How I Lead Worship
As we continue the series on how each Fader approaches the main tasks of worship ministry leading, today, we explore that moment of leading worship. Remember, this isn't a "best practices of leading worship" but a look into the mind of each Fader as they lead worship. This approach accomplishes two things: it helps you clarify your primary Fader and broadens your perspective instead of only thinking like you think. One way you can know this broadening is possible is that I'm a Priest-Artist, but I'm writing all the examples. :)
We'll approach this by starting with how each Fader sees what they are doing and then expand from there.
ARTIST
I'm performing. Of course, just that worship isn't ONLY a performance doesn't mean it's not a performance. We soar and dip as we create beauty together, creating wide dynamics and memorable moments. I'm aware of what I'm playing, how I'm playing, and why I'm playing. I'm tuned into the energy in the room and what musical changes are needed in the moment.
SHEPHERD
I'm connecting. Some of the best wedding advice I've received is, "Don't forget to look into each other's eyes during the ceremony." With all the possible distractions, it's easy to miss each other. Since the same is true during corporate worship, remaining connected to everyone in the room is essential. This includes the LORD, the congregation, and my team. Connectedness is my primary energy.
PRIEST
I'm ministering. Everything else is eleventh and down. Ministering to the LORD is priority one to ten. These are moments of intimacy with God, of praising Him, of singing straight to Him. In the words of my friend Daniel Hazelwood: "I'm peering into heaven, looking at that model of worship, singing to a God who's not far off. The God I sing to is hovering in this room, and He's giving me windows (revelation), so I know when to sing, what to sing, and why."
EDUCATOR
I'm "recitaling." No, that's not a real word, but imagine that the teacher who has been giving you lessons on your instrument joins you in playing for your recital, rather than judging your performance. As an Educator, I've worked hard to bring out the best in everyone, and this is the moment we get to try it out in real life.
PRODUCER
I'm executing. As I sat in my office or room, envisioning this moment, I delight in worshiping God as we progress through our surrendered plan. I'm tracking where we are and where we're going, staying in my allotted time, and reading the room to make any rare "audibles." But generally, the hard work is done and now we're just rolling out the plan.
Can you sit back and look at all the Faders together to see what a well-balanced worship leader looks like, where considerations from each of the Faders come into play? Can you also see how flat any one single Fader can be? A team with an appropriate balance of healthy Faders is a dream worth pursuing!
-Dave Helmuth
(purchase my book, "Worship Fertilizer: (the first hundred)" HERE)
How I Lead Worship (Nº 419)
