Servanthood: A Worship Leader’s One-Word Job Description
When I see worship leaders begin to lead their own team at their church or house of prayer, I imagine them getting a name badge placed on their shirt. In my mind, that badge reads: The Lord’s servant and yours. How can I help you today? If I had to sum up leadership in one word, that word would be servanthood. If you are a leader, you are someone who is called to lay down your life for others. Yes, you’re the one casting vision, giving direction, and leading the charge, but at the end of the day, you should also be the greatest servant on your team.
"If I had to sum up leadership in one word, that word would be servanthood."
The Bible talks a lot about serving one another. Jesus is the prime example of this. Mark 10 tells us that He didn’t come to be served, but to serve. He knelt down and washed His disciples’ feet in John 13. I love the description given in Isaiah 49 where it says that Jesus is the servant of rulers. In Philippians 2 He humbled himself in appearance as a man and became obedient, even to the point of death. Finally, I saved one of my favorites for last: Jesus said in Matthew 20 that if you desire to be the greatest, you must be the servant of all.
"WORSHIP LEADERS: Yes, you’re the one casting vision, giving direction, and leading the charge, but at the end of the day, you should also be the greatest servant on your team."
This truth applies to all human beings, not only those in leadership positions. But as leaders, we have an even greater opportunity and responsibility to walk the way that Jesus walked by laying down our lives for those we’re leading.We don't want to just look at our team members and think, “How can their talents, abilities, and anointing serve me as the leader?” We want to consider their needs and ask ourselves, “How can I serve their gifts and callings as singers, musicians, and fellow worship leaders?” Humility is formed in us when we begin to look at the talents, giftings, and abilities of others and ask ourselves, “How can I make them stronger?”
"WORSHIP LEADERS: What kind of tone are you setting for your team? Is it one that demonstrates servanthood?"
If you are in a leadership position, the Lord has entrusted you with the hearts of precious people who have a desire to worship and serve your church. What kind of tone are you setting for them? Is it one that demonstrates servanthood? I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic!
“Humility is formed in us when we begin to look at the talents, giftings, and abilities of others and ask ourselves, “How can I make them stronger?”
Huge thanks to my friend Fady Gergis for letting me use this photo from Lucerne, Switzerland. Check out more of his work here.
