Utumishi Blog

Here’s another great reflection from James Imbo:

I am a worship leader and a preacher too. This question lingers in my mind every time I lead people in worship or even share a ‘powerful’ sermon: “Whenever I lead worship, do people leave talking about my talent? Or are they amazed by the greatness of God?”  The correct answer to this question is what differentiates a true, faithful and authentic worship leader/preacher/teacher from a performer. A worship leader/teacher/preacher should posses the following characteristics (just to mention a few):

1. They Study God’s Word. They are people (men and women) of the Word. When they begin to sense boredom with the Bible, they know the problem is with their own heart. They realize they can’t lead where they’re not going and that they can’t give what they don’t have.
2. They Equip Other People For Ministry. Effective worship leaders/preachers/teachers don’t just focus on the advancement of their careers. They advance others. They find joy in sharing the spotlight. They don’t simply lead worship/preach/teach, but inspire others to do as well. Their life is about equipping, not just doing it all themselves (2 Timothy 2:2).
3. They Build Teams. Great worship leaders/teachers/preachers make room. They recruit others. They get people involved. They are constantly building, growing, expanding.
4. They Have a Teachable Spirit. There’s a difference between loving to lead worship/teach/preach and loving to worship/to be taught/to listen to others preach. Nothing wrong with either, but something is wrong when you’re a professional worship leader/teacher/preacher who cannot sit at the feet of Jesus or other preachers/teachers to learn or be led.  Authentic worship leaders/preachers/teachers answer the call to respond to God themselves. They cry in the presence of God. They worship/study in secret.