Why Should Worship Leaders Study Theology?
Worship leaders carry a burden that is as great as the Pastor of the church congregation. One can suggest the worship leader is an appetizer or house salad while the steak dinner is the main course, sermonized by the Pastor of the flock. The term “theology” is defined as “a discipline of study that seeks to understand the God of the Bible.” If one is to sing about the Lord on a weekly basis, leading the congregation into an atmosphere of worship, the person should have an honest understanding of God. There are three areas of theology I believe every worship leader should invest in order to fulfill their call to ministry with excellence in mind.
Scripture & Revelation
The word of God is the ultimate resource for Christians to live by God’s standard. Any leader in the church must be fervent in the scriptures so it may penetrate their mind and conduct. Hebrews 11:6 mentions “for whoever would draw near to God must believe that He exists”(ESV). Believing in God is our first step into walking according to the scriptures. Once we come to believe in Him, we trust in Him as our Lord and guide. Psalm 119:105 declares “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path”. David understands his walking is in darkness unless God’s word is his navigator. I liken the word of God similar assembling an item we purchase from the store. One must follow the directions plainly in order for the item to work properly, and the same goes for our application of scripture. Worship leaders must adhere to the word of God in order for their ministry to work properly along with their personal lives.
Anthropology
The great Maya Angelou famously quoted “You can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you have been.” (quotefancy.com). Biblical anthropology initiates the origin of God and his creation, along with how far we’ve come in our relationship with God and ultimately through Jesus Christ. The fall of Adam created tension in our relationship with God, which to our advocate in Jesus. (Genesis 3:14–19, 1 John 2:1–2). The sinful nature isn’t driven to obey God. Romans 7:18 declares “For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh” (ESV). The gospel of Jesus Christ creates an eternal relationship with all creation through grace and forgiveness of sins. (Matthew 28:19, Acts:2:38). Worship leaders must understand where they come from biblically, so they may proclaim to others where they are able to go. The congregation must recognize that they are not as good as they think they are. They are surely loved and worth dying for but are still in need of great help.
Eschatology
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end including our livelihoods. Our lives will either end through death or through the rapture of Jesus Christ. (Genesis 3:19, 1 These. 4:17). Eschatology is defined as “a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or mankind”. (merriam-webster.com). As harsh and sad as this may sound, it doesn’t have to be for the one who places their trust in Jesus. The rapture of Christ’s believers is an outlet for what’s to come through the millennium, a thousand-year reign of wicked rule. (newworldencyclopedia.org). The modern worship leader plays a part in reminding the congregation that natural death awaits us, but doesn’t have to shake us. The salvation of Christ presents itself as our way of escaping the millennium and eternal death. (Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21).
As mentioned earlier, worship leaders and pastors present the same information yet through different outlets and these are three vital points of theology worthy of referring to. As for me, these ideas would apply to my ministry if I were given the task of being a worship pastor. Until or if that day arrives, these theology methods will assure the ministry to be a successful one when governed correctly.
Sources:
CBU Blackboard — “What is Theology?”
quote fancy.com
merriam-webster.com
newworldencyclopedia.org
