I think part of my response would be the modern church attaching “worship leader” to a song leader. Think back to just 10-15 yrs ago…most churches had a music minister. The entire platform team was seen as part of the worship staff. There are various other issues regarding how we have now set up a pretty dualistic view of [Worship/Word], when truly everything we do during the service is worship.

I think the answer to your question really lies within the marketability of “worship” music and the fact that it is really hard a a mainstream Christian artist to express their music artistically…and away from the constrains of k-love and the few labels left that can be considered “major”. DCB did start of as song leaders, and those first couple of albums really changed the face of the worship scene. A good Christian ARTIST should be allowed the right to create beautiful things that lead others to worship, as well as having the permission to be an artist at other times.

Lately I have been digging Gungor and John Mark McMillian for their ability to traverse this issue. I remember how much I liked Waterdeep at one time, because they pulled the same thing off. Christian festival underground favorites The Psalters are pretty prophetic in how they call the Church to remember issues of justice and embrace…while projecting all their lyrics on a homemade screen.

Perhaps a solution to this lies within the local church empowering her own worship leaders; giving them the freedom to write and lead new songs, to spend time getting a theological education so they won’t be just a song leader, finding the resources to allow them financially to be full-fledge pastors in the community, etc..etc..that way we don’t need to depend on the rock stars of Christian music. Its not that they are a bad thing, but the scale of the operation might not be the best thing for the local church to use exclusively.

Here’s the link: http://www.proworship.in/2010/04/useful-website-to-learn-to-sing-psalms.html

Thanks so much for leaving a comment! Great additions, as well. You are so right on with leading by example being the only way to show others how to be prepared. I’m guilty as well, often. I always “desire” to memorize my music and lyrics but rarely do I do it. Getting better, though. Thanks again for your additions!

I’m glad you (randomly) found me on twitter, because I enjoy reading your blog! Your list along with Amy’s are great. One that I also find that applies to me personally is:

Be prepared. It kinda ties in to “Respect Others Time”, but I can’t even begin to count how many times (early in my worship ministry I’d like to say) where I’ve come to rehearsal or even a worship set and not have practiced ahead of time, or failed to bring my own charts. Which leads to my next point…

Lead by example. Nuff said!

Keep it coming brother! You are blessed and highly favored!

Thanks so much for the mention! Email me and I’ll let you know all the latest and greatest from Seeds!

Keep planting!
Michelle
michelle@seedsfamilyworship.com