You Don’t Have to Be a Rock Star to Lead Worship

I enjoy leading worship. I believe it is something God has called me to do, created me for, purposed for my life. At the same time, no one would mistake me for a professional singer. I would not get very far on the The Voice or American Idol. Yet, it is because of my less-than-stellar talent that I believe I am effective as a worship leader. How?

Paul, in many of his letters to the early churches, acknowledged that he wasn’t the best speaker. He referred to himself as a jar of clay, contrasting his personal worth compared to the “treasure” of the message of the gospel. He recognized that God often uses ordinary people with ordinary talents,”to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” (2 Corinthians 4:7)

Now, that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try my best or think too lowly of myself or my talents. No, the Bible encourages those who lead worship to do so skillfully (Psalm 33:3, 1 Chronicles 25:6-7). In fact, whatever we do, we should work at it with all our heart, as though working for the Lord (Colossians 3:23). Even when we are striving to do our best, though, we should rely on Christ’s power – not our own – to work within us (Colossians 1:29).

So, it is fine to feel less than adequate to serve God. It reminds me to depend more on God and less than myself. It keeps me humble, lest I be tempted to draw attention to myself and away from God. When God uses me (of all people) to lead others to a meaningful worship experience, to an encounter with God, then the praise and glory goes rightfully to God Himself.

Author: Phil Greve

I have been leading worship since 2000; initially with a cross-country volunteer ministry team through Youth Encounter, then vocationally in churches in Orlando, FL and Mequon, WI; currently I serve two churches in Southeastern Wisconsin as a volunteer, leading worship 3 times a month on average. I have an amazingly supportive wife and two beautiful children. My church background is Lutheran, although I have been blessed to have spent a lot of time visiting other churches and developing strong relationships with Christians of various backgrounds and worship preferences over the years. I consider myself a Christian who practices in a Lutheran church. In addition to music ministry, I enjoy playing trumpet, the theater (watching and acting), and striving to be the best husband and father I can be. View all posts by Phil Greve