Worship Leader, Please, Love The Local Church! There’s nothing more beautiful than the local church – the redeemed people of God, called out of darkness into light, made righteous in Christ. It is every growing, expanding, and though far from perfect, it is the hope of the world. The statement I just made might have caused you to say “amen”. It may have stirred your heart. But living out this passion is another story – but may the most important story your life can tell. So many worship leaders are waiting for the day that they can “move on” from their churches. Waiting for the day where they can have the same, top notch band at all times. No more mediocre musicians to “deal with”. No more sound & tech issues. Or, maybe the rockstar, worship leader dream isn’t what makes you discontent. Maybe it’s the fact that you are frustrated in your role – not enough musicians, time, or appreciation for your hard work. I want to plead with you in this post – embrace the mess. Dive into the tension. Love your church. There’s no greater people to serve. There’s no more worthwhile mission. There’s no higher vision. Your life investment of leading people into the presence of God and releasing people into ministry is a rockstar vision. Your systems of giving mediocre musicians a place to grow and develop is more rewarding than hogging the stage for yourself. There’s nothing wrong with the traveling, itinerant musician or speaker. I’m not here to demonize anything done outside of the local church. God’s not opposed to your ministry reaching a wider audience. But you are also meant to serve God’s people somewhere – in a specific place. Put down roots. Submit to a pastor. And this isn’t just for full or part time church staff pastors. This is also important for artists and evangelists whose calling is to go. 5 Benefits of Staying Connected to a Local Church: Here’s a few reasons why we need you to put down roots in a local church: 1. Submission to a Pastor – I know, you and your pastor may not always connect and agree on everything. But for your life to have the greatest impact, you need a pastor. Someone who can watch over your spiritual well-being, speak the hard truth to your heart, and guide you in discerning the will of God and what’s best for your life. 2. Serving Someone Else’s Vision – There’s something about owning someone else’s vision that is good for your soul. You learn how to make someone else succeed. You learn how to live for more than yourself. Plain and simple, you learn how to serve, hustle, and give your best to others. These are indispensable lessons if you plan to lead your own ministry, business, or movement. 3. Living for a Greater Mission – Without the accountability of a local church, I would probably succumb to ignoring God’s values in service to my own. My heart is so prone to wander. By rooting myself in a local church, I’m reminded of God’s mission in the world on a weekly basis. I’m challenged to reach the lost, care for people, pray for people, fast, and live for heaven. 4. Sustained Impact Over Time – What do you think will have the greatest impact? An evening of ministry in a city or years and years of relationship-building, discipleship, and investment in a community? Sustained ministry over time is far from glamorous, but the rewards can be massive. I’m not criticizing evangelists and artists who tour – our varied gifts is what makes the body of Christ work. I’m simply wanting to spotlight the difference sustained impact over time can have. 5. A Community – When you travel or church-hop, you may meet a lot of people who like you. They appreciate what you do. They are your fans. But you need more than fans. You need a community. You need friends and family who know the real you. They see your faults and still welcome you in. They see your giftings and still speak the truth to you. You need friends who invest in you and you invest in them. You pray, fast, laugh, grieve, and hang out together through life’s seasons. I hope you feel challenged and encouraged. You need a local church and your local church needs you.
Posted on: Mon, 23 Sep 2013 22:55:39 +0000
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