Why Should Worship Leaders Study Theology?
The calling of a worship leader is a privilege. The fact that God chooses specific people to lead the praises of his people is incredible to think about. Over the years, the role of the worship leader has developed in many different ways, creating very hazy ideas about what exactly this position entails. Depending on the church, this understanding can vary, but the one commonality amongst most church settings is that they lead the music portion of the worship service. Unfortunately, it seems as if more and more churches have dwindled the role down to the surface-level task of “leading the music.” Out of desperation, pastors may look for someone who is a great musician and can put on a show yet dismiss the fact that they are lacking in theological knowledge and pastoral capabilities. Worship leaders typically share about half of the weekly stage time with the pastor which means that this role simply cannot be taken lightly. This is where the significance of why worship leaders should study theology comes in. I will begin detailing its importance by diving into Colossians 3:16 (KJV).
“16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.”
The music that we lead and participate congregationally with is a tool to carry God’s word with us and to teach others what we believe in. Paul tells the readers to “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom” and then proceeds to list how this is achieved. Through teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. Rather than arguing about what each one of those “genres” of music Paul lists are, we must reflect on the significance that Paul assigns to the music we sing in church. With the understanding that our time of worship through music is meant to let God’s word dwell in us through the teaching and even admonishing of one another through its lyrics, the worship leader’s job must be taken with great care. The music chosen to lead the congregation must be fit for the role of music Paul describes in Colossians. It must provide theological truths that align with the church’s beliefs and teach the congregation with biblical accuracy, all the while allowing for effective participation in “singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” as the last few words of the verse state. With that being said, the music portion of our worship is not supposed to be a substitute for God’s Word whatsoever. It is, rather, supposed to be a vessel to carry what God teaches us through the very significant way of worship, music. From first-hand experience, sometimes the musical portion of worship is all that we are left remembering throughout the week. So, what do we want our people to remember?
“The most important reason worship leaders should study theology is that the Scriptures make explicit connections between the study of the Word of God and the worship of the church.” — David Toledo
In order for a worship leader to be able to effectively execute the goal of choosing songs that fulfill the guidelines that Colossians 3:16 describes, it is necessary for the worship leader to possess a certain degree of theological knowledge. In Dr. Toledo’s text, Why Worship Leaders Should Study Theology, he describes that the studying of God’s Word is the most significant way a worship leader can benefit the worship of the church. Here is a quote to support that truth from Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson’s, Christian Theology: The Biblical Story and Our Faith,
“Moreover, the Scriptures are called God’s Word and are themselves the most accessible form of God’s self-revelation.” — Christopher Morgan & Robert Peterson
The Scriptures are evidently the most accessible way for worship leaders, let alone anyone, to study God. Through striving to better understand and grow in the knowledge of who God is through his Word, the worship leader, and their entire congregation benefits. When it comes to what type of theological study would best benefit a worship leader’s weekly goal, the primary type would be systematic theology, though all types would be beneficial. Systematic theology, based upon doctrinal conclusions from exegetical, biblical, and historical theology, would allow for the worship leader to gain wisdom on the domains of theology from the examination of all Scripture rather than just fragments of it. From that starting point, a worship leader can utilize practical theology which would allow them to learn how the scriptures are accurately applied to their life and their congregation’s lives. And finally, they should implement the usage of historical theology, which would allow for worship leaders to learn the biblical accuracy behind traditions set by church history’s leading thinkers and worship leaders.
