“Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness”
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV)
Music leader: do you lead with zeal?
Music team member – do you? The word “leads” above could also be translated “gives aid.” If you are on a music team at church, you are a servant, aiding the congregation in heartfelt devotion to Christ.
Are you leading with zeal? Are you eager to serve? Is it obvious that your service is a joy and not a burden? Do you wear a scowl of concentration or a mask of indifference?
Lead the congregation with zeal
Not long ago, I visited a very well known church here in London for a worship gathering. The music was skillful and mixed well, the lights and tech very professional (and slick) – and the music leader looked utterly bored out of his mind.
Songs lyrically celebrated God’s character, but his facial expression was one of boredom. As he was singing these lyrics I found myself thinking, “does he mean what he is singing?”
I know that not every day is one of exuberant joy, including Sundays after a devastating week. But there’s a difference between praising in the pain and looking like you’re reciting the contents of an appliance manual.
Malachi 1, and many of the Psalms tell us that our worship is a witness to a watching world. The way we worship communicates who our God is and what He means to us.
What does how you lead communicate what you believe God’s worth to be?
But with COVID-19 we’re sequestered into our homes, not in front of the congregation – and for some of us, alone at home to serve. Perhaps you’re not in front of them in person, but if you are doing online services, you are certainly visible to those who have tuned in – believers, seekers, and skeptics alike. Is God worthy to be trusted in this time of uncertainty? Not only trusted, but praised? Whole-heartedly?
Lead your congregation with zeal – especially now.
Lead your teams with zeal
Like the captain of a sports team, encourage your teams with the goodness of God – remind them often of the amazing character of our God, His power and love and mercy and justice and salvation. His healing and tender care, His promises fulfilled and promises to come.
Sincerely comfort them with empathy and compassion in their afflictions and weaknesses, celebrate with them at joy-filled news!
Remind your teams that they are serving our King and His Bride; that you are with them in delighting in God in the here and now, and preparing them for and even greater delight when He returns to set all things right.
Lead them with zeal!
DREaM in London 