Thoughts on Corporate Worship

Leading a congregation in an act of corporate worship is an important ministry. Worship leaders need to exhibit musical gift and vocal competence, but most of all they should have a heart that is prepared and ready.

The Worship leader should be recognised and appointed by the church leadership. It is a big role in any modern church and includes responsibility for all matters pertaining to music, musicians, worship leaders, PA system, projection systems, the annual programme and the necessary organisation.

It is encouraging that many churches today now regard this position with such importance, that they appoint a part-time or full-time person into this role. If we regard our worship services as an opportunity to bring the best of our talents and gifts into God’s house for his worship and glory, then how can this be position be diluted to anything less?

Musicians & Worship Leaders should be organised into cohesive groups/bands/ensembles. Musical teams should over time then be able to grow together musically, spiritually and inter-personally. I quote one of our most famous local Worship Leaders – Kathryn Scott of Causeway Coast Vineyard as a helpul illustration on choosing band members. Kathryn says,

“I have two main filters when it comes to 'teaming up' - who I choose is based almost solely on these questions: what is their character like? (do they love Jesus, are they working their stuff through, are they committed to church, are they open to correction, are they a team player - you don't always get to see the team player thing until you start the band which is why it's useful if they are open to be corrected :) The second thing I'm looking for is excellence in musicianship. They don't have to be incredible on their own - but they do have to bring something incredible to the team - in other words, if they play bass, I'm not looking for someone who can do a lot of really fancy stuff, but I'm looking for someone who is solid timing wise, who has an ear for what the drummer is doing and can compliment that, who can think a little outside the box maybe with motives or riffs that work like highlights in the overall sound, but won't clutter things up. After that, you've got to try it out. Chemistry with the rest of the band will tell you if it's a good fit. If that isn't there, I try to move my musician to another band where they'll gel better. When it does click though - wow, it's one of the best things ever!!”

I also believe it is important for each participant in corporate worship leader and musician to step-down for a 2-3 month period every year to give them time to focus on their own spirituality and clarify their motivation for corporate participation. This should also help deal with any possessiveness one might associate with their particular role.

Worship bands do not need to be large. An ideal setup is rhythm guitar, bass, drums/percussion, and single keyboard led with a strong vocal(s). Flutes, violins, and other classical instruments are very difficult to mix and are best used sparingly if required. At a recent training day I attended with Brian Doerksen (singer/songwriter/worship leader) - he was insistent that the sum of all the sound needed to equal one. If two or more instruments compete and the sum of the sounds equals 2 or greater then we are over doing it.

PA and projectionists should be willing to submit to the direction of the Worship Leader and should meet regularly with each of the worship leaders / groups to ensure that they are able to fulfil the technical requirements of the services. All these people need to be as competent as possible, so as not to distract the congregation with visual and audio miscues.

Young musicians / juniors should be given opportunity to participate from time to time in full services; however they should be given the opportunity to make maximum use of their gifts in the respective Youth organisations. When performing for for a full service, they should perform together under the supervision and direction of a trusted Worship/Youth Leader who can bring out the best of their talent, whilst minimising any deficiencies becoming an obvious distraction / hindrance in the act of corporate worship.

Especially gifted individuals should be given opportunities from time to time to perform solo under the supervision of the Worship Pastor / Leader.

On music choice and performance, I came across an interesting point on the Brian Doerksen website which I feel is worth highlighting. It talks about the need for ‘restraint’ in music if we want to lead people into accessible worship. Brian says:-

"Restraint is the backbone of making music that others can follow and enter in to.
- Restraint is picking songs that will say what the majority of the people gathered want to say to God.- Restraint is the discipline to not play or sing all the time.
- Restraint is the realization that the notes you don't play (and the words you don't sing) are just as important as the ones you do.
- Restraint is sticking to the song as written without always adding tons of embellishments that other people can't follow or sing. "

I believe God expects our very best when we meet to worship Him. Are we giving of our best when we participate?