The term “worship leader” means many different things in many different churches, but if you are part of a team that puts words in the mouths of God’s people then you are accountable to God for those words.
You might be the bass player. You might be a vocalist who sings whatever songs your pastor assigns. You might be the only “music person” in a small church, and thus have inherited the “worship leader” mantle whether you feel qualified or not. Or you might be a high-level pastor at a megachurch, responsible for choosing and composing songs, writing prayers and crafting the entire order of service.
Maybe your role is behind the scenes in a liturgy committee, or a songwriting group. Or maybe you’re the much-loved primary “frontman” for your church’s worship ministry, week in and week out. And just as there are many different ways in which you might be a member of the worship team or the “worship person,” there are many different forms of church government to hold you accountable.
But whether you are held accountable by elders, deacons, committees, the congregation, denominational leadership or anyone else, remember that God ultimately holds you accountable. And why wouldn’t he? The songs you choose, write, sing or play for your congregation will be on their lips and in their hearts during that meeting and perhaps for days, weeks or even years to come. Those words may be the sung-prayers your people offer to God as they’re struggling through a troubled marriage, through sickness, through celebrations and even through their final days and moments on this earth.
Accountability To God Got You Scared Yet?
The good news, as Sandra McCracken wrote in “Awake My Soul,” is:
This grace gives me fear, and this grace draws me near,
And all that it asks, it provides
God has given you His word and His spirit. God has also given you those elders and fellow servants — the members of His church. He’s given you faith and He gives wisdom to all who ask (James 1:5). And when you mess up, He gives grace to you and grace to your congregation.
You and I are accountable to almighty God, friends. And that is a good thing. Let’s trust in the wisdom of the Ancient of Days, and lean on the everlasting arms.
Photo above courtesy Chuck Heeke: Kristen Gilles on piano, Chad Watson acoustic guitar, Mike Cosper bass guitar