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WORSHIP

 How can we make our worship experience more meaningful?

Some would say that better musicians would solve the problem, or maybe upgrading the equipment would solve the problem.  Maybe a new mixer or synthesizer would fix things.  Maybe we'll ask the congregation what they think.  Do less songs, more songs, faster songs, slower songs, get rid of the drummer or the worship leader and so on.  There are certainly a lot of secondary factors, but the primary I think is seeing more clearly.  You could say true worship happens when we really see who Jesus is and what he does and respond to that revelation naturally.  (Matt 28:17)

Therefore, I believe the most important element needed for a Praise and Worship team to function effectively, is a spirit of revelation.  Some would say unity is most important, but true worship or unity will not happen without first, revelation!  Unity will develop if true worship is happening and true worship will happen if there is revelation present.

In Eph 1:17-18 Paul prayed the Ephesians would have a spirit of wisdom and revelation so that they would "know him better".  Paul went on to pray that the eyes of their hearts would be enlightened that they would know the unseen riches of their hope, his inheritance and power..

Worship Leaders:
Here are some practical guidelines that will help our worship teams be effective.   One thing is for sure.  No matter how skillful we may be, if our team is only made up of songs and instruments, our worship will be dead.  To connect with God is the goal.  Music is the objective.  I believe music has its place in our worship and should be played skillfully as stated in Psalm 33 but to connect with God is the goal, whether playing music or not.  Here are some things to remember:

 - If we are going to connect with God we must have an attitude of a servant.
 - A minister = a servant
 - Never have an attitude you are irreplaceable.
 - Don't just lead, Serve with your gift.
 - Dig into the Lord, what will help people to enter in?
 - Create an atmosphere of worship.
 - Create a flow in the service.
 - Be sensitive to the direction of the Holy Spirit
 - Surrender distractions immediately
 - Try to involve everyone
 - Think about old and young with songs
 - Do not create an "us" and "them" thing
 - Be professional, but not complicated
 - Get used to talking out loud
 - Be real with yourself and God
 - Practice all the time

The Lord will not accept our worship if our loyalty is devoted to other things.  Ezekiel 20:39-41.

God calls his people to self-examination and repentance especially in a corporate context.  Joel 2:12-17

It is more important to have a sincere heart before God than a spectacular ministry.  2 Cor 5:12

No gift operates effectively without love.  1 Cor 13:3

Freedom in worship can be summed up as acting with love and sensitivity to other Christians.   1 Cor 10:24

"Praise the Lord on the harp, make music to him, sing to him a new song, play skillfully and shout for joy."  Psalms 33:2-3