I don’t have a problem with personal preference and favourite artists, but it really upsets me when I hear people being incredibly disrespectful to particular genres, styles or worship leaders (presumably, brothers and sisters in Christ) because they’re deemed “irrelevant”.

I also don’t like hearing music being described as for a certain “type” of person.

When I hear a worship leader (particularly) saying stuff like this, it makes me think that he/she has a blinkered perspective on not only the type of musical expression that’s fit for presentation to God, but also of people in general.

I’m sure the battle between styles has been going on for centuries, but I wonder if it’s been made so much worse by the advent of mass communication, social networks, music sharing across the Internet, and the near-ubiquitous music talent show.

Don’t hear me wrong. I do believe that worship leaders can skilfully craft sets of music that create an authentic experience for a particular group of people at a particular time. And, granted, sometimes we do have to make some stylistic decisions based on some form of stereotypes.

Yes, it is likely that the general worship style for a large group of teenagers is going to be different from that aimed at older adults. And yet again, providing for a diverse mix often associated with main Sunday meetings is a challenge again.

What worries me is when I hear people dismissing “worship leader X” or “style Y”, while at the same time raving almost unquestioningly about “new worship leader A” or “funky (download) style B” and, by implication (sometimes even explicitly) suggesting that the former leaders and styles are “irrelevant”.

Does that attitude truly please God?

Does it help people who do like worship leader X or style Y to engage with God?

Does it help people who think they only like “new worship leader A” or “funky (download) style B” to experience new forms of worship and, possibly, to expand their experience of worship and, ultimately, their relationship with God?

I get that local churches have many different ‘flavours’, and that can be good — it’s part of unity without uniformity. But in that, we need to be mindful — particularly if we have any position of authority in worship — of our responsibility to the people of God, and not just the subset we might most readily choose to associate with.

We don’t have to like every style of worship, and not every style is right for each congregation, but let’s have some respect for every genuine outpouring of praise and adoration that flows from earth to heaven.

I became quite overwhelmed as I was compelled to pray for her, as she steps forward once more on this journey of worship leading.

It’s a journey that she doesn’t take lightly, and she knows she’s not in it for show or recognition, but because she has a heart that burns to see people coming to greater praise, worship and intimacy with God.

I’m seeing that my passion for worship and those who serve the church in this ministry is ever expanding. I’ve prayed for many leaders and musicians in the past, but tonight I just had a deep-down gut feeling to pray encouragement, strength, protection and anointing.

And the feeling hasn’t gone away. As I type this, I’m not fully sure what I should be doing with these feelings. I’m a little drained and emotional but also very excited. I’m excited to see what God will continue to do and build in our local church, and also where He will choose to take those who earnestly seek to serve Him in worship ministry.

I think we should all be praying for our worship leaders and musicians. As I’ve said before, these leaders are at the forefront of the battle and are prime targets for attack. We need to be praying protection for our leaders, as well as that they’ll be guided by the Holy Spirit, and will be inspired to greater creativity and inspiration. That their relationship with God will be deeper and richer, for its own sake as well as for their service to others.

We need to understand what the committed worship leader and musician gives of themselves, even to the point of hardship. They study, pray, practice, rehearse, develop their musicality, invest money in buying and maintaining instruments, and often (though it can sometimes be hard to pinpoint exactly) face trials and tribulations as a direct result of their active service.

True worship leaders and musicians don’t just “turn up” on Sunday, sing and play a few songs and then go home. They generally give a lot of time, energy and money and need both our prayer coverage and our encouragement.

That said, I’ve sometimes been in places where I’ve thought “Wow! This would make a great place to worship God.”

The last time I had the experience was when I went to a ‘private’ Robert Plant gig in Central London. We entered St Mark’s Church (One Mayfair) to experience an intimate gig celebrating Plant’s new “Band of Joy” album.

The music was good, but what struck me most was the awe-inspiring sound that echoed around that place. I’m not sure how much of it was down to the mix itself, and how much to the awesome history that building must have seen. How, before it was used by a veteran rock star, it saw praises rising to God.

As Robert sang “Satan Your Kingdom Must Come Down” I realised that I’d adore to fill these kinds of buildings — originally built for and to the glory of God but so often sadly neglected or but a pale reflection of their former glory — with impassioned songs of worship once again.

I know many great churches and cathedrals still raise great streams of praise and worship. How amazing would it be for every such building to be used for its original purpose once again.

Let me tell you my story by way of a little encouragement.

I’ve always been very musical. I love listening to music. I’ve been playing the piano ‘by ear’ and by taking lessons and exams since the age of five. I’ve sung in choirs since I was in primary school.

You might think that, from a technical/musical point of view, that qualifies me admirably for worship leading, right?

In fact I was terribly nervous about playing in front of other people (sometimes I still am, particularly when I’m just playing around with musical ideas).

This nervousness may go back to a time when I attempted to perform a piece of classical music in front of a church gathering, and froze halfway through. This was despite the fact that the room was arranged such that the piano was facing the wall, and so I had my back to the audience. I think I got through it eventually, but it wasn’t the most pleasant of experiences.

Things improved, and in my early 20s I started playing keyboard in the worship band at church.

A couple of years later and our church was about to plant a new congregation in another part of town. The main worship leader, who lived in that area, decided to move to set up the new plant, leaving the current congregation without a worship leader.

The need was there and I was asked if I would begin to lead worship.

I accepted.

The only slight issue I had was that I couldn’t sing and play at the same time. This is a bit of a drawback when you’re trying to lead worship from an instrument.

I’d tried singing and playing in the past, long before the thought of being in any kind of band had crossed my mind. For whatever reason, I just couldn’t do it. Perhaps it was the equivalent of patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. It wasn’t happening.

What did I do? Panic? Well, perhaps a little, but in fact I prayed.

Within a couple of days, when I sat down at the keyboard to play, I found I could also sing at the same time. Not only that, but the quality of my playing didn’t seem to suffer, and I could sing the repertoire of songs we were using at the time.

The point to this story is that God will increase the gifting He has given you when the time is right for you to be using them in a particular ministry.

Two points to bear in mind: worship leading is not a hobby. Keep it simple.

You don’t have to be the greatest singer or musician in order to lead worship. If you feel you lack anything, ask God for it. He will honour those who have taken seriously the call to serve Him.

“Everything is permissible” — but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is permissible” — but not everything is constructive. 1Co 10:23

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul says twice that he is allowed to do ‘everything’, but that not everything is permissible.

Why?

The first time Paul makes the statement, it’s because he declares that he won’t be mastered by anything, other than Christ.

The second time, Paul is clear that just because everything is allowable, not everything is constructive. In other words, it takes attention away from his primary motivation — that of living and communicating the Gospel.

I think there are a number of activities that most Christians would agree would constitute sin if indulged in, and I don’t truly believe that Paul meant that literally everything is permitted.

However, there are many areas for which there’s no clear guidance on whether Christians should be involved, and if so how much.

Think of all the trappings of our modern society and you begin to get the picture.

Is TV permissible? Certainly it is. Is it beneficial or constructive? Surely that depends on what programmes are watched, and for how long.

What about video games? Newspapers and magazines? Sports? Shopping? Hobbies? The list goes on.

What we need to bear in mind is that our priority list must be straightened out if we expect to develop our relationship with God, and in turn for our ministries to be effective.

God provided overarching rules and advice for how we should live our lives. The minutiae He has left to us to grapple with in relationship with Him.

It can seem like a cop-out to say that each individual Christian must work out his or her own priorities and boundaries, but that’s the truth.

Of course, we can (nearly) all agree that Christians shouldn’t murder, commit adultery, steal, and so on.

What about putting other ‘gods’ or ‘idols’ before God. I think we’re all prone to do that from time to time, to some measure.

God may be calling you to give up certain parts of your lifestyle, either for a season or permanently, because they are hindering your relationship with Him or are not particularly beneficial to you.

It can be hard to lay down things we’ve got used to having around, but in the long run a healthy and growing relationship with God is worth so much more than anything the world has to offer.

God also honours those who sacrifice things — time, money and energy — for Him. A life lived in closer harmony with God is so much better than one cluttered with stuff that drowns Him out.

Take time on a regular basis to examine and realign your priorities. It really will make a difference.

It can be tempting to throw all of our musical skills into the mix when leading worship, but this isn’t necessarily the best we can do.

While the psalmist implores musicians to play skilfully, and by implication to be exuberant as they “shout for joy”, I don’t believe this gives us an invitation to over-indulge.

I believe the art of a good and skilful musician is knowing when to hold back, to play less, and to leave space.

What you also need to bear in mind is that, while you may think your guitar solo or keyboard riff is hot stuff, you may have exaggerated just how good it is.

Even if it is excellent, it’s not wise to use it at every given opportunity.

I’ve written about being at one with your instrument. Part of that means knowing what your current skill-set is.

Perhaps you’ve studied at music college, or you may have only been playing a musical instrument for a few months. Or you’re somewhere in-between. If character and calling are not in doubt (remembering that worship leading is not a hobby) then no-one is disqualified from leading.

What is important is that you know you current musical limitations. By all means use your own private and band practice times to develop your skills, but don’t use live worship to do so.

Similarly, you may just have bought a new effect pedal, keyboard, sound module, piece of percussion, or other wonderful gadget or gizmo. My advice would be to not unleash it on the congregation until you fully understand how it works — in its entirety.

As a worship leader, it’s far more important that you are focused on leading people into a place of worship, than it is on getting your new kit into the musical mix. If it’s appropriate, there’ll be time enough for that later on.

If you’re a musician in the band and the worship leader requests that you don’t use a certain instrument, sound or effect, then it would be best that you respect their decision.

There’s plenty of time in private, and when your band is playing together and working through songs and arrangements, for introducing funky new styles and instruments.

If you’re at all in doubt about a particular element, it’s definitely best to leave it out.

Remember, worship is not a performance. Playing skilfully and excellently are things that we should seek, but they are not our primary motivation.

A simply arranged set that enables many people to worship God is far better than a complicated one that may prove to be a distraction or hindrance.

It can be hard to stand firm in the faith when you’re being bombarded by less-than-perfect life events.

Depending on the sort of character you are, even seemingly small problems can cause your faith in God to be tested. If they seem to come one after the other, you may really feel under attack.

Now, you may or may not be under spiritual attack. It’s a fact that all Christians are part of a battle, whether they acknowledge, understand and actively engage in that or not.

I’ve already written that worship leading is not a hobby. If you’re a Christian actively involved in any kind of ministry, you’re a big target for the devil to take aim at.

The fact is, Satan knows exactly what your weaknesses are and will pick away at those, trying to get a foothold and drive a big wedge in between you and God.

Don’t let him.

Trials come to everyone. Matthew 5:45 says “[God] causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”

Rain isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but in the context it’s easy to see that both sun and rain (possibly representing good and bad, or ‘peace’ and ‘trials’) are given in some measure to everyone.

I’ve been in some low places. When physical problems surrounded me, my emotional state was weakened and this seriously affected my relationship with God.

Each problem on its own was relatively small. Even put together, they were far from the issues some people face every day. Yet, as a person with a natural inclination to worry, they bound me up.

Today, I’m more likely to go straight to the source of my salvation. Difficult though it may be when you’re facing a situation where you feel helpless, victimised, oppressed or targeted, the real answer is to take your concerns to God and let Him bring healing, restoration, peace, and a perfect solution.

Maybe you’re thinking it’s very easy for me to sit here, typing these words. I don’t know the situations you’re facing, but I do know that God is the same. God is Creator. God has every situation you face under control, even if you don’t understand why you’re going through pain or turmoil.

James 1:2-4 says “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

That can be a hard verse to read. Humans don’t like to go through trials. I’ve said to God in the past “my faith is already developed. I don’t need any more testing”. Well, perhaps I do. Perseverance, by nature, is tough, but don’t you want to become “mature and complete, not lacking anything”? It may be painful but the end reward is worth so much more.

Hebrews 12:1-3 says “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”

Look, there’s that ‘perseverance’ word again! Get yourself together with other Christians who are pushing on in their faith, running the race with their eyes fixed on Jesus. Encourage, pray for and strengthen one another so that no-one falls by the wayside.

Our confidence is in the Lord,
the source of our salvation.
Rest is found in Him alone,
The author of salvation.
We will not fear the evil day,
because we have a refuge.
In every circumstance we say
our hope is built on Jesus.

Noel & Tricia Richards

In case you can’t play it, it shows the “Don’t Worship This Way Band” singing a variety of songs. You think you’ve heard those melodies before but the words are just a little different:

• I Will Sing Of Your Love On Sundays
• I Surrender Some
• I Stand Amazed At My Hairdo
• How Great Is This Song
• Saviour, I Don’t Need A Saviour
• Go Through The Motions
• I Exalt Me

It’s funny, partly because it rings true in all of us.

Perhaps you’re not consciously half-hearted in your worship, but I’m certain we can all give more of ourselves to God.

As worship leaders and musicians, we need to be aware of two factors.

Firstly, we’re also prone to not giving our all. Yes, we’re human but we can call on the Holy Spirit to empower our leading and be the best that we can be.

Not only that, but we can show some respect to God, and the ministry we are in, by being as prepared as we can each and every time we lead or play in the band.

That may mean getting an early night before the morning service, ensuring the band has rehearsed and knows the songs well, maintaining instruments to tip-top condition, and having all words, chord sheets, music and other resources ready for the set.

Secondly, we need to be aware that people may not be fully ready and engaged in worship as soon as the first chord is played.

You and your band may be ready but you need to be careful not to speed along at one-hundred miles per hour when the congregation — some still worrying about their kids, some waiting for the caffeine to kick in, some having had a stressful journey to the meeting — is still walking along at two.

You can’t make people worship, and you should never be tempted to try to “hype” or “stir up” people. However, you can lead sensitively in such a way that you draw people in and take them on a journey to the throne room of God.

Pray that you may be able to invest more of your heart in worship, and through that your worship leading is inviting, effective and Spirit-filled.

If you agree to “just play a few songs on the guitar to help the church out” you could be letting yourself in for a mighty shock if you don’t take things seriously.

When you get involved in any form of leadership, however formal the arrangement is, you take on a new stature in the Kingdom of God.

What to you might seem like “playing a few songs” or “helping out because no-one else can do it” is in fact a battle cry.

I don’t write this to shock you out of using your musical gifts and talents, but to make you aware that any form of worship leading — whether it’s in front of ten people or ten thousand — is a serious business.

We are all called to worship God. Anyone who helps people come into God’s presence is both privileged and targeted.

If you are not prepared to examine your life and motives, to constantly lay yourself open before God, to worship Him exuberantly and consistently, and to ensure you are fully armoured, covered and protected by Him, then you should really lay down your instrument now and not put yourself at heightened risk.

I’m all for people serving where there is need, but you had better be sure of your calling to serve as a worship leader. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself under increased attack as you step out into worship ministry.

Lay down pride, ambition and a desire to be noticed. That’s not why you’re a worship leader. Your role is to point others to God, not to you or your band.

If you don’t take this awesome privilege and honour seriously, someone is going to get hurt. You’ll be taken out of action because you didn’t commit yourself to God. Or you’ll be a distraction and hindrance to other people as they seek to worship.

Be a worshipper first, and let your worship leading flow from that. Don’t try to do this in your own strength.

In case you’re feeling a little deflated after reading this, let me finish by saying that it’s OK to enjoy worship ministry. God loves His children to worship creatively and spontaneously. Always remember who you’re doing this for and you won’t go wrong.

The closer we come to God, the more obedient we are, the more we seek His presence and strive to do His will, the more we see our own inadequacies.

At times when we were far from God — or at least, we felt far from God — it seemed that only the ‘big’ sins caused us to repent. (I know that all sin is the same in God’s eyes, but as humans we do tend to grade it according to how bad we think it must look to God and to others.)

Yet as we draw closer to God, we become aware of how certain issues which once seemed OK are now under the microscope. As we think we have conquered the “big” sins (or at least, they’re mostly under control), along come a whole bunch of “little” sins to take their place.

The more we seek to please God and to live the way He intended, the more issues we see in our lives.

When that “big” sin was prevalent in our lives, the “little” sins continued but didn’t seem to be an issue.

Now, every harsh word or thought or deed comes to bite us. At least, we see how far short of God’s standard we fall.

The solution? Repent, worship, move on!

When (not if) we sin, don’t wallow in guilt. Come to God, say sorry, pray that you’ll be stronger the next time temptation comes along, and worship Him.

Immerse yourself in his presence.

Ephesians 4 is a great chapter to read if you want a snapshot of all the things you should and shouldn’t be doing. Yet it’s not a set of rules for their own sake, but rather the best way of living for God and in harmony with others.

As verse 27 says, it’s important that we “do not give the devil a foothold”. There is nothing the enemy would like more than to derail believers, particularly those who are on fire for the kingdom and in positions of leadership and influence.

We all sin and fall short of God’s glory. His desire is that we keep short accounts with Him and continue to dwell in His presence.

When you’re knocked down, get up quickly!