It was my second day in a new pastoral call. I was still unpacking books and files when the church treasurer asked to see me. He quickly got my full attention: “Pastor, we’ve got to get our roles straight.” (Gulp…)
Then he said, “The reason you’re here is to help people grow as disciples of Christ. The reason I’m here is to find the money so you can do it.” (Wow!) It means everything to have someone invest in you like that. As musicians and worship leaders, we get the chance to invest in the lives of our congregation members by encouraging their worship every. single. week!
- Worship is how God’s people realize who God is, remember God’s promises for all who believe, and are emboldened to actually live differently because of their relationship with God. Worship nurtures that relationship. Worship requires active involvement—not just casual observation. Liturgy, another word for worship, literally means the work of the people.
- The congregation in the 21st century is a diverse group of people. Some with deep faith—others with doubt, skepticism, even cynicism. Some are there to deepen their faith. Others come because they always have. They may not know why or what they believe. Some are looking for people like themselves. Some are there to appease a friend or relative.
- Worship leaders are artists entrusted with this diverse group of people, forming them into a community de jour; refocusing their attention from the urgent to the Infinite, and giving them the language of prayer and praise—all in about 60 minutes!
So, how do we truly minister through music? What are some practical ways we who are worship leaders can encourage our congregation’s worship? Start by asking yourself:
- How will these words and music speak most directly to my particular congregation?
- How engaged are they in worship usually? Have they been trained to simply observe the weekly “church show,” or do they come anticipating an encounter with the living God?
- How can I help my people worship more completely? What does the text of each song want in sound and tempo? Where in the liturgy does each musical instance fall—what comes before and what comes next? How can I help prepare the congregation to embrace the focus and flow of worship?
- What are they most likely to remember Monday morning? Music has staying power that text alone rarely enjoys. People may forget every word of the sermon or even the biblical text it was based on—but they won’t forget the way a hymn, song, or anthem connected with a deeper reality. Give them a holy earworm for the week ahead and they’ll probably come back looking for another.
PRAYER: Loving God, you have called us to encourage your people in prayer and praise. By your Holy Spirit, help us truly minister through the beauty and power of music. In Jesus’ name, amen.
