Intentional Worship

Several years ago, I attended a worship conference that greatly impacted my life. As I watched all of the "cool" people on stage, I was impressed by their attitudes of humility and transparency as they poured their hearts out to us. At the time that I attended the conference, I was aspiring to be a "worship leader." However, I was confronted with some very profound thoughts while I was there: 1. An effective worship leader is first an effective worshiper 2. You can't lead someone to where you have never been 3. Once you know the way, you are ready to lead 4. A worship leader is responsible for those he leads. I thought to myself, "There's a lot more to this worship leading stuff than I thought. Do I really want to be a worship leader?"

God began a work in my heart at that time to draw me closer to Him. I knew that I could never be an effective worship leader without first being a worshiper of Him. Many years have passed since that time, and God is still teaching me about worship. Sometimes, it comes from absolute joy and awe as I have witnessed God's mighty power in my life. Other times, worship comes as a sacrifice when I have nothing to give but pain and tears. Nonetheless, worship has become an important part of my life. I once learned of nine characteristics of an effective worship leader: Joy, Authenticity, Excellence, Maturity, Humility, Freshness, Sensitivity, Transparency and Biblical Soundness. Since we become what we worship, these qualities will be evident in us, if we seek to worship God intentionally.

I have also learned through the years, that a worship leader leads worship off stage as well as on stage. It is humbling (and frightening) to know that people are watching every moment of the day! Worship is our response to God for who He is; and what He has done, expressed in and by the things we say and the way we live. He reveals Himself and we respond to Him. By worshiping God intentionally, we are declaring that He is of great value in our lives and we are willing to invest our time, energy and devotion to Him.

The beautiful aspect of worship leading, is that we can all have a part in leading worship--every cellist, choir member, guitarist, organist, pianist, praise team member, etc. I love that God has a place for all of us. I love that this church allows so many to use their gifts and talents. Thank you God, for the privilege of enabling us to lead others to Your throne each week. Help us to worship you with our whole hearts. Reveal Yourself to us so that we may respond to you in joy, authenticity, excellence, maturity, humility, freshness, sensitivity, transparency and Biblical soundness...

Psalm 84:1,2,10

How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere..."