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!