Being a worshiper ...
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Chapter 6 – So what does a worship leader do?
This chapter reminded me that the advent of worship leaders in 1970’s closely paralleled the advent of contemporary Christian music (Bill Gaither, Pat Boone, Keith Green, Larry Norman, Randy Stonehill, Phil Keaggy, Bob Hartman, Steve Taylor) and the first Christian rock bands (Petra, Rez Band, White Heart, Mylon LeFevre/Broken Heart) that was influenced in part by the Calvary Chapel movement (Chuck Smith), the Jesus People movement, and mainstream secular music influences. The good as Kauflin stated has been churches who engage more deeply, creativity, expressively, and exuberantly with God by Christ-exalting songs. The downturn has been money and fame driven ministries, wrong definitions of success, prioritization and distractions of technology (sound equipment, media, lights, etc.), and overall a concert expectation that has turned worship into performances and showmanship rather than congregations singing out in praise to their Lord. For this we must continually beware and guard our hearts to sing unto the Lord (audience of one) for the Lord (His glory alone), and leave the results to the Lord (hearts changed/lives impacted).
I agree with Bob that music is important – it is a great tool to teach Scripture/theology, as a means to express our hearts to God, and as an avenue to edify and encourage one another. But the level of importance and priority placed on music in the American churches seems greater than the two verses that directly address music in the New Testament church (Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16), this is not to say that music can’t influence or have a part in engaging or impacting Christians in the bigger arena of doctrine or holy living that occupies the primary focus of the New Testament.
I’m uncomfortable with the idea Bob expressed that Jesus is a worship leader as if Jesus gives worship rather than being fully God He along with the Father and Spirit receive all worship (this is not to say that Jesus and the Spirit don’t glorify the Father which is probably what he meant). Kauflin definitely got it right in saying that so many people limit worship to music or singing and that worship doesn’t require instruments, worship leaders, a church building, or for it to be Sundays as we should worship God by everything we do and at all times (1 Corinthians 10:31).
The D.A. Carson quote was good: “I would abolish forever the notion of a “worship leader.” If you want to have a “song leader” who leads part of the worship, just as the preacher leads part of the worship, that’s fine. But to call a person a “worship leader” takes away from the idea that by preaching, teaching, listening to and devouring the word of God, and applying it to our lives, we are somehow not worshiping God.” It’s every member’s goal to worship, praise, and bring glory to God. Kaulfin writes, “Anyone who encourages others to praise God can be referred to as a ‘worship leader.’” So we would be wise to avoid what he calls dependence on “musical high priests.”
Regardless of title or method (I do like the team rather than individual approach) it is a great responsibility and opportunity. “Every week those who lead worship have significant opportunities to teach, train, and encourage God’s people in praising Him rightly and living for His glory.” This requires the skills of “pastoring, leading, administration, and teaching” and should be under the oversight of the Elders so a Worship Pastor combines his spiritual gifts with musical skill to “care for, guide, and instruct God’s people as they sing His praises.”
Kaulin’s goal and definition for himself and other Worship Pastors is noteworthy: “A faithful worship leader magnifies the greatness of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit by skillfully combining God’s Word with music, thereby motivating the gathered church to proclaim the gospel, to cherish God’s presence, and to live for God’s glory.”
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