Sometimes I hate to lead worship. Why? Because nobody cares.
Nobody. cares. And that’s actually a very good thing.
• Nobody cares about the songs you wrote.
• Nobody cares about your flawless musical arrangements.
• Nobody cares about how you look.
• Nobody cares how much you know.
• Nobody cares how many mistakes you make.
What do people care about?
• They care about connecting with Jesus.
• They care about finding their purpose.
• They care about the peace of God.
• They care about knowing and believing the truth.
• They care about their lives being a part of something bigger.
That’s the difference between an artist building a fanbase and a worship leader serving a community. It’s a different skill set. It’s a different goal.
An artist grows a fanbase. A worship leader grows worshipers.
An artist obsesses over their art. A worship leaders obsesses over the Kingdom.
An artist sings songs. A worship leader groans with desperation for Jesus.
An artist performs. A worship leader invites.
Art & Worship
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being an artist. It’s actually a wonderful pursuit, which I encourage every person to pursue. I want to be a better artist. If you’re reading this (which you are), discover the art you love—the art you’re best at—and make it. The problem is stopping there rather than going deep with God.
The problem is when we use the local church to promote ourselves rather than promote a corporate expression of worship. Worship leader, you are not the hero. You are not the artist in residence. You are a servant, helping others see Jesus.
But art and worship can complement each other. The deeper we go with God, the better art we make. And serving in the local church gives our art a place to serve others.
That’s actually why I love to lead worship. Because I can help foster an atmosphere where I’m not the center. I can labor to show the glories of one so much greater than myself. Spotlight His perfections, His beauty, His goodness, His love.
My flesh can hate it because I’m not the center, but that’s a blessing in disguise because I’m taught to live for more than me. To expand His Kingdom. To be known not for my own greatness but for making His greatness known.
You’ll never become the worship leader you were meant to be until you lose yourself in the pursuit of Jesus.
