Leading And Having A Healthy Worship Ministry (The Utmost Importance)

This is something that has been hard pressed into my heart for many years. For many churches this isn't a priority. This is something that is overlooked because of talent. Or this is something that is caused by overall loose living by the staff and leaders of the ministry. This is something that I have fought for and will always fight for in my ministry no matter where God leads me. And that is to have and lead a healthy Worship Ministry. Of course this isn't just for worship ministry. This should be a standard for most all teams in ministry. Below you will read a collection of thoughts and writings about this issue and ways to accomplish and strive for health!

I place high responsibility on the worshippers on my team to search their hearts before getting up on the stage to be sure that they are up there for the right reasons. The spiritual standards must be very high. When leading people in worship, there is frequently a fight. There are walls that need to be broken down or new places to which worship must ascend. The worship team needs to be sensitive and prepared for these facts.

First of all, whoever is placed in ministry is being endorsed. The statement being made, in effect, is that this person's lifestyle and character are worthy of emulation - do what this person does. It is an awesome and humbling place to stand. We need to say with Paul, "Be imitators of me as I am of Christ" (see 1 Cor, 11:1). As leaders, you must not put someone in place of ministry because that person is competent to play the music, but rather because he or she is both competent and acceptable examples of holiness, worship, and submission - off stage and on.

Another reason for maintaining high standards is that when you put people in a place of ministry they will have cultivated the character to handle it! You aren't doing individuals a favor placing them in a place where they will be subject to spiritual attack if they lack the character and experience to withstand the enemy. The Bible says, "don't let anyone look down on your youth but be an example" (see 1 Tim. 4:12). Examples we must be, on stage and off.

What does it mean to have high standards? Here are some very basic Christian lifestyle questions to ask: Is the worshiper reading his or her Bible? Has he or she developed a prayer and devotional life? Is he or she and example of worship when not on the stage?

I also would like to issue this warning to worship leaders: It is easy to set high standards, but it is not always as easy to stick to them! Sometimes , as a leader you may have a temptation to make exceptions - dont! Consistency is very important.

So I have learned this: as the leader, God will give you discernment. God has placed you in leadership over your dancers; therefore, He has also anointed, called, and equipped you to be responsible for the group.

One way to avoid many headaches is not to release people into ministry quickly. Make it clear that they will be released when they are ready. The other thing is-as hard as it will be- you have to stay strong and follow your discernment. You must strictly follow and enforce your rules and standards. No matter how talented a dancer is, his or her spiritual state is most important!

Lead by example and have high standards!

Musicians and singers should not be realsed to minister in church until there is sufficient fruit in their lives. Musicians and singers should be released for worship team service only after the following criteria are met:

1.) There has been a significant amount of the fruit of the spirit in their life (see Galatians 5:22)

2.) They have learned to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading.

3.) They have learned that their ministry is to God.

4.) There is nothing in their hearts that is performance based or seeking attention.

5.) There is a deep enough level of personal freedom in their lives in the area of dance.

6.) There is a submissive spirit in them and they are able to work in unity.

A Word To Leaders:

Whatever you carry will floe down to the rest of the group. Whatever your life is filled with, those under you will pick up and manifest in their lives. I am very jealous for the purity of what is put up on a stage or up at the front of the church because it is an example to younger people and it's being offered up to God. As a leader, you are duplicating yourself in others in many ways. The Bible says that when a student is fully taught he becomes like his teacher. Paul said to Timothy, "Follow me in as much as I follow Christ" (see 1 Cor. 11:1) It is important as a leader you keep your heart right before God, and that you are constantly checking your motives and heart attitudes.

This is not something I have done or do perfectly. But my heart is to have a worship ministry and creative arts ministry that has "a heart after God's own heart" just like David did.