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What's in a name?
While rambling in another thread, I posted a comment about the phrase 'lead worshipper':
"I really dislike 'lead worshipper' as a term. To me, it implies that one person's worship is more individual and important to God, and everyone else just follows along behind doing the same thing. It's like they're off doing their own worship, and it's up to everyone else to get on board. Maybe there's mileage in that, but it seems slightly unhelpful to me.
I know 'worship leader' has it's failings as a term too, but it seems to give a better description of someone who's giving cues and leading to the people in an act of worship."
I guess that lead worshipper possibly ties in with the images of how Aaron and the other priests were leading the worship of the people of Israel, but if I didn't have a vague idea of that, I'm not sure how well two words can capture the essence of the role. "Worship Leader" might fall into the same trap...
What's your take on these 'labels'? What titles do you use at your church? Have you heard any downright ludicrous ones?
Discuss..... ;)
(Oh, and sorry if this has been done before....)
"I really dislike 'lead worshipper' as a term. To me, it implies that one person's worship is more individual and important to God, and everyone else just follows along behind doing the same thing. It's like they're off doing their own worship, and it's up to everyone else to get on board. Maybe there's mileage in that, but it seems slightly unhelpful to me.
I know 'worship leader' has it's failings as a term too, but it seems to give a better description of someone who's giving cues and leading to the people in an act of worship."
I guess that lead worshipper possibly ties in with the images of how Aaron and the other priests were leading the worship of the people of Israel, but if I didn't have a vague idea of that, I'm not sure how well two words can capture the essence of the role. "Worship Leader" might fall into the same trap...
What's your take on these 'labels'? What titles do you use at your church? Have you heard any downright ludicrous ones?
Discuss..... ;)
(Oh, and sorry if this has been done before....)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Rob Mason on -
and if he's gifted, let him serve :)
Personally, I'd quite like to be asked if the flowers contribute or hinder worship life in the church!
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Read on -
Just to be clear, I *think* I'm called the "music co-ordinator". We couldn't think of a better name. In principle I'm also the person in charge of stuff like dramas (when we have them) and in principle in charge of powerpoint and PA (although this is largely delegated.....).
The "naming of things" only becomes a problem when people take the name too seriously but forget to get on with what they're actually supposed to be doing.
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Permalink Reply by Julia Chantrell on -
You're down as music co-ordinator on the who's who's board, but I've certainly heard Richard call you the Worship Co-ordinator... maybe he was just having one of those moments!
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Permalink Reply by Daniel Read on
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Well, like I said, he couldn't decide what to call me anyway :-)
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Permalink Reply by Vic Salt on
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For Riotous Living, I didn't sing or lead the band from the front during the event. However, I did sort out the planning, readings, and music and pa, and stage manage, so I used to explain my role as a Worship Pusher
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Permalink Reply by Wulf Forrester-Barker on -
I think "Lead Worshipper" came out of the New Wine area. I recall that Matt Redman wrote about it although I haven't read that book. I think it was an attempt to get people (including "worship leaders") to think about the role coming from a worshipful relationship with God and leading the way forward because you have taken the time to become very familiar with that ground.
However, it does seem slightly odd. I blame it on the association of "lead guitarists" who want to transform every three minute song with a seven minute guitar solo which is all about them... ;-)
Wulf
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Permalink Reply by Julia Chantrell on
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I went on a worship course run by a New Wine chappie [who shall be nameless] where he insisted on the term Lead Worshipper. As his main aim seemed to be to treat the rest of the team as a backing band and keep them out of the way, I did slightly wonder about his motives...
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Permalink Reply by Gav on -
i think the point matt redman et al are making is that the holy spirit is the worship leader and we are all worshippers. also one of the worshippers (normally the one with the guitar and mic!) leads people to worship God therefore is the lead worshipper. i still prefer music leader in all of this tho.
God bless,
gav.
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Permalink Reply by Mark Barlow on -
Just, joined the forum, so be kind if I post something that has already been said. One thing that I have always kept in mind came from Dave Fellingham in a seminar I went to. He started by saying. My ministry is as a prophet not a Worship Leader. Whatever the title, worship leader was not among the ministries that Paul spoke about in Ephesians. I have observed a worrying trend in recent years that really promotes the role of a worship leader. It doesn't take much to think of many "Big names" in the area of Worship Leaders. Now I am sure that this is more about the perception of these people rather than their own heart, it is natural, they are a focal point when a congregation comes together. Music is an emotive medium and can move us on an emotional level, thus it is a position of power and thus immense responsibility. Who is the most well known worship leader of all time? Matt Redman? Stuart Townend? Darlene Zschech? I think it is probably the devil. He led the angels in worship of God and wanted some for himself. Whatever the title, lets not put people on a pedestal. I have been involved in leading worship for many years, and I still pray for humility above talent. I always start from a point of I am going to worship and others are welcome to come with me. Call me what you like, worship leader, worship co-ordinator, worship pastor (Prefer not that one. too pretentious) music leader. Basically I am just someone who it going into the throne room to worship my father. A leader is just someone who shows someone the way to go. Above all, it is for God's glory.
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"An excellent resource for anyone involved in worship music. The video clips make for a more relevant and refined collection than you find on YouTube and there are plenty of diverse but interesting subjects being debated in the forum as well."
Marie Page, Director, Musicademy
"He Must Increase .com is the UK Worship Leader Network, with a UK worship forum, blogs, groups, videos, photos, set lists, discussions, UK worship events & worship music! Meet Christian UK worship leaders and musicians here."
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