Do you want to be great? I’m pretty sure that most of us, if not all, would answer that by saying, “Yes.” I think we all aspire to greatness in various areas.
Have you ever thought about what it takes to be a great worship leader?
Perhaps you are starting to think of the worship leaders who have many CD projects out, or those who are well known with a huge following; what we call, “famous.” Maybe you’re thinking of those who have lived and died yet continue to have a lasting impact on and influence in the worship arena.
Maybe your thoughts go to that amazing lead guitar player whose licks will make you drool, or to the songwriters that are so prolific with hit after hit after hit that it makes you want to put down your instrument and walk away.
What does the Bible say about greatness? Can we be great? Is it OK to want to be great?
The disciples aspired to greatness. They came to Jesus in Matthew 18:1-4 and asked Him who was the greatest in the Kingdom. His response to them was that it was those who became like children.
In Luke 9:46-49, the disciples were not just asking, they were actually arguing over which one of them was the greatest. Jesus replied by saying that whoever was the least among them would be the greatest.
True greatness is found in the humble heart. True greatness is found in serving others. True greatness is being confident in who God created you to be and in becoming fully alive in that truth. True greatness is deferring to each other, preferring each other over yourself.
If anyone had a right to show off and be wrapped up in Himself, it surely would have been Jesus, but He didn’t. Jesus chose rather to humble Himself by taking on the form of a servant and being made in the likeness of man. He was obedient, even to death. He knew who He was, yet was not threatened by putting it all aside for the sake of God’s plan to rescue us. (Philippians 2:1-8)
Do you want to be a great worship leader?
Great worship leaders are intentional about their own spiritual formation. Great worship leaders cultivate integrity and authenticity, where who they are on the outside lines up with who they are on the inside. Great worship leaders develop personal intimacy with God. Great worship leaders lead out of their own response of worship realizing that they cannot lead others where they are not willing to go.
Great worship leaders know that when they get up to lead others in worship, that it is not about them. Great worship leaders know how to get out of the way and make God the Famous One. Great worship leaders pay attention to the needs of their team members and their congregations and care for them with a pastoral heart. Great worship leaders are submissive to the leadership above them, even when they disagree. Great worship leaders aspire to greatness by wearing a towel around their waist as they wash the feet of those they are called to serve.
Do you want to be a great worship leader?
“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:43-45
