Our goal as a worship leader (church leader)?
The way we "lead" worship and the format of our service is shaping the congregation over time into a certain type of worshipper. I think with this in mind, our focus will gravitate towards providing an atmosphere where authentic worship can be expressed and getting our attitudes, agendas and pride out of the way so God can shape the worshipper.
"It seems to me that one of the ways that consumerism has really afflicted the church, is in the urgency and pressure that churches are under to deliver an “experience” at every single service that will keep the attendee coming back. The result is that we grossly overestimate what is possible in a 75-minute format, and we tragically underestimate what it is we’re doing in a 20-year format. It strikes me that most of Jesus’ illustrations for spiritual growth are botanical illustrations—seeds, branches, vines—and that, by implication, Jesus is stressing that our long-term spiritual health may not be so much about mountaintop experiences as about faithful practices and obedience."
Isaac Wardell
How exhausting it is to try and "deliver an experience" every week to keep the attendee coming back! I understand that the disconnect among church leaders can develop here with the word "experience" as that can be interpreted different ways. What is the "experience" we want for our congregation?
If our focus is on providing an atmosphere where the worshipper can truly connect with God, hear God and respond to Him, I think they will come back.
God help us to honor you with our preparation and help us to get out of your way when we do prepare! It's your agenda, it's your church and your ways and thoughts are higher than ours!
