Comments on: Top 5 things I dislike about being a worship leader

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:30:36 +0000

God deserves the best we can give. If people are going around saying that an over-produced flashy band does not understand the heart of worship, then maybe these accusers need to take a look at the plank of wood in their own eye first. And as for leaving a church because you don't like the worship – well since when did your personal preferences become bigger than the great commission?

By: Christa

Christa — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:06:22 +0000

Thank you for continually opening up your life & letting us see your heart in things. I am one of those that would always use the music for my mediator and not Jesus. I was involved in a worship team once and it was my idol. Hearing your thoughts and the desires God has given you towards this ministry helps me to put music in its place and I am grateful for the wisdom God has given you. I wasnt even aware of how great my sin was until I came to LCC. I love that war is waged on every heart issue and not just the surface crap.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 16:54:26 +0000

Nick: Here’s what I’d encourage you with brother. If the expression of worship is stylistically changing and that is impacting your walk with Christ, then you’ve elevated the expression and it’s mediating your relationship with Christ, which is idolatry. I know that doesn’t seem encouraging at all for me to say, but I really think you need a revelation of what Godly worship is and is not. Tear down the idol my friend and worship Jesus in spirit and in truth, and whatever artistic form that takes doesn’t matter. Now I understand how you may not relate artistically but that can’t mediate your relationship with God.

By: T Welch

T Welch — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 21:34:54 +0000

…Should I just grin and bear it, and understand that they have their own “style”and way to connect to Christ and accept it?…
Yes. It’s called musical evolution (no, I’m not talking about “Jesus Pony” dinosaurs like Sarah Palin) I find it hard to believe someone’s differences in musical styles is “affecting your walk with Christ.” If non-sinful things affect you adversely, how do sinful things affect you?

My advice is: Quit getting your nose bent out of joint, request a few songs you like, if they don’t play them, they’re being rude. Otherwise, just realize that you can’t always have things your way, put on your big-boy britches, a GET OVER IT!!

My church rarely plays stuff I like, but that’s life! I somehow find the courage to go on. Go for a walk in the park or in the woods. Nature seems to keep the same tune, and it’s still just as sweet! Or, find a church that plays stuff you like. By all means, DON’T RAISE A STINK OVER IT LIKE PEOPLE USUALLY DO!!!!

By: Nick

Nick — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 01:45:57 +0000

I am a member of my church and am struggling with the idea of leaving my church because of worship. I love this church, but it has been changing and affecting my walk with Christ. Should I just grin and bear it, and understand that they have their own “style”and way to connect to Christ and accept it?

The worship team has
* started to sing new songs at every service, approximately 3/5 songs are new
* sung for longer, chewing into time for communion and sermon
* included prayer, testimonies and mini-sermons into their worship (which I think, disregards the role that others play in a service)
* begun singing a song prior to the bible reading to “wake” people up
* put more musical equipment on the stage (such that in one case, the pastor gave a sermon on the floor)
* and are now asking the church to install plasma screen to “improve” worship

I don’t know what to do…

By: Kyle

Kyle — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 17:08:44 +0000

Ricky: I can’t believe you actually read my post, because if you did you’d know that “it” in the phrase you reference is defined as “weak accusation from those in the congregation judging by the quality of an art form, not worship.” I don’t really have the time or desire to re-type what I said in the post, so I’d just encourage you to go ahead and read it. My “example” is my leadership, instruction, commitment to a life of worship and my dedication to excellence in music. That’s *precisely* what I wrote in the blog.

So again, I *will* ignore weak accusation not rooted in scripture and truth. My leadership keep me accountable and place those in authority. I remain submitted and accountable to their authority. Thanks for stopping by.

By: T Welch

T Welch — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 11:41:31 +0000

Ricky, in a perfect world the congregation responds biblically to each and every situation. One thing I learned is the Christian Army is the only Army in the World that shoots it’s wounded (figuratively), and believe me they do. The typical way most church members handle disatisfaction with a leader is to
1. Hold in the animosity for a time (approximately 5 to 10 minutes.)
2. Tell someone else, asking them to “keep it to themselves” on the hope that they won’t.
3. Build up a contingent of other members that agree with you.
4. If evidence is lacking, make up some.
5. Confront the leader only after you and most of the church have reached a guilty verdict whose only recourse is dismissal.

Again, I realize that the Bible teaches a different doctrine, but since when does doctrine ever come into play in today’s church? If you disagree with the process I’ve outlined, don’t worry. If you stick around for a while, perhaps you will get a chance to see it in action!

By: Brett

Brett — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 02:49:58 +0000

Thanks for the posts, Kyle. I just recently discovered your blog (thru twitter) and have really enjoyed your posts. We’re on the edge of using click tracks and loops but it’s hard to find time to work with them. So I appreciate what you’re saying. The worship leading posts were really encourging, tho; keep up the good work. Ps you can follow me if you like on twitter at @blovern. Blessings!

By: Ricky

Ricky — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 23:17:57 +0000

Point 3 ends with: “so you’ll have to excuse me while I ignore it…” – as worship leader, you will always be looked upon to be the role model, so you should lead by example – if you live by these words above, believe me they (the rest of the team and the congregation) can’t wait for you to be replaced – maybe they just don’t know how to say it to you out of respect. Read Matt 16v24 again until you understand it clearly – it’s not about you, but your example(testimony) “must” proclaim Christ!!!

By: T Welch

T Welch — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:03:40 +0000

I was a worship leader for a while, and, admitedly, I was a pretty cruddy one. I wasn’t very emotional, and, when I prayed or did that “passion moment” when everyone was in the spirit, and wasn’t good at those melodramatic soliloquys like all the mega-church worship leaders do.
Also, when a member got their nose bent out of shape or some piddly little criticism, I’d tell ‘em to “put on your big-boy (or big-girl) britches and deal with it!” If someone insisted they are to do a special because “God told them to,” I’d first ask if they were dyslexic (who knows, maybe their “dog” told them to do it!)
Anyway, I was replaced, and probably for good reason.
Like the blog.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 19:03:20 +0000

Jeannine great to hear from you. Glad you found me over here. Look forward to discussing more with ya. Let me know how things are going at Goleta Vineyard and tell Dan and Marty I said hi.

By: Jeannine Hoyte

Jeannine Hoyte — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:52:51 +0000

Somehow heard of this blog and love reading it. Been leading again at Goleta Vineyard and you have articulated a lot of what I feel but can’t quite communicate. Thanks Kyle.

By: Pastor Aaron

Pastor Aaron — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 18:33:13 +0000

What an amazing article! Love this… You should really write a book along these lines.

By: Hiram

Hiram — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:41:03 +0000

Great post, Kyle!

I’m looking forward to that eBook, btw…