If you have been around Christian churches in America for any length of time, you have probably become familiar with a number of worship songs, and you may even be familiar with the names of the worship leaders who wrote them. For many Christians in this country, names like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Hillsong, and others have become household names. As a result, we tend to gravitate towards musicians and leaders whose style matches our preference. Sometimes, I even get asked the question, “who is your FAVORITE worship leader?”
As I’ve had the opportunity to worship with other believers in large and small environments, I now answer this question very differently than I did when I was younger. My answer now is “My favorite worship leader is one I KNOW.” My favorite environment to worship in is not a big stage, with lights, and a bunch of outstanding musicians (although that is a joy and a luxury that many believers around the world never experience). My favorite environment is in a small group of people who I truly know. I know what’s happening in their lives and they know what's happening in mine. People I’m praying with. People that are a part of the process of my life being transformed into the likeness of Jesus.
I had the privilege to worship with a small group like this a few days ago, and it was a beautiful experience. The music wasn’t anything special - frankly, there were a couple people in the group with good singing voices, and the rest of the people didn’t sing very loudly. The key ingredient that made this worship time so special was the relationships between the people in the room. I’ve had similar experiences in many different kinds of churches, different countries, and even groups where there was a language barrier. These potential obstacles fade away when there is real relationship between ALL the worshipers involved … both the “leader” and the “followers”.
I think this is the heart behind Paul’s words in Ephesians 5:19-20 - “Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” If we are truly speaking “to one another”, we build relationships as we worship together.
I hope to get to know more of the people in our own B4S worship community better, and I hope you’ll have more opportunities to be in life-giving relationships where music and worship is a vital part of community, that leads us into a life that is more like Jesus in every area of our lives.
Glad to be on the journey with you,
Brent
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