Zane Ellis

I would venture to say that most worship leaders don't realize the influence that they have from the stage every week.  At least I didn't until not too long ago.  The fact is, as a worship leader, you get 20 or more minutes to lead the community of whatever church it is that you are leading for.  I encourage you and challenge you to use that time to allow the spirit to lead you while you lead them!  God put you in the position that you're in for a reason!  Here is a great blog on this subject: http://elevation-worship.com/blog/?p=1331

Most of the time in the past, I would pick my set based on what I feel like people responded to or requested or whatever I was asked to do and then just play the music on the stage and let that pretty much do the leading.  Most recently, as God has developed my leadership ability, I've learned to lead, not just play.  Worship, I've learned, is about so much more than music.  Much like the Elevation blog, I go over every set list and prepare with scripture, prayer, dialogue.  At times, much dialogue isn't needed.  You can DEFINITELY have too much.  The sermon is left up to the pastor :)  However, God speaks through His word.  Why not give Him the most opportunity to speak while you're in the position of leadership from the stage?  After all, we're worship leaders, not song leaders.  Worship is a response to God.  When we worship through song and scripture, we are simply responding to what He has already said and done for us as worshippers.

So, if you're a worship leader, consider this a challenge to you to be prepared before you even think about stepping foot on the stage.  Pray over what songs God will have you lead that week.  As you feel led, pray over your set list for scripture and dialogue in order to best lead the congregation in worship.
If you're not a worship leader, prepare your heart to be open for worship as you're led.  I can't begin to describe how your corporate worship experience will change as a result of simply inviting the Holy Spirit to take control of your heart during that time.

That's my challenge for you today.  Be prepared as you worship tomorrow.  Take some time to consider what God would have you do in order to prepare your heart to worship as well as lead worship.