Worship Leader or Lead Musician?

One of the most under-utilized staff positions among churches is that of the Worship Leader.

That’s because for many churches, the person serving in that position really isn’t a “worship leader,” but in reality is more a “lead musician.”

If someone is going to serve in a pastoral position of being a congregation’s leader of worship, shouldn’t that person be the “biblical expert” on the topic of worship? Shouldn’t such a position do more than be lead musician and singer for a “worship team,” but be devoted to building the purity, quality, and depth of true worship in the lives of church members?

If you had a question about worship, would you ask your Pastor or the Worship Leader? Most would ask the Pastor, but isn’t the Worship Leader the spiritual leader responsible for teaching worship?

Or is he a Lead Musician instead?

Why don’t Worship Leaders “own” their area of ministry in a fuller way? Imagine how church members could grow if Worship Leaders did more than lead music, but taught the congregation biblical worship!

Teaching could be done bit by bit in church services. The Worship Leader could lead small groups teaching on the topic of worship. He could also build in teaching times and activities in existing groups and settings. He could personally lead short-term discipling groups focused on studying biblical worship. There are a variety of creative ways a Worship Leader can help a congregation mature by learning about worship AND developing a life fuller in biblical worship.

Hiring a musician who is also a gifted singer doesn’t mean you’ve hired a Worship Leader.

Who is teaching biblical worship to your congregation?

Scotty