Musicians leading worship?

Sunday 11/22/09 time 11:10 PM - Pat

Today's worship service was an excellent display of true surrender. The unity between everyone in the worship band coupled with the congregation engaged in the worship of Jesus compelled me to ponder of how we approach worship as musicians.

There's so much that can get in the way when imperfect people strap on a guitar, grab a pair of drum sticks or step up to the microphone.

That's when our hearts come into play. When we surrender our own agenda and yield to God's will, that's when the song of our heart begins to play. It's when we make a joyful noise unto the Lord as a form of worship - an offering to please God's heart and to bless His holy name JUST BECAUSE HE IS GOD - that we become vessels (or instruments) worthy enough to lead His people into the holy of holies - the throneroom of God Almighty.

And that's when true worship happens. Not when we play an awesome guitar lick or drum roll. Not when we reach that perfect vocal harmony. It's when we as a team connect together in unity as ONE VOICE that the congregation can surrender as well to the majesty and holiness of the Creator of the universe. That's when, as the psalmist wrote, God inhabits the praises of His people.

What's also awesome is the fact that we are united together in worship every Sunday with fellow believers in Morro Bay, Seattle, South America, Australia, Africa, Asia....you get the picture.

That reminds me of the extravagant worship depicted in Revelation chapters 4 and 19. That, my friends, is going to be THE ultimate worship service!!!

We as musicians and singers need to continually remind ourselves that it's much more than the music. Yes, there are MANY verses in the bible, especially in Psalms, that describe worship being done with instruments and singing, but the truth is this:

Our job was done if 1: WE truly engaged in worship. and 2. The congregation truly engaged in worship. Actually, the worship service is a combination of the worship band AND the people we are leading!(Preparing their hearts to hear the word of God preached)

To God be the glory! Let us always continue to present ourselves as living sacrifices; holy and pleasing to God as our spiritual act of worship - as we continually strive to seek God's good and perfect will for our lives. (See Romans 12:1-2)