10 Mistakes Worship Leaders Make - Mistake #2 - Means or End

Mistake # 2 – Worship is a means to an end

Aristotle captured a critical truth when he said “A” is “A.” A thing is what it is.

Worship is worship. But, worship leaders have a tendency to redefine other meeting components as “worship.” It’s fine, even necessary, to accomplish other purposes, such as doing something to signal the meeting is beginning, set the mood of the meeting, build a platform for the preaching, or showcase new songs, etc. But, those things are not worship.

If we mindlessly call them worship, we are pointing at “A,” but calling it “B.” If we do that long enough then people will gain a false understanding of worship. Worship leaders need to say; this is praise, this is thanksgiving, this is supplication, this is lament or even travail (when was the last time you sang one of these)? The point; teach your children well – tell your flock what it is they are doing so they know how to tell the difference.

This poses a dilemma for many churches, assuming you’ve tackled #1. There may not be time in the Sunday service to shed distraction, unify hearts and enter a place of awe and adoration for our sovereign king. Think about it. If that is the case, what do you do?