Once upon a time—and we’re really not talking all that long ago—people in churches weren’t all that fussed about the worship leaders. After all, what was the appeal of the gig if it meant that you were going to be sat with your back to the rest of the congregation, tucked away from view as you struggled to get to grips with the outrageous chaos of pedals and keys and little handles that you constantly had to pull out?
No, back in the days when the church organ was the worship tool of choice, it was the preacher that had the social currency—and the pulpits to prove it.
These days we know just how much things have changed.
But we’re kidding ourselves if we think that this is where it all ends. Change is constant and unavoidable and there’s every chance that the next generation of church-goers will find themselves in a wholly different environment to our current setup.
So, today’s bowlful of Friday pickles is this…
Would you still be a worship leader if the job came with the same kind of status as an organist? Really?
If you know any organists, have you ever tried to find out what they know about worship leading that you don’t?
And if we all agree that the pace of change is pretty quick these days, what are you doing to help the next generation reimagine worship in a way that reflects their culture and worldview?