Just as in the larger culture, certain terms come and go even in the Church. Ever since the advent of the American Jesus Movement in the late 60’s – leading worship in music took on a life of its own. There emerged in that time and atmosphere, and new focused role called the “Worship Leader.” This worship leader was considered part of the ministry team. The role grew and grew to what might be perceived as occupying a very outsized place of influence. And typically (though certainly not in all cases) this new ministry office seemed to come with its own set of rules.

Worship leaders by and large (and forgive me if I paint with too broad of a brush here) were not held to the same rigorous standards as those who preached and taught. Talent was a main ingredient. Whether or not the music chosen was Biblically sound was not as much a primary concern, as long as it used Bible language or concepts. More importantly it seems – if it produced a certain atmosphere, evoking a visceral response in the congregation.

So the worship leader could be a man or a woman. No distinctions needed there. And perhaps their lifestyles were not as scrutinized as others in ministry. Afterall, they were usually “artsy” and free-spirited and not overly theological. With some very noted and notable exceptions.

Now I don’t want to make that sound entirely out of line. Music should help people fix on Biblical truth in memorable ways that also stir the emotions – with the truth – above just the music itself.

I watched a video recently where someone was reacting to a live recording in Denmark by Gary Brooker of Procol Harum fame, performing the amazing piece – A Whiter Shade of Pale. It is a masterpiece. The man watching the performance broke into tears. The piece is highly emotive. The music is truly beautiful and carried by a melody and chord progression which easily lead one to high emotions. These coupled with a set of very enigmatic lyrics can have a profound effect. But make no mistake, it is not worship.

Truly, this phenomenon can be repeated even in so-called Christian music. The right chords, and a haunting melody can actually eclipse the message – especially if the message is not clearly communicating Biblical truth, but is sufficiently vague to let the “worshipper” sort of pour their own meaning and emotion into it.

Now as far back as Exodus 15, we have Moses’ sister Miriam, leading the people in singing to the Lord in regard to his deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage and the miracle of parting the Red Sea. It was an appropriate response. And it fixed on exalting God for his great works. But the very next record of something similar – and serving as both a warning and a counterpoint is in Exodus 32. As Moses descends Sinai with the tables of the Law, he hears something coming from the camp. Once again there is singing and dancing by God’s people – but this time as they celebrated the consecration of the Golden Calf. God’s people, engaging in the identical behavior – but this time, it is idolatrous. It did not have as its anchor – God, and who and what he was and had done. But it was no less joyous, emotional and done by God’s People. It is worth considering.

All of that aside, I want to argue briefly, that all of God’s people ought to be worship leaders, and that we take back that role from a few select talented folk. How so? We catch the concept in 1 Peter 2:0-10 “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.”

As a people, God has set aside the Redeemed, that we might proclaim, make known, HIS virtues. HIS perfections. HIS glory. And that, more than our joy or feelings about it, as legitimate as they are.

It is a call for an entire congregation of people to delight ourselves in who and what God is and what he has done, and to communicate that to one another over and over and over. And that, with this focus – his deliverance in the cross from the darkness and bondage of sin, having received mercy, and now being made his own people. In other words – to magnify the work of Christ on our behalf.

You may not be able to carry a tune in a bucket. You may not be able to play a single instrument. But you and I can lead others into worship, as we rehearse for ourselves and to one another – the glory of God in our salvation. As we lift up the cross of Christ. And remind each other, especially in our struggles, that he is holy, and good and merciful and full of grace and forgiveness and has purchased us for himself with the blood of Jesus – and has granted us his Spirit, his people, his Word, access to his throne in prayer – and the promise of eternal life in the resurrection.

Let us lead one another in this kind of worship today. And every day.

Be a true Worship Leader.