The Worship Leader’s Bible
This is the first of a series of introductions to my Biblical teaching on worship and worship leading called the Worship Leader’s Desk. At this point I plan on three series:
- The Worship Leader’s Desk–Administration,
- The Worship Leader’s Bible–Theology of Worship and Worship Leading, and
- The Worship Leader’s Headset–Managing the Music of Worship.
Once each week I will post articles introducing the chosen topics.
Who am I to take on such a task? I have been an eye-witness and a participant in the changes in public worship from the 1950s to the present day, from my childhood through my senior citizenhood. I’ve been involved since I started playing my clarinet in church when I took band in the 6th grade. The call of God on my life to do this was made clear to me in High School which led to a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1971. My professional life began as a band director in my hometown as I also traveled in ministry with my mother and father as “The Phifers.” That’s how I met Freeda!
In 1975 Freeda and I went fulltime in music ministry leading to positions at all levels of fulltime leadership in 8 churches and 6 states, on 3 college faculties, and as Field Representative for the National Office of our denomination. Along the way I have tried to continue to grow as a musician by earning a Masters in Music Education (1986) and developing my passion song writing and arranging. My biblical study of worship has grown into several books on the subject, a daily devotional website, a worship renewal website, and a doctorate in worship studies.(2004)
Along this 50+ year journey…
- I witnessed the introduction of scripture songs in the 1970s.
- I saw the entrance of contemporary songs in the Praise and Worship Movement of the 1980’s and 1990’s.
- I’ve witnessed the progression from the “Song Services” of my childhood and youth to the “Praise and Worship” part of the public worship service.
- The office of leadership grew from “song leader” to “worship leader” to “worship arts pastor.”
- I’ve seen the stated purpose of public worship grow from no stated purpose to “prepare to receive the Word,” to “reach people with the songs they like” to “worship is a church growth tool.”
- Ministry to people is the continuing theme as ministry to the Lord too often remains a lost opportunity.
- I have seen the influence of large churches and the worship music industry in this century concert the platform to a marketplace.
- As popular music styles have become the norm, I have seen the scriptural command that “one generation should declare His works to the other” treated as an option rather than a unifying motivation.
Where in the Bible can we find a history that speaks to us today of the purpose of public worship? The dedication of Solomon’s Temple is priceless and so full of meaning for us today.
2 Chronicles 5:13
It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD.
This moment in history became my goal for every service of worship I led. I wanted to minister to the Lord the way that priestly choir and orchestra did! It wasn’t about pleasing the people–it was about ministering to the Lord, giving Him “the glory due His name.” The power behind this moment of true worship was the unity of all those making this music. They were “as one,” making a unified sound “praising and thanking the Lord.” The result was an unprecedented divine visitation. That’s the result of ministering to the Lord! If we target one group of people with the music they like and we succeed, we have still failed to minister to the others. We do not have the ability to minister to everyone standing out there in front of us–but Jesus does!
So, if you are a worship leader (Chief Musician) or a lead worshiper (Lead Pastor) and you are still learning your calling and your craft, check in here each week. I look forward to sharing with you!
Semper Reformanda!
Dr. Steve Phifer
DrStevePhifer@Gmail.com
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Priority ONE: Ministry TO the Lord
The single most important thing I have learned from the Bible about worship and worship leading is the concept, the essential, that Worship is Ministry TO the Lord. It is more than ministry for the Lord. It is even more than ministry with the Lord. The result of worship well done is indeed ministry to the people, but this is not something we do. It doesn’t flow from artistry. repertoire, technology, or even sincere preparation. We do not save people or heal them or see them through a crisis or encourage them or help them find God’s plan for their life. The Holy Spirit does all that as we minister to the Lord, giving Him the glory due His name! One of the 7 Biblical Models of Worship I discovered is “The Lord’s Office-Place.” When He responds to our worship with His divine presence, He begins working all through the room, meetings the needs of the people. How? Because the room has become His Office-Place where His power and authority are at work in people’s lives. Explore this worship model using the link below.
In the two articles I present today, I relate the story of how I learned this when I first became a worship leader. This post serves as an introduction to this 2-part post, “Heaven’s Children, Learning How to Minister to the Lord.”
I read so many posts from worship leaders about the challenging aspects of this calling and craft. The truth is this: No one can assemble a stage full of inwardly motivated singers and instrumentalists backed by a crew full of technicians, all of whom need to get there early and even come an extra night to prepare to lead worship and expect a uneventful cruise on the River of Life. If motivations are not standardized and shared, inner conflicts will sound louder than the hottest mic on the platform.
The unifying motive should be ministry to the Lord, not the joy and challenge of making music. We are servants, not stars, priests unto the Lord, not performers on stage. If ministry to people is the heart of your w0rship leadership ministry, it simply will not endure the inevitable strife as inner motivations clash outwardly. This is not some theory I read in a book; it is a deep and powerful truth I have lived by. I can think of no better starting place for our study of biblical truth on worship!
Semper Reformanda!
Dr. Steve Phifer
DrStevePhifer@Gmail.com
Here is another article from the Fire and Form Series. There is a practical side to the “Ministry to the Lord” concept. It presents us with a choice!
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