The Basics of Becoming a Worship MinisterBecoming a worship minister is a BIG responsibility. Whether you are a Worship Leader, a Backup Singer, a Musician, a Sound System Operator or any work that you can do under the Worship Ministry, it all ends up in this reality: “We are doing all these things not for man’s pleasure, but for GOD alone…”
As I remembered way back 17 years ago when I decided to be a part of the Worship Team, I approached my Pastor and said to him; “Pastor I want to be a part of the worship team.” “Good!” he replied. As we talked about my desire in joining the worship team I remembered one question he asked me; “What’s your reason why you decided to join the worship team?” I answered back; “I want to serve God through my talents…” And the rest is history. Presently, for the neophytes who are willing to join the worship team, the same old question is being asked, and the same old answer is being heard from them. There is no wrong in answering “I want to serve God through my talents” It is a wise decision that people will use their talents for the glory of God. I just want to clarify that becoming a Worship Minister does not end up in just “using our talents to serve God.” There’s more in being a worship minister. Live in the good of the gospel. Living in the good of the gospel at least requires knowing the gospel. The gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ, fully man and fully God, died and rose again to rescue people from their sins and God’s judgment by bearing their guilt and punishment on himself at the cross (1 Cor. 15:1-4; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Pet. 2:24; 2 Cor. 5:21). He did this out of unfathomable love for us and ultimately for the glory of the Father. The gospel isn’t trying to be better, viewing Jesus as a good example, or loving everyone. It’s the objective reality of Jesus Christ saving people from death, hell, and judgment. But knowing the gospel isn’t the same as living in the good of the gospel. Living in the good of the gospel means enjoying to some degree all that Jesus died to win for us. Release from condemnation (Rom. 8:1). The joy of knowing we’re adopted into God’s family (Rom. 8:15). The security of God’s faithful love (Rom. 8:37-39). The assurance that God will provide all that we need (Rom. 8:32). Freedom from sin’s power (Gal. 5:24). Victory over our fear of death (Heb. 2:14-15). Know the God of the Bible. God calls every Christian, especially leaders, to know the Word of God and the God of the Word. There are a number of ways we can grow in our knowledge of God, including studying creation, reflecting on our experiences, and talking to others. But the God has given us the ultimate and authoritative revelation of himself in his Word. All other knowledge of God is to be tested by and weighed against Scripture. Take time, make time, and seize time to take in God’s revelation of himself. If you can find time for Facebook, sports, TV, video games, movies, and hanging out, you can find time for God’s Word. Ultimately, nothing is more important to read than God’s inerrant, unchanging, sufficient, life-giving, motive-revealing, Christ-exalting, joy-fuelling, strength-imparting Word. Challenge yourself to read more than you think you’re able. Start a Bible plan and read so much that you actually get ahead of the plan. Don’t just read. Meditate. Reflect. Ruminate. Interact. Memorize. Take notes on Sundays. Find great preachers of God’s Word and listen to them. Most importantly, obey. You’ll never regret knowing Scripture as well as or better than you know your instrument and gear. Get to know the living God through his Word and you’ll continually be amazed at how little you really know him and how much more of him there is to love and trust. Be the best musician you can be. Godly character isn’t a replacement for lousy musicianship. Wherever you’re at musically, you can be better. God doesn’t need our musical talents but he can use them. The more tools we have in our musical tool kit, the more likely we won’t be distracted when something unexpected comes up. Have trouble keeping time? Practice with a metronome. Can’t stay on pitch? Get some voice lessons (or just start breathing more deeply). Can’t play more than 10 guitar chords? Get a chord book or talk to a more experienced guitarist and work at it. Don’t know what a Csus, Eadd2, and dominant 7th are? There are some good online theory resources. Limited song repertoire? Spend time researching, or check out You Tube and other sites Technology have you confused? Talk to someone who knows more than you do. Visit a music store. Check out YouTube… Becoming a worship minister is not merely an “involvement” in the ministry. Progression is a must. Focus on the three areas above, you’ll be in a better place for God to use you now, even as he prepares you for what you’ll be doing in years to come.
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AuthorWarren Jhun Ocampo Archives
September 2017
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