August 14, 2016 "Worship Leaders"

When we think of worship leaders, we often think of musicians, the Pastor and other people who do things at the front of the worship space. How often do we think of greeters and ushers as worship leaders? Most studies agree that a visitor to worship will decide within 10 minutes of arriving whether or not they will return. Notice that this is not within the first 10 minutes of the sermon or even the first 10 minutes of worship, but the first 10 minutes after arriving in the parking lot!

Assuming that this is true, most visitors have decided before the first word of the sermon is uttered, sometimes before worship even starts. The image that visitors get of the church begins before they even leave their car. Is the building well maintained? Is it accessible? How do other worshipers look? Are they excited or do they look like they just want to get this over? As people go in the door, is there someone to welcome them? Does someone point out where the restrooms are, where the nursery is? Do people invite them to sit with them and talk with them? All these things happen or not before the very first note of the prelude is struck on the piano.

So while music and the sermon are important parts of worship, your part is the most important. Do we arrive on Sunday mornings expecting to have an encounter with God or are we just going through the motions? For those of us who have the gift of hospitality, do we talk only with our friends, or do we seek out those persons whom we may not know, even if they are long time members? For those of us who are more introverted, do we at least meet the people sitting by us in worship and get to know them by name? Do we wear our nametags so that people who may not know our names (e.g. Pastor Brad) can get to know us?

We are not all called to be musicians or give the children’s message or preach a sermon. We are all called to meet with our risen Lord and Savior on a daily basis. Hebrews 10:25 tells us, “Don't stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.” So look around at the worshipers around you. What can you do to encourage them? How can they encourage you? Face it, you are a worship leader!