THE WORSHIP LEADER AS WORSHIPER

One of the most universal experiences for us as worship leaders is this: we have to show up and “perform” regardless of how we feel.

Sunday is coming, whether our week was great or draining. We still need to prepare. Tune instruments. Warm up voices. Learn lyrics. Memorise chords. Know the flow. Hit the cues.

Week after week.

And if we’re not careful, it can quietly become routine.

There may be no greater danger for a worship leader than leading others into worship while our own hearts are running on empty, facilitating moments we haven’t personally experienced.

David, long before he was “King David”, longed for God in the wilderness before he ever led in the palace. His public leadership was formed in private hunger and devotion to the presence of his King.

Jesus - who is the ultimate standard of public ministry - withdrew early, alone, to be with His Father before He taught, healed, and ministered to the crowds.

So here’s the question:

What could be said of you?

As a worship leader, your preparation doesn’t begin on Planning Center. It doesn’t begin in the Services Planning meeting with your team. It doesn’t begin at rehearsal.

It begins in the quiet place. Seeking your Father. Worshipping the One who is worthy.

Your worship leading must always flow from intimacy and overflow from private worship.

Reflect

• How often are you leading others somewhere you haven’t first gone yourself?
• What needs to change in your weekly rhythm so that time with the Father is non-negotiable, not leftover? Are you actually willing to make that change?