WORSHIP LEADING

LESSON 1
The Disciplines of a Worshipper

LESSON 2
The Purpose of Congregational Worship

LESSON 3
Improving Your Music Worship in Church

LESSON 4
Worship Team Dynamics
 HiYAWEH! Musika, Itodo Mo para kay Kristo
“Come let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation”
(Psalm 95:1 NIV)

“Shout for joy to the LORD, All the earth.”

(Psalm 100:1 NIV)

“Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.”
(Psalm 105:2 NIV)

Introduction: What Worship Is

Before we begin to understand what it means to be a worship leader, we must first begin to understand
what worship is and how it is to worship. Most of us think that after singing rousing songs with powerful
lyrics, we already worshipped. But worship goes far beyond that, and it requires so much more than just
songs and emotions.

Here are a few definitions of worship that should keep us grounded about its true essence:

“Worship is simply about value. The simplest definition I can give is this: Worship is our response to what
we value most.”
--- Louie Giglio

“Biblical worship is God’s covenant people recognizing, reveling in, and responding rightly to the glory of
God in Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.”
--- Bob Kauflin

“Worship is the believers’ response of all that they are—mind, emotions, will, and body—to what God is
and says and does. This response has its mystical side in subjective experience and its practical side in
objective obedience to God’s revealed will. Worship is a loving response that’s balanced by the fear of
the Lord, and it is a deepening response as the believer comes to know God better.”
--- Wiersbe, Warren W.

Simply, worship is a response to God — His glory, power, beauty and everything about Him that
makes us fall to the ground and just adore.

This module is designed to help us understand the role that worship leaders play in our corporate
assemblies by gleaning from what the Scripture says about worship and the God we worship.
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LESSON 1: The Disciplines of a Worshipper

“Worship is a submission of all our nature to God. It’s the quickening of conscious by His holiness, the
nourishment of mind with His truth, the purifying of our imagination by His beauty, the opening of the
heart to His love, the surrender of will to HIs purpose, and all of this gathered up in adoration,”
— William Temple

In this session, we will look at disciplined worshipers and what qualities they possess. But first, let’s look
at what happens if one lacks discipline. Probably the best example of this would be the example of the
once angelic song-leader: Lucifer.

“Your were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering. The workmanship of
your timbrels and pipes was prepared for you on the day you were created.”
Ezekiel 28:13 (NKJV)

“Your pomp is brought down to Sheol, and the sound of your stringed instruments; the maggot is spread
under you, and worms cover you. How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning!
(Isaiah 14:11,12)

Lucifer was once an anointed cherub; a skilled musician amongst the angels. But as he began to aspire
to raise his throne above God (Isaiah 14:13-14) and became proud, dishonest, and corrupt (Ezekiel
28:17), he was cast from heaven and expelled (Isaiah 14:12; Ezekiel 28:16).

This is a sobering lesson in pride and how it can affect the spiritual life of a godly musician. Let us be
aware also of how the subtle progression in worldly pride can escalate to a place of utter regret and
shame. (For more of the subtlety of this pride, which always leads to sin, study the Scriptural example
of Adam and Eve, Samson, Saul, and Absalom).

The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this; they will not go unpunished.
(Proverbs 16:5)

Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.

(Proverbs 16:18)

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

(James 4:6)

Now, with humility, let’s look at the spiritual disciplines that will operate as safeguards — protecting our
call as ministers of worship.

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1. INTIMACY WITH GOD. This may seem like it is unnecessary to mention, but it’s best to address that
without this healthy intimacy with Jesus Christ, we can’t lead anybody as worship leaders, let alone
as Christians. We can’t lead anyone anywhere we haven’t been ourselves. Also when you are
intimate with God, you begin to love what He loves and hate what He hates (John 14:15 — hating
sin and loving God).

Intimacy with God can be nurtured by:

• A HEALTHY PRAYER lifestyle. Regular prayer and communication with the King of kings, the Father,
the Lord of Hosts is necessary in any Christian’s life. Praying with contrite and humble hearts with
diligence (Hebrews 11:6; Jeremiah 29:13) pleases God.

• REGULAR STUDY of Scripture. Whether for personal growth as a Christian, or as a minister of

worship, an abundance in the knowledge of the Word of God is just as important as food is for the
sustenance of our bodies. After all, out of the abundance of our hearts, the mouth shall speak (Luke
6:45) and the issues of our life will also flow from this wellspring (Proverbs 4:23).

• A LIFESTYLE of worship. Worship is not just a gig, a ministry, or even a career for us. It is the
lifestyle of the believer. Whether singing praises to God, telling people about Him, being a blessing
to others, or taking a righteous stand when there is opposition, this is a life consecrated to the
exaltation of our God— worship. No more me, all of Him.

2. SKILL DEVELOPMENT. Of course, as well as the necessary disciplines in one’s spiritual life, one
cannot deny the importance of discipline in skill development.

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy.
(Psalm 33:3)

Present the best you have, whether little or much — He deserves nothing less. We bring a sacrifice of
praise before our Lord (Hebrews 13:15). Though skills may vary, develop a passion and a discipline to
increase in ability and skills. Don’t stop learning and developing as a worshiper.

Discussion: On a scale of 1 to 10, rate yourself on the following. Discuss why you gave yourself this
rating:

 Prayer life
 Bible reading
 Life of worship
 Commitment to develop skill.

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LESSON 2: The Purpose of Congregational Worship

There are three general spheres in which our worship services minister. There is the vertical aspect of
worship, the level in which the worshiper communicates with the Lord; there is the horizontal aspect of
worship, the level in which the worshiper communicates with others in the congregation; and there is the
inward aspect of worship, where the worshiper is personally affected by the worship service. Each of these
areas helps us to understand better the role of worship in the congregation.

The VERTICAL Aspect

1. The foremost reason for worship is to minister unto the LORD.

The basic posture of the worshipper is not, “Bless me, Lord!” but rather, “I will bless the LORD!” It is not what
I thought of the worship service that counts, it is what God thought of it that truly matters!

When we truly bless the Lord, we are automatically blessed. But the important thing is our motivation. We
must minister to the Lord not with the ulterior motive of receiving a blessing but rather with the motive of
blessing Him whether He blesses us or not. If we will bless Him with proper motivation, He will also bless us!

2. We also worship to better realize the manifest presence of God.

The Scriptures reveal that God is everywhere at all times (omnipresent), but yet there are different degrees
to which God manifests His presence. He manifests Himself on one level, “when two or three are gathered.”
But when a group of God’s people congregate to sing His glorious praise, He “inhabits” those praises and
reveals His presence in a very particular way among His praising people.

If we do not have God’s presence in our services, we may as well dismiss and have a picnic instead. But when
sinners experience the presence of God in our midst, they will know we have something different. Another
thing, in the presence of God the power of God is revealed. As God’s presence is realized among His
worshipers, we should expect to experience a tremendous unleashing of His power. There is deliverance,
cleansing, the fullness of the Holy Spirit, and much more when God is present in power.

3. Finally, we worship to open up the channels of communication between us and God.

Example: Deceptive Christians in their Sunday attire. Perhaps we would be shocked to know how many
Christians forget to read their bibles or spend quality time in prayer in a given week. Others may come to a
meeting harassed by guilt and depression. The worship service is their opportunity to find new strength in
the presence of God.

The HORIZONTAL Aspect

These horizontal dynamics of praise comprise an integral part of the congregational experience. An element
that is critical to the life of the believer, and yet absent in one’s personal devotional life. Some of these
horizontal elements are operational in worship, but most are expressed through praise. Let us look at six
ways in which worshipers interrelate in the context of congregated praise and worship.
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1. To enhance the unity within a body

“Let me be one in heart with those who revere thy name”

Psalm 86:11 (NEB)

Singing can itself unify a group in mind, activity, and stance, because when a group sings a song together,
they are all saying the same words, doing the same thing, involving themselves in the same activity. There is a
level of unity that will never be realized until we learn to become completely open and vulnerable before
both God and His people.

2. To minister to one another

Not only does worship cause to grow in brotherly love, but it also gives us the opportunity to minister to one
another. There is no better time to minister to others than in the context of the worship service.

3. To teach and reinforce spiritual truth

"Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to
the Lord" (Ephesians 5:19)

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you
sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God."
(Colossians 3:16)

As we sing scripture songs and hymns, we are educating our people on how to praise and worship and to the
truths of our faith. The songs we sing are in essence teaching our congregation the practical theology of the
church.

4. To provide believers an opportunity to profess their faith before others

Congregational praise helps us become more vocal in expressing our faith, because praise is simply giving
vocal affirmation to our love of and faith in the Lord Jesus. If we will confess the name of Jesus in the worship
service, we will find increased boldness to declare His name before unbelievers.

If some are too shy to confess Jesus’ name aloud among believers, they will never have the courage to share
their faith with unbelievers.

5. To declare the glory of God before unbelievers

"I will praise you, O LORD, among the nations;

I will sing of you among the peoples."
(Psalm 108:3)

When unbelievers come into worship services, they do not need to understand our praises; they simply need
to experience the reality of Him who we praise! When we praise, we are advertising our faith before the
world. We are telling others about God’s goodness, faithfulness, holiness, righteousness, mercy, gentleness,
love, and so on.
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6. Congregational worship helps promote openness to the Word.

By worshiping, the people will become more open to receive the word of God. Praise and worship also helps
the pastors in preparing for the delivery of the Word. Getting caught up in the Spirit enables preachers to get
their emotions in tune with the Spirit.

The INWARD Aspect

Having looked at what takes place vertically between the worshiper and God, and horizontally between co-
worshipers, let us now consider what worship accomplishes inwardly in the individual.

1. Congregational worship releases God’s people in an open expression of their inner selves.

The key word here is “open.” The Lord desires that we worship Him without holding anything back. No
matter what outward form the worship takes, we should do it with all that is within us, without inhibitions. If
we would be willing to open the barricade of our hearts, the King of Glory would come in!

2. Worship provides a verbal expression of the feelings of our hearts.

Some of us struggle with not always knowing how to express our feelings to the Lord. It can be difficult to
vocalize just how much God means to us. At such times we need a little help to express ourselves, and
congregational worship provides that.

3. Worship increases our faith.

When we praise God we are speaking the Word of God that we have learned. As we begin to confess God’s
Word in praise, we will find that our faith will begin to rise to the level of our confession.

4. As we worship, we grow in holiness

And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with
ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
(2 Corinthians 3:18)

One of the best adjectives to describe God is “holy,” His holiness should become a part of our lives through
worship. As we worship the LORD, we are changed into His very likeness.

5. Worship inspires a greater commitment: a life of worship

Our congregational worship is intended to help inspire us to a consistent life of worship all week long. When
the worship on Sunday is vibrant and real, we gain new momentum to go forth and live that during the week.

6. Worship prepares us for the new thing God wants us to do.

"He who sacrifices thank offerings honors me, and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation
of God." (Psalm 50:23)

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Worship softens our hearts and sensitizes our spirits, so that when God moves, we will know it. If we are not
closely attuned to the Holy Spirit, we can easily reject the new thing God wants to do. But if we will behold
Him steadfastly in worship, we will see when He moves and which way He goes.
LESSON 3: Improving Your Music Worship in Church

“Shout for joy to God, all the earth!

Sing the glory of his name; make his praise glorious.”
(Psalm 66:1-2)

Our tasks as music ministers every time we stand and lead God’s people:

1. To announce the presence of God.

2. To minister to the people through music
3. To help people connect to God.

Our Goal:

To usher the people into the presence of God through excellent music and
Spirit-led worship.

The Bible commands us to make God’s praise GLORIOUS. But how do we do that as worship leaders?
Let’s take a look at two passages from the Scripture and see how we can bring great glory to God during
our congregational worship.

“God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”
(John 4:24)

1. Just WORSHIP

A good worship experience can be summarized into one word: INTIMACY.

The question is: How can we make the whole congregation connected as believers and have a greater
intimacy with God in our worship services? Here are some of the ways we could follow to help our
congregation in their worship experience:

 Our worship time should be GOD-HONORING, GOSPEL-FOCUSED and SPIRIT-LED. Songs and
exhortations should honor God and exalt Jesus’ finished work on the cross, and we should allow
the Holy Spirit to move in our midst.
 Consider every generation in creating your set list. Introduce new songs or music wisely.
 Prepare the congregation for worship. Construct a call to worship.
 Achieve seamless transitions in between songs and help people connect to God personally.
 Know your congregation in order to be relevant with your approach. Study your congregation
before and during the service.
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 Don’t close your eyes too long. This cuts us off from everyone: the team, the congregation, the
pastors/ministers.

2. In SPIRIT and in TRUTH

Jesus also indicated that true worship is more than just an outward ritual. Worship is our spirit
corresponding with God’s Spirit. In saying we should worship in truth, Jesus intends that we worship in
accordance with the truth of God’s word.

One of the things that we must strive to achieve during our worship is FLUIDITY or the property of
flowing easily. Meaning, we see to it that our forms of music and the structure of our program are
organized — BUT subject to the leading of the Spirit. Forms are just tools that may help us flow in
flexibility. In many instances, we may not even use the form that we have rehearsed during practice
time. We should never ever box up the power of the Holy Spirit’s leading. He is the ULTIMATE Worship
Leader.

 Be Spirit-led A Spirit-led worship is dynamic and effectively ministers to the needs of the people.
Do not be boxed up with the sequence of the original material, or be limited with what the team
has practiced.
 Let the Scripture drive our worship. Exhortations should be based on the truth of God’s Word
100% of the time. Nothing beats the power of the Word in piercing through even the hardest of
hearts.

“And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them.”
(Psalm 78:72)

3. Lead with SKILLFUL HANDS

 Commit to a culture of excellence.

 Practice vs. Rehearsal. Practice is personal, rehearsal is communal. We “practice” separately
(i.e. home) to learn our individual parts, and we meet together to “rehearse” as a team. Doing
this saves time and effort during our rehearsals.
 Coordinate with your pastors/ministers, worship service coordinator and sound engineer before
the service starts.
 Warm up the vocalists and musicians at least an hour before singing.
 Check your sound — individually — first. Them the whole band.
 Musicians, do not drag instrumental parts, especially at the end part of a song.
 Worship leaders, plan your dynamics. You cannot just do things impromptu, and just do the first
thing that comes into your mind.
 Keep technology on a leash. Excessive use of technology can sometimes cause a distraction.
 Keep worshipping no matter what. Respond to “accidents” with power instead of panic.

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4. With INTEGRITY of heart.

Integrity is being the same person no matter who you’re with. It comes from the word integer, which
means “a complete entity.” As artists, we are good actors. We need people who will act as mirrors and
call out our “blind spots.”

Integrity is doing the right thing even when nobody is looking. It is doing what you said you would,
and standing up for the truth even when everybody else is doing otherwise.

“I will defend my integrity until I die.”

(Job 27:5)

How can we show our integrity as worship leaders?

1. Live a life worthy of your calling. Be a genuine worshipper whether on the stage or in your
secret place.
2. Be above reproach. Your life should be an example to other believers. A life that is above
reproach is a life that is above accusations.
3. Let your songs match your words. “Before you sing it, live it!” — Darlene Zschech

Just like David, worship leaders should be men and women who are after God’s own heart. A worship
leader’s life is a life of worship, obedience and surrender. Our prayer is this:

“May I be most worshipful when I am least seen.”

 Darlene Zschech

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LESSON 4: Worship Team Dynamics│ Leading the Team

An essential part of a worship leader’s ministry is his/her ability to lead the team. Before we can lead the
church to worship, we must first grow in leading the team entrusted to us. This is no easy task,
especially when you’re dealing with a bunch of artists and musicians who have their individual
eccentricities.

This lesson gives some practical tips on how you can lead your team as a worship leader.

WHAT A TEAM WANTS FROM THEIR WORSHIP LEADER

1. CONFIDENCE

People normally find it easier to trust and follow someone who exudes confidence. If a leader is not
confident about his skills and is not sure about where to lead the team, his/her members become
skeptical. A worship leader should radiate godly confidence — a confidence that does not boast of his
own qualifications but is secure of his calling and anointing from God.

2. COMMUNICATION

Communication is a strong foundation of any relationship. Our team wants a worship leader who
constantly imparts his vision, communicates the team’s direction and genuinely relates with each
member of the team.

3. ENCOURAGEMENT

A worship leader must be generous with encouragements. Motivate each team member regularly, and
initiate a culture where people openly encourage and affirm one another.

4. ENVIRONMENT

Create an authentic environment where each member feels that they belong in the team. A good leader
initiates genuine relationship among their members and builds an environment where everyone is free
to explore and express their creativity.

WORSHIP TEAM DYNAMICS

1. HUMILITY

“...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another,

because, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’”
(1 Peter 5:5)
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“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing one another in love.
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”
(Ephesians 4:2-3)

Working in a team can be tough, especially if you have clashing personalities and different ways of how
to do or accomplish tasks within the group. As with any group, being on the Worship Team takes
patience, understanding, and most of all, humility. Each team member must commit to serve and
support the vision of the church and the ministry through the leadership of the one commissioned to
lead by the pastors/ministers, staff, and the ministry head.

2. AFFIRMATION
 Positive reinforcement. Be generous with compliments and stingy with criticisms.
 The Sandwich Principle: When giving feedback to another person, always sandwich a
constructive criticism with two commendations. Start and end on a positive note.
 The Three Keys: Make every rehearsal spiritual, musical and fun.
 Worship together as a team. Study the Bible together, share experiences and pray
together.

3. PREPARATION
 Prayer is the barometer of this ministry. This is where God meets us as we worship and
cry out to Him.
 Every rehearsal should be a worship experience. Rehearsals that lead to worship are of
utmost importance. We are always concerned that we leave rehearsals feeling closer to
God and with great hope and encouragement.
 Practical tips in making the most of our rehearsals:
o Plan ahead.
o Start on time.
o Use the time efficiently.
o Focus on the goal.
o Finish on time.

4. COMMUNICATION
 Create a culture of openness and transparency where team members can freely correct
and encourage one another.
 Nurture camaraderie among the singers and musicians to avoid rebellious attitudes.
Address little issues at once.
 Give contact numbers.

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5. STEWARDSHIP

Our stewardship is not limited to the instruments and equipment that we use during rehearsals. As
music ministers, we are expected to care for one another, enhance the gifts entrusted to us and help
others grow in their leadership as well.

 Increase accountability within the team. Look after each other’s back.
 Don’t stop learning. Seek training.
 Develop worship leaders, not just singers or musicians. We try to promote musical and spiritual
development among the team. We “rehearse worship” in our rehearsals and have focused and
intentional devotionals on topics that develop the team into worship leaders.
 Give proper value to all materials, instruments and equipment that you use.

6. RESPECT

Here are some languages of respect that are very important if we expect to grow together as a team:

 Being punctual
 Replying to messages
 Listening to other’s ideas and opinions
 Obeying our leaders
 Being careful with our words

IF YOU'RE ON TIME, YOU'RE LATE. Create a culture where the team doesn’t show up exactly on the time
agreed. Institute a “ready to play” time That is, they need to actually arrive before the time agreed to
set up their instrument, fellowship and settle in.

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