Yes, we are the ones who are the front people for worship on Sundays. We greet everyone walking in with a smile, a commanding call to worship, and an energetic passion for the Lord. We lead our family of believers to clap their hands enthusiastically, encouraging them to sing out with abandon which hopefully will draw them closer to God’s heart. We have a scripture and a prayer at the ready, helping connect one song smoothly to the next. We hold the keys of leadership which our team watches for at every directed moment. Lastly, we bring the church right up to the focal point of the pastor’s anticipated message. We do this week in and week out with a drive for excellence. However, there IS another side to who we are.
We have spouses, families, co-workers, teachers, friends, all waiting for us to get off of the stage and be there for them. School starts on Monday with assignments due and lunches to be made. Some of us might have to go right back at it to prepare for the next worship service. There are relational stresses, financial stresses, work related stresses, lack of sleep, lack of exercise, all fighting for our attention; with the fear that we need to make sure we have them all taken care of and worked out by Sunday morning or it might show on our faces.
But, us worship leaders have feelings too.
What are we to do with the demands placed on us? Should we fake it til’ we make it? We aren’t perfect. We never will be. If we try to juggle everything ourselves, something is going to give. I am a worship leader and a worship pastor’s wife. The only way I have found in my 16+ years of ministry to handle all of my life’s dimensions is to ask Jesus for help. We cannot and should not try to make it on our own. We too, need a Savior who is ready and waiting to help us when we call. The songs we sing on Sunday are not just for those we lead, but for us too! Remember what Paul said, “And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10) It is okay and necessary for us as worship leaders to be weak because our strength can ONLY come from the power of Jesus that will rest upon us!!! Isn’t that such a great promise? When I am ready to crack; when I cannot handle one more thing on my plate; when I am tired of being strong for everyone else except myself; I can call on Jesus to help me, and I know HE will because HE always has. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Brothers and sisters in ministry, you are not alone. Jesus knows what you are going through right now. If you are at your wits end, like I have been many times as a worship leader, take heart, Jesus will come to your rescue. You don’t need to fake it til you make it. Be transparent with Him and allow the Holy Spirit to work on your behalf. He will fight for you.