I was going to entitle this post “Final Thoughts,” but that’s probably not going to happen. One of the reasons I started this blog was to explore this role in an ongoing way. But this does mark the end of the series on the role of the corporate worship leader. Really.

If you’re a musician who is responsible to lead others in praising God, I pray you’ve been served by this series. I’m grateful for those of you who have taken the time to post an encouraging comment, expand upon my thoughts, or ask questions. We need to continually ask ourselves if what we’re doing is lining up with Scripture.

On most Wednesday mornings I have the joy of meeting with the 19 men who are currently in the Sovereign Grace Pastor’s College. These men have moved to Gaithersburg, Maryland to spend 9 intense months of study preparing for future or continued pastoral ministry. Each week, one of the guys is assigned to lead us in corporate worship for about 25 minutes. We then take 15-20 minutes to evaluate how their leadership was effective, and where it could have been better. It’s always a rich time.

Some of the students have no musical ability. One is actually tone deaf. And yet I have each one of them lead the class at some point during the year. Why do I do that?

When it comes to exalting God, musical skill is a valuable, but optional, component. Yes, God often commands us to sing His praises. Yes, the longest book in the Bible is a book of songs. Yes, singing is referred to over 400 times in Scripture. Yes, but…

We gather to magnify the glory of Christ, not the glory of our music. We can still tend to think of worship and music as synonymous. They’re not. Anyone who knows the Savior, loves God’s Word, and has some gift of leadership, can lead a congregation in thanking and praising God for His character and His deeds. They can recount God’s mercies, describe His great power, and pray for God’s name to be exalted in our lives. They can share testimonies of God’s faithfulness, lead us in confessing our sins, and remind us of the glorious Redeemer who endured the wrath of God in our place. All of that can be done with zero musical knowledge.

Music simply helps us remember and respond to who God is and what He has done. But the object of our affections is to be God Himself, not our songs. To extend a John Piper quote, people are starved for the greatness of God, not the greatness of our music. My prayer is that God would raise up many more leaders of congregational worship who understand the difference.

7 Comments »

1. okay, so, is this really the last post (for now, I mean?) Just curious - cuz this stuff is so good I want my choir and praise team and other musicians to read it! But not till you’re done… so, let us know, Bob, are we really ending here? (for now, I mean?)

   Comment by dan mcgowan — March 2, 2006 @ 9:03 pm

2. Dan:

   Yep, really ending for now. Thanks for your encouraging words.

   Comment by Bob Kauflin — March 2, 2006 @ 10:19 pm

3. Hi there Bob, I just wanted to thank you for your time and effort. I’m just starting out with the ‘worship in song’ team. It’s been on my mind how I can serve faithfully bringing glory to God alone, and encouraging others.

   I’ve really enjoyed your posts and the helpful thoughts you’ve shared.

   Comment by James Truong — March 2, 2006 @ 10:38 pm

4. You don’t need to post this comment, but I just wanted to thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. Although I’m not a worship leader or even on a worship team, the things I have read here have helped me see God’s glory clearer and to want to love God more. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

   Comment by Grace — March 2, 2006 @ 11:27 pm

5. Bob, Thanks so much for leading us in this discussion. I am charged with training some new “Lead worshippers” because I am a Firefighter (as well as the Music Director) so my schedule is a bit wacky! So, your teaching will help me teach them. By the way, your Glad song “God is my Rock” has helped me through many tough and fearful situations in my Fire career. To know that when I pass through the flames-God is with me- is empowering. I really appreciate your ministry. Paul

   Comment by Paul Hayes — March 3, 2006 @ 10:04 am

6. Do you think that someone who is tone deaf can consistently bring a congregation to worship. I say this because I have been involved at a church where we have a girl as a back up singer, who can’t seem to sing anything on key. We had our hands tied by the pastor, so we just kept her mic. off so it wouldn’t distract us, but a new guy lead one week and let her sing with the mic on. Me the bass, and lead guitarist had to drop out, because we couldn’t tell what was going on, and the congregation just stood there kind of dazed. I don’t mind turning her mic off, but I don’t want to stand next to her, because it throws me off, however I am not sure we have been doing the right thing. I am not sure how I feel about it, I wish there was an easy answer.

   Comment by Matt Cassidy — April 25, 2007 @ 10:18 pm

7. Bob,
   Your blog is blessing me and those I am serving here in India! Praise God for his faithfulness to build his church throughout the world!

   Comment by Rob — March 4, 2008 @ 8:57 am

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