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An Outline for the Worship Leader

I. Preparation for Worship

A. Preparation of Mind

B. Preparation of heart

C. Physical preparation (a good rest on Saturday night before Sunday worship) So much can be done by the Pastor and Worship Leader to prepare their congregation for worship using the text of the hymns to be sung and encouraging people, even the young ones, to memorize the hymns and songs.

II. The Privilege of Worship

All created beings have a way of acknowledging their creator. It's sadly interesting that human beings are the least appreciative. Scriptures can be researched, particularly in the Psalms, the hymn book of the Bible. The 148th Psalm is a good example.

Ill. The Person of our Worship

Mankind worships something. It is innate in his heart and mind. We worship - our position, our personal attainment, our church, our denomination, our building, but, it is God Himself, our Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, that we worship. I call your attention to the words of the first hymn "Worthy of Worship". In addition, the psalmist David refers in Psalm 109, verse 1, "Oh God of my praise.' Our tendency is to worship people whose favor we want to curry, whose personal attainments or achievements have been outstanding; but, it is the Lord Jehovah Himself that alone is worthy of our praise. Let us focus and fix our eyes upon Him.

IV. The Problems with Worship

A. The music we choose,

B. The style that we use;

C. The lack of understanding;

D. The attitude that we bring to the service;

E. The emotional expressions of our worship; and

F. The liturgy that we employ - all of these and many more that one can mention can be addressed over a period of time so that unity in heart and mind and expression can become a sweet incense and offering to our heavenly Father.

V. The Purpose of our Worship

This is certainly obvious but it would be good to point out to the congregation these salient points:

A. To glorify His majesty and His person (suggest Jack Hayford's song "Majesty" to be considered;

B. To unify our hearts for the preaching of the Word; and

C. To testify to the unbelievers who may be in the audience as to our personal faith, commitment, and love for the God whom we serve. Paul refers to this when he speaks about people coming into our congregation and being convicted by the very atmosphere of worship and praise that they sense. We have often found this to be true in our Crusade meetings.

VI. The Power of Worship

It is amazing what hymns of praise and worship can do for changing the atmosphere of the whole congregation. It produces a reverent spirit, an open mind and heart ready to receive a sense of communion and fellowship with one another. In Psalm 100, verse 2, of The Message by Eugene Peterson, it says, “ ...sing yourselves into his presence..." We have actually known this to be true. A service can start out cold, formal, and stiff and as you begin to play, the warmth and joy of the presence of God through the Holy Spirit can be experienced by everyone such as the power of united, thoughtful, worship and praise.

There are so many other truths that could be presented under each of these headings and personal experience that could help apply these truths. It is my prayer that as we endeavor to be faithful stewards of the privilege of leading our congregations in worship, which, by the way, angels themselves would love to do but they cannot possibly know the joy that our salvation brings, we might lift our congregations to a now height of participation, anticipation, and expectation as they look forward to our worship services.

God bless you.

Yours in His joy for the journey,

Cliff Barrows

A Dozen Ideas | Bible Verses | Music | Sermon Outlines | Worship & Praise