"...leading worship starts with the way I live my life, not with what I do in public." (p. 43) In chapter five Kauflin talks about setting an example of worship in everyday life not only when we are seen publicly (like on Sunday morning) but in everything we do. This chapter was a really good reminder to me that the way I interact with God and others every day is more important to my ability to lead worship on a Sunday morning than the songs I've picked, the arrangement I've planned, or the mix of the music. People want to follow someone who is authentic and shows that they are a worshiper of God not only on Sunday morning but in all areas of their life.
"...set an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity." (1 Timothy 4:12) We (as leaders of worship) are responsible to set an example to others in all these areas at all times whether someone is looking or not. Obviously we aren't perfect and we rely on God's grace for the times that we sin but we need to always seek "to grow in [our] trust in God." (p. 47). I hope that we can all agree with Kauflin when he says, "I don't ever want people who see me lead worship publicly to be surprised by the way I live privately. It's not my songs that define my worship; it's my life." (p. 45) As a worship team our job is to do all that we can to help people encounter God. The best way for us to do that is to make sure that we our encountering God daily (through talking with Him or reading and studying His Word) so that He can help us to set an example in speech, conduct, love, faith, and purity. This point seems to come at me again and again, that I need to have time with God as the top priority of my day, every day. I found it encouraging though, to remember that perfection is not expected of us on our own. As Kauflin says, "The standard isn't sinless perfection. But there has to be a consistent lifestyle of Godliness." (p. 45) Only Jesus was perfect and it is only through His sacrifice that we can be made acceptable to God. Obedience can't win salvation for us but our obedience through modeling worship each day brings honor to God. We will be able to lead worship best when we are in that place of a consistent lifestyle of Godliness, while acknowledging our need for and dependance on Jesus Christ.
What moved you or stood out to you in this chapter?
Being on a Worship team is similar to being a deacon or elder. We are held to a higher standard because of our leadership position. Whether we realize it or not, our daily actions that may not be so Godly may cause others to stumble because they look to us for leadership and think we should have "it" a little more together than others.
ReplyDeleteWhen we are "up there" (on stage), whether we intend to or not, we really are placing ourselves in a position that says "This is what corporate worship of our Lord looks like, Church!" aren't we? So, yes Enalo, it's a HUGE responsibility. Much more than I think we realize. And we're not just "backing up" our Lead-leader (David) because we are leaders as well and, therefore, just as responsible for the example we set and the messages we send on stage and off. Great chapter....very convicting and thought-provoking.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I agree with you both. It is a HUGE responsibility! I had never thought of it though in quite that way, Lori, as though we are saying "This is what corporate worship of our Lord looks like, Church!" That's a good thing to keep in mind as we lead and prepare ourselves to lead. Also, Lori, I just wanted to second your statement that the worship team is not just "backing me up" as the lead-leader. Each person involved with the worship team is being looked at and looked up to as a leader and as an example of Christian living. It's a little scary realizing that as leaders we are held to a higher standard then others, but at the same time it can give us the motivation to rise to that higher standard and focus even more on our relationship with Christ.
ReplyDeleteLori, I liked what you said about being "up there" (on stage). Additionally it's important to remember that precisely because we're "up there" we are putting ourselves in a position that says, even when we're not on stage, "This is what a life in Christ looks like". That's such a responsiblity, isn't it?!
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I was at Juanita's Taqueria the other day a little before noon, for those of you who saw my pickup and thought it was parked at the bar next door.
All these comments are very thought provoking. And reminds me that when no one is there to watch me, I always have an audience of One. And is what I am doing pleasing Him!
ReplyDeleteAnd Sam, your last statement made me chuckle, but it's really true isn't. Someone driving by might just think you were at that bar. We have such a responsibility to live our lives above reproach
Sam and I were out for a walk, and a lady (a former student of his - now grown, with kids of her own) asked him if he was at that bar the other morning. She was just joking, but we do live in a small town, rumors can get started easily, and we should, as the Bible says, "avoid even the appearance of evil".
ReplyDeleteA quote I really like re: integrity is: "We should be the same in the dark, as we are in the light."
One thing Sam didn't tell you is that he was at that bar (oops, I mean Juanita's) with the new Principal of the Christian School! Both of them better be careful!
ReplyDelete:)