“Worship” – What On Earth Do We Call It?
“Worship” is such a time-worn and easy term to describing the act of singing to God. But it’s also quite misleading, and maybe not the best choice…
Does it imply that we are only worshiping WHEN we sing?
What about when we aren’t singing? Isn’t that worship too? (Yes – Romans 12)
But we all know and use the phrase “Worship leader” and it’s tricky to find an alternative..
Got any suggestions?
-Vicky
How about combining two words and making it “songship leader”? We just have to remember that it's not about us who are up there in front of everyone leading the people in song, it is about His people singing praises to Him. He loves to hear us praise Him in song.
I like this thread…I think that there should be the term “worship leader”, and I think that person is the Pastor. The caveat is that the Pastor knows and understands this, and what worship is. This doesn't mean that the Pastor has to lead the singing/playing. But it does mean their care for their flock leads the congregation to worship. Remembering as well that we need to give our worship to Him, more than He needs to receive it. Similar to tithing; He doesn't need our money, we need to give it.
For those who play/sing in front of the congregation, perhaps calling us worship facilitators would be appropriate, because we facilitate the Pastor/Worship Leader's call.
I like “Praise & worship conductor”
What this does is The 'praise' adds the musical connotation to the all encompassing 'worship'. While the conductor signifies a lead of instruments. Wether it be cantor, strings or wind.
I still think the voice is the most precious instrument, anyway this is a volume of my thoughts crammed into a single sentence. My grandfather was identified in the community of believers as 'conductor' because of the revelation of the word WORSHIP at the time was much more thorough….
The Greek word latria best fits which is best explained as 'adoration' exclusively reserved for God alone.
Ok that's enough lol, I really like the direction of this blog.
Bill x
I think the term “worship leader” is entirely appropriate… and sobering at the same time. When describing all of life as worship, we don't want to undermine the special worship that God calls us to in singing and hearing the Word of God preached in the gathered church. The Bible uses words translated “worship” to refer to specific acts of worship at times, so I think calling the service “worship,” and our role “the worship leader,” is perfectly legitimate. To reduce our role or function to “the song guy” or the “music time” I think minimizes what God has called us to do in those times.
At the same time I think the term “worship leader” is also sobering. The fact that worship is also a lifestyle means that as a “worship leader,” I also need to be concerned about leading off the stage. The term “worship leader” actually helps us broaden our scope so that we humbly consider if our life is in accordance with our song. I want to lead by modeling worship on and off the stage… not minimizing either one. If I seek to be a “song leader,” then I am just that (but any person with a decent voice can do that)… but if I seek to be a worship leader, my priorities change and I seek to disciple people at a different level.
PS- I also don't really like “lead worshipper.” I understand and appreciate the heart behind the phrase being that we need to be leading by example as a worshipper ourselves, but I personally think it makes us sound like we're the guy (or gal) that God wants to hear first. In reality, I'm a leader among equals.
i like “song leader”… seems sensible because we lead the songs! Worship is how we respond to God everyday, in any context, with any expression… hopefully we who lead songs are worshippers…
If we take a legalistic view of what Jesus describes worship as in John: 4, 20-24 we are sorely missing the mark unless we play air guitars and sing in tongues (think about the poor power point guy trying to type in real time, no one would volunteer for that job, LOL)
Being real though, If I were to ask most mature Christians who play music for an audience I think most would describe what they do as a ministry. Vicky, I think this holds true for you also. So why not call it what it is, a music ministry with the title music minister. I think most folks find it easier to talk to a “minister” as opposed to a “leader”, less intimidating
If we honestly look at what we do at church when music is played it fits well into Webster’s definition of devotional. To me it’s corporate devotion. This is how I view it. If I ran a church this is also what I’d call it.
To me the fact that our God is seeking a one on one relationship is the great discriminator in our faith and one that should be taught when in comes to our life as well as worship
Sorry if I sound preachy or like I’m splitting hairs as that’s not my intention. I just know in my own life worship is something far greater then music and I’m very grateful for that.
Keep the Faith,
Z
This is first time I've read the blog post and good, challenging thoughts, it is these kind of questions that keep us evolving, moving forward and striving to better. So forgive me for paying catch up and being a bit simple.
It has been something that I have thought about. If we refer to worship as soley a time of co-orporate gathering then what are we doing in own times of worship? I'm sure all of us have moments when we are in our private times of prayer, praise and worship.
It is odd how something that might not quite sit right becomes the definition and everyone knows what is implied by the words used.
Words are incrediby important to define things so people have some idea of what is happening. Titles are also important but perhaps we need well defined titles not just a case picking of something.
Who was first called a 'worship leader'? Does the title Music leader or director take something away from the holy and spiritual nature of what we are doing? I guess you could say I'm with Nikki (I have just skim read some comments).
I have often though that worship is a response of a heart and soul that has felt and seen a glimpse of the majesty and awesomeness of the great love of God expressed on earth by Christ and stirred in us by the Holy Spirit.
The songs that we sing in a corporate or personal time of worship are an expression of that.
Perhaps there are no Worship Leaders other than the Holy Spirit and we are all worship followers (entirely random thought). Maybe song leader is the best description we will get?
I would trace back the emergence of the modern 'worship leader' from the time of the Jesus Movement that was a 60s Christian counter culture period. People like Campus Crusade for Christ were part of huge festivals that rode on the back of musical jamborees that changed the face of music amongst Christian youth. The liturgical traditions were quickly being replaced by more familiar contemporary sounds. Kind of like God taking back his music!
I for one am happy about this, because any genre of music thats good, is from God. Musical notation is annointed, its only the words that corrupt.
I think that the song leader has a bigger task than this title suggests, when my pastor addresses the band its only after he knows the holy spirit is finished doing what he wanted to do with the music. The sound changes, lifts, stops often; Even then, minstry time should be given every opportunity.
And this I feel is the reason why contemporary worship has developed into the mould & need for a song leader per say, because more and more congregations are focused on being led by the spirit during this time.
Even very mainline protestant Churches in my country can't deny the influence of more charasmatic groups like the AOG from traditional hymn books into similar styles.
For me, a worship leader is the one leading people to worship God. A song leader is the one teaching the right song to be sung during worship. Both of them should have the heart of Jesus with always a right motive before God.
Romans 12:1 is the spiritual act worship, a daily worship that worship / song leader should always remember.
As a pastor, I feel the same concerns. Within our worship arts team, I refer to what is normally called a worship as our weekend team. I refer to our worship leaders as team leaders. I have found this helpful.
- Brad
Amen! Preach it sista'.
The first mention of the word “worship” in scripture is
Gen 22:5 And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and the lad will go yonder, and worship, and come again to you. (Now The Dude is going to Kill his boy in obedience and uses the word “worship”, wow)
That Hebrew word is:
שׁחה
shâchâh
shaw-khaw'
A primitive root; to depress, that is, prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God): – bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.
So how bout “The Psalmster”
Why not use the biblical term from the Psalms, Music Director? Side note – Can someone please tab Emmanuel? Ever since I first heard it I've so much wanted to do it for communion. Thanks