TIPS ON WORSHIP
LEADING DURING CHURCH SERVICES
Our calling as worship leaders plays an important role in
directing the church in worshiping God in spirit and in truth. Our goal is to
prepare the hearts of the people to be receptive of the word of God. Let me
share to you some guidelines to efficiently lead the people before and during
the worship celebration.
Prepare yourself.
This is done through prayer and devotion. Standing before a
holy God should not be taken for granted. When Isaiah saw the Lord in Isaiah
6:1-8, he was overwhelmed with fear because he knew he would die but he was
cleansed and he was allowed to stand before the Lord. In the Old Testament, the
only person who can enter the presence of God is someone who has clean hands
and a pure heart, someone who doesn't worship other gods and swear falsely. In
other words, only a righteous person can see God. Although we are considered
righteous now because of the Lord Jesus, the God that Isaiah saw before is the
same awesome God that we are worshiping today and we are to stand before Him
with fear and reverence.
E'Davids and K'ore |
Prepare the songs and
the team.
A good line up led by the Spirit will definitely make
positive results in the lives of the people. In your personal time with the
Lord, inquire of the Lord on what songs to sing and practice, practice,
practice. Do not settle with just plain practice and let the team go home.
Remember that even professionals rehearse. We must strive for excellence
because we are worshiping an excellent God.
Make a sign language.
Exercise this during rehearsals so that the team will be
familiarized which sign is for the verse, chorus, or bridge. Make it clear and
discreet so that it won't distract the congregation during the worship
celebration. It will also give your team confidence with each transition of
songs.
Do what you sing.
If the song includes kneeling or shouting, take the first
step to do it setting an example to the congregation. If we are not doing what
we are singing, we are no different from an immovable toy with a built-in sound
system. In addition, if the song is intended for dancing, make sure not to wear
clothes that reveal some skin because it directs the attention towards us
instead of God and may create lustful thoughts to the congregation. Do not
forget to include your team on this practice because we are not called just to
stand in the platform to sing or play the instruments but to lead the people
into true worship.
Lastly, be sensitive
to the Holy Spirit.
We must not forget that we are only instruments for God to
connect with His people and should not be the center of attraction. It is the
Lord that makes every gathering special. Without the presence of God, any
gathering will only be a meeting. That's why every worship leader must be keen
in listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying. For there are times that He
wants just silence, no singing or playing of the instruments so He can speak to
His people. There are other times that He would want you to cite a verse in the
Scripture to lift somebody from the crowd. And this can only happen id worship
leaders are sensitive to the voice of God. And again, we can be familiarized
with His voice through our personal time with the Lord.
NOTE: Please note that these tips are not just for Sunday services alone but every time you have the opportunity and privilege to lead God's people in worship.
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