Training for Worshipers: Is it Necessary?

Worship as a lifestyle and worship as an obligation (duty) are two distinct but closely related attributes. Music in the church is an act of worship unto God in which the worshiper lifts up his/her heart, voice and body as a sacrifice (Rom 12:1).

A worshiper is naturally expected to live a life driven by worship. A worshiper that leads people into worship is also expected to understand the dynamics of worship, now I am not making reference to the art form, but the life (Spirit) in it.

I have been to various churches where the praise team has individuals that really want to serve God through worship by being in the praise team of choir, but those individuals are really having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that singing or playing might not just be their gifting and calling.

This has created a situation where there are two kinds of music ministers or worshipers.

1- Those that have a heart for worship and want to serve God through singing and playing instruments, but cannot due to a poor sound interpretation skill and a poor rhythmic feel.

2-Those that are gifted and interested in performing (singing and playing), but careless about the lifestyle that worship demands.

In both situation hope cannot and should not be lost.

I believe that training is necessary for worshipers because it introduces them to the concept of worship in understanding that excellence is required, commitment cannot be overlooked, and living the worship lifestyle makes the worship experience worthwhile. 

What should be done to encourage proper and effective training for worshipers?

1.Genuine interest in the life of those involved with worship from the church or leaders of the praise team or choir- They should not be seen as hirelings or the church’s property.

2. A proper evaluation system which examines the effectiveness of the ministration of the praise team or choir: Song effectiveness can be known through testimonies.

3. Musical training should be taken seriously by inviting musical professionals: Bad music during worship waters down the effectiveness of any ministration. 

What has been your experience with training for worship team or choir members?

Eight things prayers and fasting would do and not do for a praise team or choir.

-->

It's easy to sometimes alternate functions by thinking, prayers would cover up for what rehearsing is supposed to handle and also believe rehearsals would give the anointing a team or choir needs for worship without praying.

A praise team or choir is as anointed to the level in which it prays and fasts and vice versa.

Four things prayers and fasting would do for a praise team of choir

1- It will bring unity (Eph 4:3)- There is a bond that is developed when praying and fasting is practiced in a group. People begin to learn about, and understand each other more.

2- It will build up the Spiritual lives of Individuals (Jud 1:20) - Maturity as believers also includes Spiritual maturity. This is essential because helps the individual grow in the things of God.

3- Knowing the mind of God for each moment- In certain situations the Spirit of God can decide to change the order of songs or arrangement already planned. It takes sensitive individuals to know what God is saying at that moment.

4- Confidence- There is a Joy that comes from knowing “this ministration is for God’s glory” and “He is here in our midst as we minister”(Phi 1:6, Acts 28:31, Prov 14:26).

Four things prayers and fasting would not do for a praise team or choir.

1-It would not make the Praise team or choir perform well.- Performance is always a product of hard work. There would always be the need to learn a song well before singing or playing or else there would be so many mistakes.

2- It would not feed the needy amongst them (Jam 2:16)- The needy would always require food and financial support to take care of their needs.

3- Prayers would not substitute for a good music director (1 Chron 15:22)- A music director needs to be skillful ad trained in aspects of music for efficiency and effectiveness.

4- Prayers would not take the place of studying the word of God (2 Tim 2:15)- This helps in writing scriptural accurate songs and also knowing how to pray the word of God (promises and peace) into our lives.

`

How much emphases have you applied to prayers and fasting where you are? 

-->

photo credit: prayitno via photopin cc