Whenever we worship lead, prioritising time to really invest in what we’re doing is so crucial to supporting the team and allowing for God to work in our own hearts in the lead up. You might fall into either category of frequent or infrequent leading nonetheless we might be tempted to leave planning or thought processes to the last minute. My philosophy when I am serving is: what is going to be most helpful for my team members? Are my muso’s accomplished on their instrument and last minute changes will be fine? How can I be diligent in hearing from Holy Spirit in the lead up, during rehearsal and throughout a service? Will any of my team members in beginning stages find last minute changes overwhelming?
Whatever displays honour benefits the individual and will benefit the team.
So let’s look at a few practical steps in the lead up to worship leading on a Sunday.
First things first.
Seek God Out
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1
No matter how genius you make a segues, arrangements, prayers, key change transitions etc. you can’t do this thing called Worship Leading (i.e. Leading God’s people into His presence) if you haven’t traversed relationship with Him yourself off the platform. Not only is worship leading an overflow of your relationship with Jesus, your preparation is never consider wasted. God goes before you and Holy Spirit is in your planning, and unless He builds the house we labour in vain. Pray through where God wants you to lead, have the song list and pray to bring to the forefront songs which are going to best benefit the people and encourage them to have a greater encounter with what He currently doing in your context.
Meditate In & Refer to Scripture When You Lead
“Keep my commandments and live, And my teaching as the apple of your eye. Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 7:3
This comes from getting to know the Word more. It is alive and active (Heb 4:12) so breathe it into those moments where you might linger in your set. Allow the word to permeate how you lead… use it as an appropriate segue where it edifies the church or draws the connection points between songs. Spend some time reflecting on a scripture that will tie together the theme of the message, or where Holy Spirit is prompting you to go in the worship set – always keeping in mind you are working within a framework of your context.
Stay Within Your Framework
“Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you.” Hebrews 13:17
We are working toward cultivating cultures of unity, working together and honouring the leaders entrusted in your community. It’s not wise to take large steps away from the mantle you are under. (Even if you feel the direction of the service is going in a different direction.) If your church isn’t up for singing ten chorus’ while you engage a free worship session, honour that and do one extra instead. There is wisdom in being intentional about how you lead. Lead with integrity, God’s agenda and a heart for your congregation, which means you take small steps – and check in with your senior leadership to make sure you are on the right path if you intend to try something new or out of the ordinary. Always a good idea!!
To be continued…