Worship Leading – Three Absolutes

on Feb 13 in Leadership, Worship

Have you ever stood before a congregation of people as the worship service starts?  As I count off the first song, and begin to look into the eyes of the people, one word comes to my mind.

Distracted.

95% of the people in the auditorium are absolutely distracted.¬† It’s not bad or evil.¬† It’s just reality.¬† If this is true (and it is), then worship leaders must face the fact that we are given the task of helping people deal with the distractions of their hearts.

After twenty years of doing this stuff, I’ve come to understand that there are three worship absolutes – tasks that I MUST do – every time I lead congregational worship. Why?

Because singing great songs means nothing if our hearts are somewhere else.

First, I must give people permission to admit that they have distractions facing them.¬† Every person in the room has carried “stuff” in with them.¬† To deny this truth only perpetuates the “everything is fine” myth of modern Christianity.¬† Everything is most definitely NOT fine.¬† So I usually try to say something like:¬† “We all brought stuff in here today – financial worries, concerns about marriage, children, and jobs.¬† Some of us need this.¬† Some of us are apathetic.¬† Some of us were forced to attend by our spouse, or our parents.¬† Some of us are desperate, and this is our last hope. Whatever you brought in here today, we’re not asking you to leave that stuff at the door.”¬† Just admit it.¬† And help people admit it.¬† It’s okay.¬† It’s better than okay.¬† It’s authentic.

Second, I must help people see that God is present right now.¬† This is a no-brainer.¬† Even seekers will acknowledge that God is not distant, but is very close.¬† Something like:¬† “At our church, we believe that God is closer to you right now than you can possibly understand.¬† He stands there, with you.”

Third, I must give people the chance to invite the God Who is present INTO their stuff.¬† Much of the time, it’s just a matter of offering up a prayer on their behalf.¬† Other times, I’ll invite people to close their eyes and say, “God.¬† I invite you into ____________.”¬† They fill in the blank of their unique situation.

Now, you’re set.¬† Move forward into the thematic direction you want.¬† Sing more songs loudly, while disregarding the Senior Pastor’s “cut sign” in the front row (you can always just explain later that you were carried away by the Spirit).

But if people aren’t led on a journey that somehow connects their life with the everlasting life of the Almighty, then what exactly are we doing?