Confessions of a Worship Leader (feautred article on www.ministryLIVE.org)

You must worship no other gods, but only the Lord, for He is a God who is passionate about His relationship with you. Exodus 34:14 (NLV)

As I have sought to walk in obedience to God's call on my life, I am often reminded that the role of a worship pastor is "to pastor a congregation in the area of worship." God's will extends beyond growing a worship ministry. He desires a worship pastor to build a ministry of worshipers.

A few years ago it occurred to me how easy it is to lose sight of all we are called to be and to do as worshipers of Christ and as worship leaders. I realized that it might be helpful to create a creed of sorts; a confession for worship leaders; something that would help us not to lose sight of who we are in Christ and what God has called us to.

The following is an attempt to remind us all (myself included) of God's will for worshipers and worship leaders. Following the reading are discussion questions for small groups.


I am a Worshiper

...I deeply desire to grow and mature as a passionate worshiper and as a worship leader. I know that, like all of God’s children, I was created to worship and to adore the living God.

My daily worship of God is a time of precious communion; priceless moments of adoration of my Lord Jesus Christ. As I pour out my heart before Him, like David, I long to speak the intimate language of worship and praise. In these moments I rehearse God’s goodness and His matchless character; I thank Him for His mighty deeds and His loving-kindnesses toward me.

This is the foundation not only of my day, but also of my role as a worship leader. I know that the task of leading God’s people in worship a high and holy calling. Worshiping God in the secret place builds within my own heart authenticity and consistency; which in turn adds vitality and integrity to my efforts to lead God's people publicly. I look forward each week to doing my part to usher God's people before His Throne. It is an honor and a joy for me to be able to serve God in this way.

I am jealous that God receives, as far as it depends on me, all the praise and glory that He deserves. I realize that, in the heart of a worshiper, there is no room for ego or personal jealousy. I have learned that only in humility and servanthood can the calling of a worship leader truly be fulfilled. Even so, I must confess that at times I struggle. For in my weakness, I too can desire glory. Still, I know that God will not share His glory with another... and any talents I may have are only gifts borrowed from God.

I am also careful to walk in love toward my brothers and sisters in the Lord, for this too impacts my ability to worship. I admit that this is a challenge at times. But I have learned that bitterness and unforgiveness are the mortal enemies of true worship. Therefore I must avail myself to the cleansing blood of Christ. For as I daily confess my sins, His righteousness covers me. Only in this way may I truly walk as a vessel, purified and useful to my Master.

I hunger that other believers in Christ might fully realize that they, too, are called to be passionate worshipers. In light of all that God has done for us through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, how can we be passive? We must respond with abandon to the goodness and love which God has for us. I know that the Father deeply desires (and Satan fears) that believers would learn to fully walk in their calling as worshipers.

This is my calling. This is my passion. I am a worshiper . . .
and I am a worship leader.


I Am a Worshiper - Discussion Questions

Discuss the following questions:

• In your opinion, in what ways does this reading challenge the experience of the average Christian?

• What ideas or thoughts in these paragraphs are new or uncommon to many believers?

• What barriers do you think stand between most Christians and a deeper worship life?

• What do you see as two or three primary life motivations of this worship leader?

• How does a passion for worship impact this person’s character? Their relationships? Their world view?

• What role does humility/servanthood play in the life of a worshiper? Why is this true?

• In what practical ways do you see a worshiping lifestyle drawing someone toward greater maturity in Christ?

• How does a heart for worship contrast with the role of “self” typically plays in our lives?

• How is Satan impacted by our worship of God? Why might it matter to him whether we live a lifestyle of worship or not?

• Is living a lifestyle of passionate worship really an option for New Testament believers? Why or why not?