We Need You to LEAD

By Joe Gilder

No one wants to be a tyrant.

We’ve all heard disaster stories of leaders who become power-hungry monsters, in love with the sound of their own voice. They get a rush out of being the one in charge, and they feel they must constantly exercise their power lest their crippling insecurity become blatantly obvious.

Those of us who are more laid-back and less-inclined to become dictators tend to over-correct. Strong leaders draw criticism. We fear being seen as harsh and over-bearing, so we tend towards passivity. We may even “Christian it up” and call ourselves “meek and mild.”

While we certainly don’t want to be cold, overbearing taskmasters, too many worship leaders (and Christian leaders in general) tend to shy away from really stepping into the leadership role with confidence. Worse yet, they don’t know they’re doing it.

I’ve led worship for a long time, but up until a few years ago I was a passive leader. Band rehearsals would go something like this:

“Okay, let’s run through ‘Mighty to Save.’ I don’t think I want the ‘doodle-doo’ electric guitar intro…well, maybe I do…what do you guys think?”

“Let’s bring things down for the last chorus, and then build it up. Does that sound like a good idea?”

“I had a new idea for how we could start this song. It goes like this…wait, no that doesn’t really work. Or does it? What do you guys think?”

While I’m asking a bajillion questions, I think to myself, “Look at me, being so inclusive. They love how much I’m including them in all these decisions.”

In reality, the band members are probably thinking something like: “For the love of all that is holy, just MAKE A DECISION.”

Are you familiar with Brandon Heath? Awesome Christian artist and songwriter. He happens to be a member at the church where I lead. A few years back we hosted a Christmas concert where our worship team played a bunch of Christmas tunes, then Brandon played songs from his Christmas album (which is fabulous, by the way, very bluegrassy and awesome).

I played guitar in the band. I remember when Brandon showed up for rehearsal. He’s a cool, down-to-earth, laid back guy. I expected him to be a laid-back worship/band leader. But he wasn’t. And it was AWESOME.

As soon as he stepped up to the mic, he exhibited an air of confidence. He took charge. We musicians were ready for him to take charge. He told guitarists when they were playing a part that didn’t work for the song. He told the drummer to lay out of certain sections. He would do everything you expect a band leader to do.

Were there awkward moments? Absolutely. Did everyone play better (and worship better) because of his leadership? Yes.

Musicians (and people in general), whether they admit it or not, respond well to strong leadership. More than that, they long for it, and they come to life when they experience it.

As worship leaders, we need to focus on both words — worship AND leaders. Simply worshipping along with other people isn’t what we’re called to do. We’re called to lead as we worship. That means stepping into the role with confidence, even though the lies of insecurity and shame may be screaming in your ears.

You may have noticed, I’ve only focused on leading the musicians, but the same thing applies to leading a congregation. They need you to lead. Whether you lead once in a blue moon or every Sunday, it is not by accident that you are leading worship. Embrace the role, both words. Worship AND lead. We need you to lead us.