Worship is a display of reverence; the act of giving praise, honor, and glory to another. We must make sure we are offering worship that God will accept - God must be approached acceptably with reverence and godly fear (Heb. 12:28); Christians are to worship God in spirit and in truth (John 4:23-24); and everything must be done decently and in order (1 Cor. 14:40). Leadership is required to accomplish this task.
It is God’s will that men lead the local church in worship (1 Tim. 2:8). When a man steps forward to lead the church in an act of worship, he is not performing before the congregation for their approval. He is helping the entire congregation offer their worship before God for His approval. Let’s consider some things that can be helpful to the men who are leading our worship.
General Observations
Be prepared. The Work Assignments list is prepared to give men a notice of when and in what capacity they will serve. Don’t wait until the last minute. The elders have requested that part of the preparation be making sure you are wearing your best clothing for your service.
Be on time. This should be true for every assembly, but if you are scheduled to lead, please make sure you are here before a replacement is found for you!
Speak up and use good posture. The elders have also asked that men who are speaking use the microphones at the front of the auditorium. Some of our members have difficulty hearing things that are said from the pews. They can’t join in the worship if they can’t hear you. Stand up straight when you are leading any act of worship.
Be reverent. There is an appropriate time and place for everything (Eccl. 3:1-8). Approaching God is always a time for reverence and respect.
Leading Prayer
Understand what is needed for each type of prayer. We have prayers in different parts of our worship service. Lead a prayer that is appropriate for that part. For example, a closing or dismissal prayer is just that. It is not a time to repreach the sermon. Members are ready to be dismissed, so word a prayer that is appropriate for that situation. A prayer before Bible class is a time to specifically ask God to bless the study about to take place. Our Lord has given the example for prayers at the communion table – a simple blessing of the bread and the fruit of the vine.
If you are starting out at leading prayer – practice at home, write out your prayer, bring an outline to the microphone with you and use it when leading the prayer. Use your natural voice. It is not a performance. If you freeze up in the middle of your prayer or forget what to say next, remember these words – “In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen” – and end the prayer.
Serving at the Lord’s Table
Each week a different man is assigned to be the Table Speaker. This man has the opportunity to lead our minds in consideration of Scriptures that will help us further focus on the matter at hand – remembering the Lord’s suffering, death, and resurrection.
Select an appropriate Scripture to read and prepare some brief remarks that will help everyone present to focus their minds on this important act of worship. Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard.
Reading Scripture
Read through the passage ahead of time. Practice reading out loud at home before services. This will allow you to become familiar with the passage and discover any words or names that may be difficult for you to pronounce.
Announce the book, chapter, and verses you will be reading. Give the members time and opportunity to find the passage in their Bible so they can follow along with you.
Read naturally and clearly. Don’t go too fast or too slow. Observe the punctuation marks. This will allow your reading to flow and be understood, and will also help with your breathing.
While it is an admirable goal to memorize Scripture, remember this is called Scripture Reading, not Scripture Reciting.
Song Leading
Choose songs that are appropriate for each part of our service. Make sure the congregation knows the song. There is a time and place for us to learn new songs.
While it is not necessary, it is nice if the song before the sermon can tie in with the theme of the sermon. Also, try not to lead slow songs before the sermon.
Additional Thoughts and Suggestions
Ask for help, advice, or instruction. Various men in this congregation do a great job at leading different parts of our worship. Ask one of them to help you to develop in these areas.
“What if I make a mistake?” If the Lord required perfection in this area, no one would be able to lead us in worship. Mistakes happen. As a rule, the members of the congregation are very understanding and sympathetic. There is a good chance that, when the services are over, you will be the only person who even remembers that you made a mistake. Don’t let a “what if” keep you from stepping forward and serving the Lord.