Leading - a guiding or directing head, as of an army, movement, or political group. ”Guiding” I think sums it up pretty well when we are discussing the role of the worship leader. Blending a pastoral heart with the songs, worship and artistry. Dan Wilt outlines in his teaching media “Role of the Worship Leader”, the eight key roles of the worship leader.
We have a Priestly Role of building the bridge between our community of believers and the One they are seeking to experience through worship. Creating the atmosphere where people are open, choosing the songs that meet needs, the prayers we offer up and the heart that we have for the ones we minister to, are all key in encountering the living God.
We have a Teaching Role of retelling the story, sharing the truth through song, images, design, and service. Seeking out and mentoring new artists that have a passion for ministry and service would be included in the teaching role as well.
We have a Story Teller Role using artistry and the celebrations of our communities and taking the opportunity to present the story through Christmas, Easter and Lent.
We have an Evangelist Role as we carefully consider the people we are ministering to and understand that not everyone is a maturing Christian. We have to be careful in the way that we speak so that we do not alienate those who are seeking.
We have a Pastoral Role of nurturing and caring for our team and for the community. As Dan Wilt put it, “There is no room for ego.” We should be leading and gently guiding with humility and personally getting to know the ones we are ministering to. It is so important to understand our community and their needs and to genuinely love the people. God, what is your desire for our community? Where are You leading?
We have a Prophetic Role to help people to reach a new place in their walk with Christ – gently guiding with the fruits of the Spirit. We need to be connected to our culture and still tethered to community and the essential truths of our faith.
We have an Administrative Role of planning services and events, managing schedules, drama teams, bands, audio technicians, supplies, upgrades, design, video, etc.
We have an Intercessory Role of praying for our community, our leaders, and our teams. We are called to take on the heart of God for the people of our community.
I do not have the ability to maintain the many roles of the worship leader without the strength of God, and I cannot access His strength if I am not spending time with Him in His word. So first, before anything else, I must entrust my heart, the ministry, the entire process into His care and humbly bow down before the Lord and ask, “where are you taking us, where would you have me go?” It is so easy to become distracted with all the things on my “to do” list or my “wish list” everyday, but I will daily refocus on God and where He is leading.
Connie Egli
As Dan Wilt presents it, worship leading is a big job. And I believe he’s right.
And I hear you, that you can’t do this alone. How many times in the last few years have I turned to God and said, “I can’t do this.”? And He always replies, “I know.”
“Without me, you can do nothing,” Jesus said. That’s the bottom line. If I really want to have eternal impact, meaningful ministry, I have to let Him do it. I have to stop fighting His efforts, even when I think I know where He’s going with something, I need to let him stay in control. Otherwise I end up fighting His leadership and squashing the thing He’s trying to do.
Thanks for your thoughts on this! Keep leading with Him.