Let’s break this down.
Worship is the act of ascribing worth to something.
You can’t ascribe worth to something if you don’t know anything about it.
I can’t truly, deeply worship calculus because, quite honestly, I know nothing about it (I must have skipped that during high school).
But I could. I could dedicate my life to learning its intricacies, solving its problems, writing a book, starting a blog, and declaring its wonder. By the grace of Almighty God, I won’t dedicate my life to that.
When we don’t know about something, our worship is shallow. Even insulting. It’s akin to me teaching a graduate level calculus class.
When it comes to worship (and worship leading), deeper knowledge should equal deeper worship. I want to pursue a deeper knowledge of God so my worship is continually fresh.
Worship Leader, this is why your highest calling is to know and love God’s Word…everyday. The more time you spend in it, the more ‘transcendent’ your worship leading will be. Want to stay fresh? Dive into the Bible and discover more about this God you worship. See His glory…and worship. See His wisdom…and worship. See His wrath…and worship. See His beauty…and worship. See what you don’t understand…and worship.
Make it your goal every day to see God in His Word and worship. Respond to it. It’s not merely intellectual assent. It becomes heartfelt longing.
Question: Do you consider time spent in the Word a worship leader’s most important discipline? What would you add?
“When it comes to worship (and worship leading), deeper knowledge should equal deeper worship.” // Amen dude. It amazes me how many people have an amazing amount of knowledge but don’t use it to go deeper with God in worship. Instead they use it as an argument for what God is against. Really great point!
So true, Brad. The Bible warns us of this when it says “knowledge puffs up”. We need to be more impressed with God through our knowledge, not ourselves. Thanks for sharing.
So true!
I have been reading ‘Knowledge of the Holy’ by Tozer, and the very first line says “What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.” This is true of everyone, and definitely of those who are leading others in worship of God. Thanks for this post.
Dude, that’s one of my favorite books of all time. Just finished it again a few months ago. Well said.
Great post David. In addition to time in the Word, I might add it’s important to spend time with the Spirit, in His presence. For sure though, pursuing the intimate “knowing” of God is fuel for the worship leaders tank.
Totally true, Rob. I think we need to read our Bibles with the Spirit, in His presence. That’s the best approach. Thanks for the comment.
Definitely!
I think I’ve heard Bob Kauflin say, ‘A deeper theology leads to deeper worship.’ That really hit me like a ton of bricks.
Totally. Deeper theology can also lead to deeper pride (knowledge puffs up), though. Worship is what keeps us humble. Good stuff!
Whoah! Am totally blown away with this article! So true! Thanks for the reminder!
No problem!
Great point, David. It is also worth pointing out that becoming a more effective worship leader is not the ultimate reason to spend time getting to know God. Ultimately, its purely to know God. There is no higher calling than that. Having fresh worship should never be the motivation to seek his face, but will definitely be a result. Jesus is the reward! Hallelujah!!
Couldn’t agree more, Derek!
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