Wisdom Moonmy journey of faith

Sitting here after a long day of work and interviews for the All About Worship Podcast. Between yesterday and today I’ve interviewed three different worship leaders: Jared Anderson, Chris McClarney, and Mike Kim. Also been trying to keep my websites updated, All About Worship tweets updated, and take care of emails.

A lot going on in my life right now…full-time day job, husband, father of three kids 4 and under, podcasting, interviewing artists, planning the All About Worship Retreat, working on a website for Darrell Evans, working on the launch of All About Worship Premium, and the list just keeps going. It’s like even when I’m not working, I’m working.

I’ve been listening to a sermon series by Pastor Craig Groeschel (LifeChurch.tv) called “Margin“. The first part of this message series he talks about creating margin in your daily schedule and saying no to things that may be good things, but not what’s best at that time. I’ve been really keeping that in mind lately. Opportunities have come up even just in the past week to be involved in good things, but what I felt would distract me from the more important things that are on my plate right now. I’ve also been very intentional about not being out more than one or two nights a week and spending most nights at home with my wife.

I love to be really active and involved in ministry. I hate not being engaged in ministry leadership. These past two years have been the longest I’ve gone not being in full-time vocational ministry. It feels weird. Every day I go to work I feel out of my element. I feel like I’m not where I really belong.

However, I know that it’s been real good for me to step away from full-time church work for a while and just work out in the world. I’ve learned a lot about myself, about people, and about what it’s like to clock in and out of a job that you’re not really passionate about.

I’m looking forward to all that God has in store this year. I really feel strongly that this is the year of beginning to harvest in many areas of my life.

Not…

I don’t know how this kid is playing the guitar like this! Amazing!

Here are five requirements to Get Hired As A Professional Worship Leader that you might see on a church’s job posting:

1. Must know how to play the acoustic guitar.
If you know how to play the electric, that’s a bonus. You should know how to play eight main chords and you’ll be set to play 90% of worship songs: E, A, B, C#m, G, C, D, Em. If you know how to use a capo, that’s a plus. If you know how to play with a cut capo, you’re hired!

2. Must know how to style your hair.
Hair is key when it comes to leading worship. If you don’t know what the latest hairstyle is, don’t bother applying. If you can grow a cool goatee, you’re hired! If you look cool with highlights, we’ll give you a raise!

3. Must know what’s in when it comes to clothing.
Last time we checked, plaid and tight pants are in. If you can wear tight pants as a guy and not feel insecure, you’ll be at the top of our list. Oh, and don’t forget the latest shoe fads. We even give you a separate budget for stage clothes because we know how important it is to stay relevant.

4. Must know how to imitate.
We’re not looking for someone trying to be original. We want someone who can imitate famous artists, especially when it comes to singing with an accent. Also, you gotta know the lingo used in rock music circles.

5. Must own an iPhone.
You must own an iPhone or be willing to obtain one shortly after hire. This verifies that you are a legit musician. Anyone without an iPhone is not qualified to call themselves a musician or artist. The iPhones is a necessary tool that every musician, especially worship leaders, must have. You must also be knowledgeable in which apps are used by musicians today.

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Obviously, this list of requirements are not really on any church’s job description, at least I hope not. However, it does seem like there’s an image that some “celebrity” and “non-celebrity” worship leaders tend to try to keep these days. I don’t think there is anything wrong with having a goatee or wearing certain clothes, but I do believe we as worship leaders need to check our hearts. Are we more concerned about our image and our cool factor than making sure that people are engaged in worshipping and glorifying God? Is our church more concerned about looking relevant to the seeker that walks into our service than whether our services pleases God or not?

Lord, help us to recognize that being a worship leader is a serious calling with serious, eternal consequences. Help us to be worshippers who worship in spirit and in truth.

Actually, when I was growing up there was no such thing as a time out.

(HT: human3rror)