Show People How

Over the last few weeks we’ve discussed some of the roles of a pastor – from defining a pastor as a shepherd/leader, to caring for your flock through prayer, to going deeper in relationship with your church to better understand their needs. As we move forward, we’ll discuss some specific things that you, as a worship leader, can do from stage to pastor your church.

The first is something you’re already doing, you just need to be more intentional about it! Here it is: model worship for your congregation. Show people how!

A number of years ago I found that people in churches I led worship at didn’t seem like they were worshiping. A few people sang along to songs, but there were also a lot of blank stares. At first, I got frustrated at them, wanting the to come out of their shells. I knew they loved Jesus, so why wouldn’t they express it? Then I got frustrated at myself thinking I was a bad leader. Then I realized something: people don’t always know how to worship. 

People new to faith don’t always know what to do. People who have known Jesus for a while, but are from a different church background may not know what they’re allowed to do. So, show them! When a worship team raises their hands, prays in the Spirit, or falls to their knees in worship, it allows the congregation to do the same! Expressive worship teaches your congregation new ways to worship God and pushes them to a new level of intimacy with God. 

Does physical expression define worship? Absolutely not. Anybody can go through the motions. But if we look through scripture, we do find that physical expression is a big part of worship:

In Exodus 15, Moses sings his praises to God. In Psalm 134, the psalmist instructs his readers/listeners to lift their hands. David dances in 2 Samuel 6. Even Jesus kneels before the Father in prayer in Matthew 26. If physical expression is an act of worship, we should model it! 

Really, modeling worship is just leading by example. Lead well!