Stop Commiting Adultery While Leading Worship!

[@ExiledTarget]

100% agree with everything you're saying! Every weekend, my prayer has been, "God, don't let what I'm doing get in the way of what You are doing." We are there to point people to Jesus. Everything else can go wrong, but if people can't connect with Jesus because of me, that's when I feel I've failed.

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

amen!

[@EverydayChurchGuitarist]

Love a lot of what you’re saying here! One thing I take some issue with though-I think there’s a balance between humility before God and accepting recognition. Of course we are there for the purpose of worship and leading others in worship, but if someone comes up after service and says “hey, you did a really good job today” I don’t think God asks us to immediately deflect. He gave us our gifts and talents to use and we’re using them to glorify him. We put a lot of work into that. I think there’s value in letting the musicians accept a little recognition either from a leader or a congregant as long as it’s accepted with humility. Idk, just a thought. Love hearing what you have to say!

[@dkijc]

I think this is what "Worship" channels should be about; touching on subjects BEYOND music and gear. Thank you for sharing brother.

[@kevin_d_cook]

Bro, this is great. Thanks for posting this.

[@MiyagiNariyoshi]

As a worship leader, this is my take: If the temptation to perform, too much time and thoughts on gear, set lists, transitions etc, chasing newest trends, and all the other things listed hinder you from leading worship in a spiritual way, remove it. We need to get back to simply leading the congregation in singing praises to our God! Our church switched to a simple set up of acoustic guitar, bass, cajon, and other accompanying instruments like keys, cello, or violin. Lights stay on. Volume isn't too loud as to drown out the congregations voices. Songs are chosen based on gospel themes such as praise/adoration for first 2 songs, redemption for 3rd song, and response/devotion for last song. I've been going back to choosing older hymns and modernizing the arrangement. Such a blessing! All this takes away the pressure, temptations, and propensity to sin in leading worship. And it's been a blessing to the congregation as well. People feel more like we're singing together to God rather than singing along with the worship team.

[@richardputman3506]

Perfect! So good. Our motto is “Everything we do should draw attention and affection to Jesus Christ”.

[@HayesJC]

Great points. I had the opportunity to lead the music for a funeral this weekend for one of our elder saints. Traditional hymns with only the piano as accompaniment. It is clearly evident in those simplified settings if the congregation is engaged for the right reason. It's all about giving glory to God, my preference doesn't matter; style and trends don't matter. Approaching a Sunday morning with a simplicity mindset is important. Try a Sunday with zero guitar effects changes, one setting on the HX stomp and leave it alone for the whole service. Your mind is able to focus so much more on our Savior.

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

for real! we tend to put a lot into the little things. Nothing wrong with that except for when it gets in the way

[@lukemills5179]

Thank you so much for this video! It’s hard to find videos like this where it’s about mentoring worship leaders spiritually. I’d love to see more of these from you please!

[@suede__]

I remember Tara-Leigh Cobble talking about her leading worship and then being asked if she had ever read the Bible cover to cover. The rest is history. That spiritual prep is key, and not just for worship.

[@alecprange9752]

When I tell you I said out loud “OOF” when I read the title! Great stuff! Also recently read Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rockstars. Great book!

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

I know man...it hits hard. And it's such a great book. I read it years ago and was enjoying it all over again with my intern

[@MarkVillarosa]

Thanks man, this really helped, God bless you

[@wayneanderson2866]

Not sure if this comment is entirely relevant here, but about 5 yrs ago I stepped away from playing music entirely at my church. I’m not sure of the exact reason at the time, but mainly I came to the realization that the NEED to play music in my church in a band was not fulfilling me. Previously I had stepped away every few years & eventually came back because I wanted to play & ‘use what I have for God’. About a year after stepping away from the church band/worship team entirely, I felt the need to start a church small group for couples that my wife & I lead, just started our 4th year this fall. It definitely fulfills me now, & brings my wife & I closer together & gives me a fresher outlook on engaging in the worship service. What about my desires for playing music-? I realized that for me that I love the creative process of writing songs. Writing my own music & lyrics that don’t have to fit a Sunday morning format is extremely satisfying & gives me the creative outlet I needed. I realize this might not be what this community on this channel is about, but for me personally, it just helped me in so many ways & I thank God for that realization. For me right now at least a ‘Sunday morning worship band experience’ isn’t what drives me. I still enjoy keeping up with the worship community-Thanks for the great content on your channel Jimmy! 👊🏼❤️💥

[@spencergroup]

I have a similar experience. About two years ago I was actively playing bass for the worship team at church and began feeling the need to dismiss myself for a few personal reasons. Interestingly, they stopped asking me to play which I found odd because they never gave me a reason. Be that as it may, I took it as the Lord directing me to pursue a different path which includes focusing on my own songwriting and developing my worship leading skills. I have since finished an album and been guest leading worship for another church. Although this path is fulfilling to me, I have to remember that ultimately it's about honoring and glorifying God.

[@chrisb3389]

This is kind of where I'm at right now. I've played and sang on our team for the last decade or more. Now I'm leading. I did feel like God called me to step into it, but it feels like it's for a certain season and not necessarily more. I feel much more energized and excited when I write songs or work on my music production skills at home. I want to have that stuff work for his kingdom also. At some point, I'll need to step down, but it isn't really a great time now due to having nobody that can fill the gaps on our team. We blend CCM and gospel and have few musicians to hold those styles together. I need to be in prayer for the Lord to provide a good replacement. Good for you to find that other place to serve. I'd be into leading a small group if I was less involved in the other stuff (worship leading and a leader in youth group) and feel I have a teaching gift that needs to be used more.

[@earlelfrink]

Bullseye!! You nailed it! The points you make and the things you said are right on. I can speak from personal experience as a song leader and guitar player for the last 20 years, it is all about bringing the glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ.

[@jman99930]

Brother, I needed this one. Thank you, Jimmy

[@jacksonrepetskimusic]

I had never thought about any of this till watching your video. Very interest! Thanks for all the insight your channel has provided!

[@daveschorrtube]

Excellent. Thank you. Praise the lord.

[@lucasdewitartist7406]

Thanks for the admonishment. It was needed 🙏🏻 Praise God!

[@cbryantbear6498]

As a Texts guy, I love this heart. The “heart” of the matter is more important than the acts that we do (Deut. 6-9). Grateful you are leading us, Jimmy. Praying this is always true!!!

[@jrgutierrez316]

I had an intense phone call with my pastor yesterday where I pointed out the lack spiritual preparation of our worship team. He ad,fitted that he had noticed the congregation not engagement on Sundays. I'm just the guitarist but I worry about the health of my church. This has a tremendous effect. Thank you for your video. Will be getting the book you mentioned. God bless you!

[@ricardcutzh]

Thanks pastor! I needed to get this reminder 👌🔥🙌🏼

[@Lael128]

My respect for you reached an even higher level after this video Jimmy.

[@liontribegc]

Great video 🤟😺🤟

[@gilbert.imbiri]

Well said brother.

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

Thanks man....miss you!

[@1thess523]

This is good, i think one of the most important things is to make sure is everyone in the band is an actual Christian. I am a drummer but not a worship drummer and I watch a lot of drum content and I've come across quite a few big KZbin drummers who play at churches and they are not even Christians 🤦‍♂️, the other week in person I was at Guitar Center and this guy is cussing up a storm on the phone on speaker and his friend says "hey are you still playing at church" and he says "hell yes i ain't giving up that MF gig the pay well" 😮

[@earlelfrink]

You are so right about the band being christians. How can they be true to God or the church if they are not true to themselvses.

[@jrmyg1621]

Amen! Glory to God for this video

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

thank you

[@evanbrown2578]

Great video! I'm about to step into the worship leader role at the beginning of January and this video absolutely helps reinforce the purpose of why we serve. I would love to see a longer format version where you go even deeper into this topic. Also, I would love to watch a livestream of your church service if that's available!

[@davidroden3799]

Something that I see in hindsight is allowing the desire for excellence to become a quest for equivalence, or even superiority. We do not need to play every note exactly like the original recording. A song can be played well even if we do not have the same gear as the well-known artist. As you indicated, the goal is to honor God and serve the congregation.

[@Austin-GMF]

Love this video. Merry Christmas. Praying God refreshes you in this season

[@psgpicker]

Wow, this is a crushing reality for myself. Thank you for pointing this out and bringing this to my attention.

[@joony4614]

Very true brother❤😢

[@glassGPT]

Very good points throughout

[@thatasianguitarguy]

Just sent your video to Stephen. He’s a good buddy of mine!

[@benjamin.kelley]

One of the things I think people miss is the difference between a good CCM song, versus a worship song, versus a "Me Centered" worship song. There are a lot of great Christian songs out there, but not all of them are appropriate in a worship setting.

[@batty213]

I appreciate this reminder! Whenever I feel like I’m going through the motions and not connecting with God or basically doing anything you talked about in this video I try to listen to Heart of Worship by Matt Redman. I think we all will inevitably fall into one of these “traps” eventually. Always a good idea to remind people. Being that I don’t have kids yet I definitely get lost in the gear acquisition. I’ve recently been really wanting a certain guitar but I keep praying about whether or not I should get it. lol so far the Lord keeps saying no 😅. Which is okay. I just want to do His will. Not mine. Thank you again for this reminder and God bless you

[@lastreagandemocrat]

#3 💯 The whole dual-amp setups trend. People don't come to salvation because you have an AC30 coming out the left side of the house and a '65 Deluxe coming out of the right. Sometimes, I feel like a false teacher because I don't have two TONEXs on my board.

[@guitarplayer1434]

duh, everyone knows you only need a 100 watt Marshall

[@itsnosch]

I don't even use an amp. I just run my guitar straight to the PA sys LOL

[@garmac6174]

Thank you! Former worship leader and team member from 1990 to 2018 here. I began to recognize what an idol “worship (music)” was becoming in 2004, but it took until 2018 to have absolute clear vision and for my to also realize the problem. Unfortunately, my friend, due to the very NATURE of what is being done: band, stage, PA, lights, etc. you ARE a rock star. Unfortunately, the only way to combat this is to just stop it. Jesus has absolutely nothing to do with ANYTHING that is done under those circumstances (stage, PA, lights, theatrical setting). This is all the great deception of the “church” looking like the world. Good luck to you and God Bless!

[@jameshughes9706]

“Do we worship the ministry of God, or the God of the ministry?” -Ben Forehand

[@imeverywhere3969]

I hear this everywhere and no one explains what it means to connect with God while on stage performing(worshiping), musicians making sure nothing goes wrong and to get the best sound as possible isn't considered as worship? by default don't we know that we are doing for the Lord but not for ourselves?

[@Cadet44642]

I loved the song comment. I have concerns about the verb usage over the past few years. I am going down the road of song writing. Too much focus on I or me rather than Him. Just what I am wrestling with as a leader.

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

I think it's great just at least have it on our minds

[@Aaron_schaal]

Thanks for the book recommendation. I just ordered one for my son and I for a stocking stuffer.......he plays drums and I play EG.

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

That's so cool getting to serve together. That's exactly me and my son. He on drums and me on EG!

[@emburaman]

Thank you!

[@Reyvil777]

Sadly now you see it everywhere, everything is a performance, specially on evrything related to the music. Its no longer worship but a performance.

[@coltenhiatt4900]

Do you have a link or anything for the "show them Jesus" sign?

[@TheG7thcapo]

Amen

[@RedLegPiper]

Tje way tje world is i highly doubt we have even 20 years left before Christ returns

[@sodoberman]

Nice hook… and great points!! Praise God your wisdom I’m a bass player so no draw to be cool and up front… 😂 But love the reminder that Jesus is the Reason for our playing

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

haha! Bass players always getting a bad wrap. But you're my favorite!

[@sodoberman]

@ bless you … I love my job Serving Gods Groove

[@DanielDChannel]

I dont think worship leaders act like rock stars but they do tend to idolize gear and prob spend more time with their gear then spreading the gospel.

[@nomad100hd]

If you can recover from forgetting the words to a sing mid worship then you can recover from anything. 😁

[@guitarplayer1434]

my church pipes in instruments while not letting people , who could play it , play

[@DougStewartOnline]

Err I'm not on stage and no I don't see myself as a rock star. I don't try and emulate any worship artist/band thankfully. I lead sung worship as the Holy Spirit guides and yes I still make mistakes. Its not about amps, guitars, which pedals/effects to use, but how the worship group brings the congregation into the presence of the King. It seems like the more members you have in the band, the more the band has to try and be like CCM artists. I'd rather be in a small group and do basic music to the best of our ability. Worship is worship regardless of ability and numbers in the group but it seems too many leaders/pastors nowadays are hung up on performance.

[@RandyCraig-e3c]

I believe that by being on KZbin for money? Is rock star mentality. As well as using the Church to write off your guitar gear that no one else has.

[@rodhorncastle]

If the people aren't singing Christ's truth TO GOD: then we failed.

[@rodhorncastle]

And I know - I'm a music gear junkie for God (whether it's a 50 watt tube amp or a little drum box with a classic mic on it) Get those people singing...

[@scampbel100]

Spelling counts 😉

[@RexGuitars]

I thought he was making a play on “adulting” at first lol

[@natekincaid9342]

@@RexGuitarsI thought the same thing!

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

haha...I know, man. Got it taken care of in the title anyways 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@ogmakefirefiregood]

I have had a few women at my church make me blush. Maybe that's not what this video is about, but um.... yea.

[@bluzzjazz]

Personal Recognition?.........maybe the Elevation folks should take this in.

[@RexGuitars]

Well said! Poorly spelled.

[@HeyWorshipLeader]

Got it fixed in the title at least. Thanks

[@armoredsaint6639]

For everybody trying so hard not to be rock stars.Maybe we should just remember we're just providing music.We're like the guy that brings the record player at the wedding. How about that!

[@sonnybever]

🔥

[@Netgazum]

Worship is not equal to singing in a building on a Sunday. The most useless horrible thing to ever influence and infiltrate the building is the idea of a worship leader, as if it's even biblical.

[@RCDS777]

Yeah but that's not even the worst thing about these fake churches. While Jesus said that we worship in spirit and in truth, the fake churches don't even obey the bible.

[@Austin-GMF]

Love this video. Merry Christmas. Praying God refreshes you in this season