When I was attending the RTC College homiletics class, our lecturer, the late Rev. Dr Keith Warren, would ask us where we led worship the previous Sunday.  When some of us replied that we ‘preached’ at such and such a place, we were quickly reminded that we do not go and ‘preach’ somewhere, but we go to lead a congregation in worship.  

It seems that this is a lovely reminder to all who participate in the Sunday worship service, and especially for the ‘preacher’.   Far too often people will refer to those who bring a message from God’s word as someone who comes to ‘preach’ to us.  Sometimes ministers will say, “Last week when I preached to you…” Without doubt, the ‘preaching of the word’ is the most important and vital part of a worship service (Rom 10v14ff), however, the preaching of God’s word has the goal of helping people to worship. 

In some churches, there are now different people involved in the worship service.  And on occasions all the ‘preacher’ does is preach.  But even if that is all he does, it is still part of leading people in worship.  And the best way to lead people in worship is to direct their attention on the beauty and altogether loveliness of our mighty, saving God and what He has done for us in Christ.   One of the worst ways is to direct our attention on self and our shortcomings and what we need to do better and yet, strangely, this approach often seems to get the greater commendations.  

But leading in worship does not only apply to ‘preachers’ but to all who participate, from the pew sitter to those involved in a more active part.   The pew sitter comes to worship on time for they do not wish to disturb the worship of others by coming late.  And they come, preparing with prayer, and a mind-set to listen and to be encouraged and to sing praises to God.  

Likewise, those who lead worship by playing a musical instrument practise what needs to be played so that the worship of our amazing, loving God can be enhanced by the singing of God’s praises.  Those who lead in the public reading of the Scriptures practise what they have been assigned to read so that God’s word will not be treated with disrespect but lead the listeners to worship.  Those who lead in corporate prayer will ensure that their prayers are structured well and will enhance the honour of God’s name which in turn will lead to worship.   The same can be said of those involved in greeting, those involved in ushering people to their seats, those involved with audio and visual presentations, those who do baby crèche, Sunday School, or serve refreshments after the service.  We come willingly and prepared so that we and others can worship, for our God is worthy of our worship.   

So, as far as it depends upon us, let us strive to ensure that we will not hinder the worship of God’s people in any way, for our God who gave His very best for us, is worthy of our very best in return.  JZ