The entries in this section recognize the importance of strong servant leadership and adequate planning for most services of worship. They focus first on the character and skills necessary for leadership in worship, with specific suggestions from various traditions. The entry on planning worship covers each of the major traditions. It also provides some general comments on planning in the context of the year, planning for continuity, and using a team approach to plan worship. The entries in...
A constant enemy of worship leaders is busyness, for it takes them away from the all-important time spent with God. Other aspects of personal preparation for worship leading include knowing the needs of the congregation one serves; beginning preparations for services early in the week, if not weeks ahead of time (by choosing sermon themes far in advance); and seeking input from others.
Effective worship leading requires much more than just nailing down its technical aspects. As important as or more important than technical skills are the worship leader's relationship with God and with others, his or her spiritual walk, knowledge of Scripture, attitudes, lifestyle, self-discipline, and understanding of music.
A philosophy of worship involves the way we approach worship and should include both a thorough analysis of and an explicit statement of our underlying presuppositions. Understanding our "worship worldview" (for example, the cultural background and formal training we bring to our task) will help us to understand why we worship the way we do. It is therefore important to articulate this worldview as clearly and precisely as possible (preferably in a written format).