I use “worship
leader” in the vernacular sense of the guy who leads the music. Of course,
musical worship is only a smidgen of the worship that happens on Sunday. It’s
one candle arrayed alongside the worship of preaching, fellowship, serving,
giving, and parking far away so that the elderly can park closer.
But when people talk
about liking “the worship” they generally mean “the band.” One congregant who
should avoid this is the worship leader. Here are four tips for the leader of a worship band...
1.
You are not a rock star.
The task of the
worship leader is to get out the way of worship, and to lift our attention
to God. He cannot do this if he is showing off his ability to do a lead break.
Worship leaders need to be humble. They should dress modestly. Sometimes musos have
a particular look they are going for in their midweek gig. But when they ascend
the platform at church, their personal brand is expendable. When a drummer
complains about being caged in perspex, you know he’s more interested in
showcasing himself than the Lord. When the bass player requests a solo stint,
you’vesniffed out another prima donna in
cognito. The pastor needs to take primary responsibility for the
musical worship. If the band leader demands creative freedom, bulks at
stylistic input from the elders, or becomes impatient with the limits put on
his song selection, then he is not the man for the job.
He needs to take his
cue from Ethan the Ezrahite (see Psalm 89), not Better than Ezra.
2.
Content is king.
The leader needs to
understand that the content of the songs is the primary concern. Solid doctrine
should be the hallmark of every lyric. He may need to change the lyrics
slightly to mold it to the church’s beliefs; and that’s ok.
We’ve altered words
before at our church. The sentimental, ”He
thought of me above all,” became the marginally more astute, “He showed His love above all.” When selecting
songs and hymns for the service, personal preference is a luxury. If the gray
hairs like “Mighty Fortress” then play it occasionally. If the muso don’t
like it…so what? This isn’t his garage band, this is the service of God and His
people.
3.
Less is more.
The music is there
to support the lyric. Worship fundi, Stuart Townend, at a music workshop
seminar in Johannesburg reminded worship leaders that there are times to ask,
not “How should I play to make this better?” But rather, “Should I play at all
right now?” He meant there are moments when it’s best to mute the instruments
and allow the congregation’s voices fill the air.
It serves as a good
reminder that frills, whistles, and bells can be distracting if they trip up
the congregation. Case in point: when a lead guitarist is performing a
gratuitous solo, think of what the rest of us are occupied with. We’re standing
there watching him. I guess we could be using that time to admire the glory of
God in His creature’s ability to jam. But in reality most of us are just
waiting for our turn to praise God.
4.
Worship!
The band members are
not performing, they are worshipping. God must remain their central
focus. He is why they come early to rehearse, and stay late
to disassemble the drum kit. He is why they practice on their own
during the week. Sunday is their offering to the Lord. They need to take a
page out the Little Drummer Boy’s songsheet and play their best for Him (pa-rumpa-pum-pum).
This mindset also
helps the band to have thick skin when people complain.
In this iPodian era
when we get all the music we like on demand, and at the volume we prefer, style
of worship becomes a sticky wicket in churches.
Some would enjoy
more bass, others wish the drummer would take a long-leave sabbatical. Some
like it loud, others want to hear their own voices. It can be paralyzing for
the leader. But when remembers Who his audience really is, it takes off the
pressure to please man.
