The Role of Leaders in Worship

It is extremely important that the spiritual leaders of God's people lead the worship life of our people. The image of David comes to my mind, dancing with all his might before Jehovah and the people of Israel, when the ark was brought back to Jerusalem after being captive among the Philistines (2 Sam 6). At that moment, David forgot all that the king had to maintain certain protocol and royal dignity in public situations (That enthusiastic attitude, incidentally, attracted the contempt of his wife Michal). His joy at seeing the ark of God, which signified His presence in the midst of His people, was so great to enter the capital again, that he allowed himself to be overcome by emotion and praised the Lord with all his being.

Unfortunately, many pastors and spiritual leaders think that this enthusiastic praise spirit to which we refer is only for "the laity." During the service, at the time of adoration, the shepherds are frequently wandering around other parts of the temple, attending to administrative matters, or talking to the people in the atrium.

If the spiritual leader of a congregation does not show a strong commitment to a life of praise and intimacy with the Lord, inevitably his congregation will reflect that same neglect in the long run, and this will result in spiritual loss for all the people.

Sustained and passionate worship, seeking the presence and anointing of the Lord, are the foundation for a powerful and enthusiastic congregational life. There are no shortcuts to produce that kind of vital congregation. The spiritual leader of a group has to pay the price! You have to cultivate an energetic and sustained devotional life. That life of spiritual intimacy of the leader will be the foundation for the spiritual growth of the rest of the congregation.

The spiritual leader must live his own life of intense worship. This practice of praising the Lord through prayer, chanting, and continual crying should not be manifested only when you are in church, or when preparing a sermon, but at all times. David states in Psalm 34: 1,

1 I will bless the Lord at all times;

His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Spiritual vitality, the authority to declare the word of God, the ministerial anointing, the enlightenment to make wise decisions — are only achieved through that continual cultivation of God's presence in our lives. Only that kind of attitude builds a protective fence around us. Only in this way can we keep at bay the powers of the Enemy that want to undermine and destroy our ministries. This alone brings down the specific revelation and spiritual anointing that give our ministries power and authority.