The Heart of a Worship Leader
“...The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
1 Samuel 16:7
We worship leaders can be all over the place. One day we’re up and another we’re down. Apparently, David and the other Psalmists dealt with that too.
But at the same time, God chose David because of what He saw in his heart. Beyond all the highs and lows, David was a man after God’s own heart.
If God is looking at the heart, what is He looking for?
Here are some qualities I think GOD IS after:
1. Humility
Pride is one of the secret killers in worship ministry. It’s been said that pride is like having bad breath—everyone knows it except you.
Pride is rooted in insecurity. If you’re insecure in who you are, then you’ll put up a front that presents you to be better than you really are.
What’s the answer? Humility.
Peter said, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)
C.S. Lewis said, “True humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less.”
You’re able to think of yourself less when you know how God sees and feels about you. The love of God gives you a healthy view of yourself and at the same time takes your eyes off of yourself. How? Because you’ve got what you needed from God. You’re a cup overflowing ready to pour out on others.
Then you’re able to walk in “humble confidence.” It’s confidence because you know who you are, but it’s humble because you know it was God who did it.
How does this affect worship ministry?
You treat others much better (instead of propping yourself up like you’re better)
You lead your congregation with more kindness
You approach God with reverence
Philippians 2:3-4 says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
2. Honor
Honor is in the heart of the noble. It’s been said that we honor others—not because they’re honorable, but because we are.
Honor finds value in others and treats them accordingly.
Respect your elders.
Honor your peers.
Value those you lead.
When Jesus came to his hometown, He told everyone that a prophet is without honor in his own town. Scripture also said they had a lack of faith. (Mark 6:4-6)
Could it be that since they lacked honor, it short-circuited their faith?
In other words, they missed out on what they could’ve received because they failed to honor.
You receive from what you honor.
3. Servanthood
I love how Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
What an example He gave us!
Worship leaders: the congregation is not there to serve you, you are there to serve them!
They aren’t there to feed your ego, your ministry, or your insecurity. You’re there to lead them to Christ, assist them to minister to the Lord, and serve them into an encounter with God!
How do you do this? Let me repeat from #1: The love of God gives you a healthy view of yourself and at the same time takes your eyes off of yourself.
That’s how Jesus lived and led. And it’s how we can lead worship.
4. Teachable
A humble heart is a teachable heart!
If you have ears to hear, you can learn from a toddler all the way up to a senior.
What’s more, you can even learn from your critics.
But down to the basics—can you take it when your pastor corrects you or suggests you work on an aspect of your worship leading?
What if a friend gives you helpful feedback?
A teachable heart is not only able to receive helpful feedback, but it’s a heart that is always growing.
There’s always more and teachability gets you there.
5. Hungry
Jesus taught that hungry people are satisfied people (Matt. 5:6).
You were made for more.
What would’ve happened if ex-blind Bartimaeus stopped crying out to Jesus when the disciples tried to shut him down? He wouldn’t have gotten his miracle!
There was something in him that longed for more.
The Psalmist put it this way:
“How lovely is your dwelling place, Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.” (Psalm 84:1-2)
Honest question:
Does that characterize your relationship with God?
God fills the hungry with good things and satisfies the longing soul. Be that person. (Ps. 107:9)
6. Holy
Character is just as important as gifting.
Holy means set apart for sacred use. This is who we are as worship leaders and musicians.
We are set apart for the sacred privilege of leading people to God in praise and worship.
We aren’t just living “holy” while we’re on a platform, we live “holy” every day. Our lives should match up with our confession.
We are the temple of the living God. We are a sacred space. We are a holy people. It’s not just what we do in a church service, it’s how we live our lives from day to day.
This doesn’t mean perfectionism and striving in our own strength. It means turning from sin, turning to Jesus, and surrendering our hearts wholly to Him.
Apostle Paul said it like this:
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” (Romans 12:1)
God sees the heart! Let’s surrender afresh to Him and let Him mold us into the likeness of Jesus.
Question: What spoke to you from this list? What else would you add to this list?