Monday, March 21, 2011

Should Worship Leaders Talk or Just Sing?

Carlos Whittaker asks, What does it really mean to "lead" worship?

Friend of Ur, Carlos Whittaker (@loswhit), has sparked a helpful conversation on his blog Raggamuffin Soul. Should worship leaders talk between songs, contribute to the teaching within the gathering, and tell stories to draw the congregation toward God? Or, should they stay out of the way and simply sing? Whittaker, a worship leader himself, has some thoughtful remarks on the question. Read his post here.
The comments have been particularly interesting with folks on both sides.
Andrew says:

More than happy for the Worship leader to talk between songs as long as its connected to the songs/service/message/theme of the service. Everything that’s said should point people towards God and not distract them from entering into His presence.
On the other side, Katie Ristow says:

So there’s gotta be some speaking instruction, but I’ll you my biggest pet peeve: when a worship leader talks before and after each song. Worship isn’t about the leader and what he or she is feeling, but about the worshiper and Jesus. When the worship leader talks too much, it can feel like they’re interrupting the conversation I’m having with Jesus.
Jon takes a middle road with a focus on Scripture:

Be simple and start by just reading Scripture that goes with the song you either just sang or are about to sing. Don’t elaborate, just read it out loud and sing.
JCB says:

At Soul Survivor (for those not in the know, yearly youth conferences in the UK, It’s where Tim Hughes/Matt Redman/Ben Cantelon started off.) I’ve never heard a worship leader talk. And you know what? It feels great. Of course, some guidance isn’t bad, but I get really tired of the “we’re here together tonight”-blabla. I *know* why we’re here together tonight, otherwise I wouldn’t be here.
 
What do you think? And is your view a matter of personal preference and opinion, or do you find some biblical or theological basis for how much a worship leader should talk?

3 comments:

Michele Winstead said...

I don't think there's nothing wrong with talking inbetween Worship songs. I believe that whatever being talked about should stay in tune with the song. People are easily distracted and the anointing will leave.

Dionte Williams said...

Yes i agree with Sis Winstead 100%.
And I strongly believe that praise & worship leaders should never stop worship to sing a song or talk.

LATRICE LEAKE said...

TALK OR SING... I DON'T MIND. LIKE THE WOG SAID AS LONG AS IT'S NOT A DISTRACTION, IT'S FINE WITH ME. JUST LET ME FOCUS ON JESUS!

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