Century worship leader. As I wrote, it became clear that there is a growing deficit of purposeful worship leadership in our churches today. The modern church is showing a tendency toward recruiting more musicians and artists to lead worship with less skill and experience in leadership and ministry... and life! There is a trend in churches today to avoid hiring worship leaders over 30 years of age!

I sat with a friend over breakfast one morning a few weeks ago. He is a very gifted contemporary worship leader who recently left a church position that began as a honeymoon experience and sadly ended in divorce. After a solid year of struggle, he left and came back to Nashville, where he knew his family would find the love and nurturing they needed to recover. The love affair was evidently in it's last stages when one of the pastors on staff thought his son, a twenty-something musician on the worship team, was better suited as a worship leader for the growing congregation, and that his youthfulness would help to bring in a younger age group to the services. Eventually, my 40-something friend was so discouraged, he surrendered to the inevitable, and was still "licking his wounds" months later as we met that morning over coffee.

It's a sad affair when at a recent, very high-profile worship conference, it was said to thousands of attendees that a worship leader over 30 years of age is culturally irrelevant. I kid you not--a friend of mine was there in attendance. After the session, my friend said he made the long trek to the foot of the stage to challenge the speaker, saying that his claim was irresponsible, uninformed and destructive! My friend asked the speaker how old he was. The guy replied that he was 40-something, but that he was an exception to the "un-cool rule"--that he was relevant. I guess it must have been true, due to his hipster deep-V t-shirt, high-water pants, scruffy thrift store shoes, scarf --in the summer--and the smallish fedora that sat at an angle on his head.  Apparently, God's people are wading in shallow waters, and if the aforementioned trend isn't confronted, the American church is in trouble.

The term "ageism" is becoming a hot topic in churches today. I am speechless when I hear of Godly people being dismissed from their positions as worship leaders because they were old and in their mid-forties. The need for "fathers" and "mothers" in churches today is more in demand than ever. The church needs leaders who have experience, managed businesses, raised children, and weathered life's storms, so young people can benefit from their wisdom and mentoring.  Musicianship, leadership and ministry skills should increase with age. I'd like someone to rush the stage at a Tony Bennett concert and tell him he's over the hill.

I get it, there is a time when we should hang up our dancing shoes. I hope I'm realistic with myself and open to the counsel of others wiser than me when my time comes. But a worship leader over 30 not being relevant? That's just crazy talking. There is a time when a younger leaders must be given the opportunity to lead, and to eventually supplant older generation of leaders. But mentoring, as was established in the old guilds, where apprenticeship and training are a part of the process, is a healthy system to establish in any organization. We need all ages--young and old, to fulfill the Great Commission.

If we head in this destructive direction of misguided ageism, our churches will eventually be managed by fatherless latch-key kids without the maturity to see beyond the next cool worship song or fashion trend. I'm afraid for a church that caters to one age group. I mean, won't there be a tipping point in those niche churches when the members become old and irrelevant...will they then hurry up and surrender the keys to the next generation? I doubt it. The truth is, "old" is always 10 years older than we are now!

I serve on the staff of a church where age is honored and maturity is respected. I hope for a time with God's people when "ageism" disappears, when young and old serve side-by-side in the community, on worship teams, on the mission field, and in classrooms.

My biggest question is: How will the under-thirty crowd make payments on these incredible worship spaces without the older folks? I pray for a worshiping church where young and old, hymns and choruses, KJV Bibles and The Message, all function together under the same roof. God is all about it, and I am too!