Oh look, a bird!

People follow people.

Worship leaders, that means people aren't following music, or screens, or hymnals, or bulletins. They're following you.

The amazing privileges we're given are to choose the path, and to lead people down that path.

Let me explain.

We might think of the order of service or the songs chosen as a path. People can walk that path, and you can shape the path they walk. You can choose to make it beautiful, adventurous, comforting, etc. As a worship designer, you pick the path they're invited to walk. That's a series of posts for another time. (Or a library of books on worship planning!)

But they don't have to walk on the path you've prepared for them. They can be spectators, watching others walk (or watching other watching others). They might walk part of the path and then decide to just sit down and not continue their journey. They might go off the path. They might spend so much time looking at the path they forget their destination.

And that's where you come in.

People follow people.

So I want to encourage you to lead them. You've laid out the path, now show them around. Bring them along. You don't need a lot of words to do that. But you do need a lot of preparation. Use the instruments to paint the lyrics. Use the screen backgrounds and lights and musical dynamics to do the same. When needed, offer a quick prompt: let's walk a little farther (procedural language) or look at that bird (directional language) or can you believe how God created such beauty (worship language). Use the Psalms. Use other great scripture passages. Sometimes 3 words or 2 sentences can re-engage the attender who has decided to sit out this part of the path.

Use your eyes to communicate. Which direction is the text your singing? Is it directed at God? Then look to Him. Is it directed at the congregation, then look at them. Is it directed at your own heart? Then maybe you should close your eyes for a moment. But not too long. Because they're following you, and when you close your eyes, you shut out those who are willing to be led.

People follow people.

So lead them. Shepherd them like David did, "with integrity of heart." Guide them down the path of your order of worship and deliver them directly to their destination, the feet of our Father. It's when they get there that they will find "mercy and help for their time of need." Seize the opportunity to direct people to the throne of grace.