Qualifications of a Worship Pastor, Part 1
Barry Keldie
with Matt Boswell
Qualifications of a Worship Pastor: Click | View Series
A Worship Leader Is a Pastor
Understanding the biblical role of a worship leader in the local church is central to the health of a church body. While the task of leading people in worship is outlined in varying ways, the implementation and function of the modern "worship leader" isn't found anywhere in the New Testament. What we do find is that pastors or elders are mandated with the job of leading the people in worship. For example, 2 Chronicles 7:6 describes priests leading David and Israel in worship. This tells us that the primary function of a worship leader should be pastor, not just artist.
Shepherd the Flock
The call of a worship leader in a local church is first to shepherd the flock (1 Peter 5:2) and second, to be the creative voice behind their collective song. Worship leaders should be pastors who have a deep love for the people they lead. Not just anyone with a guitar can lead worship, and not just anyone with a voice should be called a worship leader. It is a specific calling and has specific qualifications.
The qualifications for pastors and elders are spelled out in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-16. If we believe worship leaders are primarily pastors, then they need to be held to the same qualifications as pastors. We believe that anyone who leads the church of God long-term should be qualified biblically to do so. A healthy, God-honoring church must have qualified leadership at every level. Hopefully a look at these qualifications, particularly for a worship pastor, will help us all grow into maturing and increasingly qualified leaders.
Above Reproach
(1 Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:6-7)
In being above reproach, a worship pastor should be spiritually maturing. This qualification is set apart from having a good reputation or being well thought of. Being "above reproach" goes deeper than people liking him. The maturity spoken of here is a life and walk that is worthy of imitation. A worship leader must maintain a consistent character with those both inside and outside the church. A worship pastor must sing in a way that makes people want to participate, lead in a way that makes people want to engage, and live in a way that makes people want to follow. Leading worship involves all three components.
Husband of One Wife
(1 Timothy 3:2 & Titus 1:6)
A worship leader must be a "one-woman man." He must maintain integrity in relationships with the opposite sex and go to great lengths to protect himself from sin. This man must have a godly, growing, and strong marriage. He must not be addicted to pornography or have wandering eyes. He is a great lover, friend, and leader for his wife, who honors him in public and in private. He must provide for her financially and lead her spiritually as a testimony of the gospel (1 Tim 5:8). If he is single and not called to celibacy, he must be working toward marriage by growing personally, spiritually, and emotionally.
To be continued.
