Tips For Worship Ministers - Part 1

Here are a few tips for all those involved in worship ministry (worship leaders, singers, musicians, dancers and other artists) - feel free to post your suggestions in the comments below - I would love to keep adding to the list:

•  Being called by God to be a minister of worship is the greatest privilege in the universe.

•  Be a worshiper – don’t just do worship. You can’t fake worship. God and the people see and hear your heart.

•  You will never go deeper in congregational worship than where you have been in your private worship.

•  Worship must be your life and breath.

•  Never forget that the music serves the worship and not the other way around. We all know this, but tend to slip into the big mistake of prioritizing music over the presence of God.

• It is easy to get caught up in the “nuts and bolts” of music rather than keeping the focus on the presence of God. Music is “safe” and so much easier than the unfamiliar world of the Divine and supernatural. We can master the musical aspects of worship through talent and practice. Excellence in the presence of God will cost you your life. Many are not so willing for such a journey.

•  Find out what is on God’s heart for every service. It is actually incorrect to think of God as the “audience” in worship – He is actively involved in worship as He draws us in to His presence, reveals His heart and glory, uses us to accomplish His will before the throne, changes us into his image…and so much more. He is not a passive spectator.

•  Authentic worship is prophetic worship in that it contains God’s voice.

•  Use the songs to “carry” the people to God, and God to the people. The music and songs are not the worship – they are our tools to get to God and hear His voice.

•  Lead yourself in worship – allow your own heart to go on the journey of worship every time you are in front of a congregation.

•  Be the greatest servant in your congregation – all ministry flows out of servanthood and not gifting.

•  Make sure that you are involved in more ministry and service (within your church community) off the platform than on it.

•  The greatest killer of authentic worship since the beginning of time is pride. Worship ministers must militate against this destroyer at all costs. Become a seeker of humility and give it the greatest value in your heart.

•  Prefer others over yourself – inwardly and outwardly. Look for ways to compliment others.

•  Run after holiness.

•  Make way for the people to connect with God and for God to break in on the people.

•  Cultivate a healthy prayer life. Bathe all you do in prayer.

•  Become a life-long student of the presence of God.   

•  Respect the presence of God – you are a doorkeeper of the presence.

•  Learn to linger in the presence of God.

•  Love, read and obey the Word of God. Find God in His Word – it is His Living Word.

•  Always be listening for God’s voice, and determine to obey Him when He speaks.

•  Become a person of joy. Remember joy is different from happiness. Happiness is based on our circumstances; joy is based on the truth.

•  Be a person of integrity in every area of your life.

•  Practice your music – don’t ever stop growing as a musician.

•  Do the simple things well – you can make beautiful music by playing simple things excellently.

•  Aim for excellence in everything you do. Excellence is different from perfection.

This is such a long list I am breaking it into two lists. Here are both sections: CLICK HERE.

There are not so many practical points covered here. 

I will make a list of more practical points some other time.

Write in the comments section below if you have further suggestions.