Leading isn't just a one-person job. Here's how it's getting done today. Spring 2008 Worship Preaching/Worship

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles Print this article E-mail this page Bookmark this article

Q: Should talented, unbelieving musicians be allowed to play with the worship team?

A: Yes! While the worship band's primary role is to support congregational singing and to facilitate the worship experience, it can also be a meaningful way to lead people to Christ from within the band.

I vividly remember a 15-year-old named Josh who accepted Christ while serving in a youth musical. Three months later he died in a car crash.

We hired one of our first bass players because we could not find a volunteer. As it happened, he was not a believer. He accepted Christ and has now been at the church for over 18 years.

Jason, a talented guitar player, also became a Christian through the band. He later joined our staff, attended seminary, and serves today as a dedicated minister.

These examples remind us that life-changing ministry can happen within the band, and not merely through the band.

There still remain two common objections I hear to allowing unbelievers to participate with the worship team.

First, "Non-Christians can't worship, so how can they lead worship?" I see a distinction between playing in the band and "leading" worship. I do not use an unbeliever as a soloist because it could be seen as a leading role, but I do use them in supporting roles. This benefits the church by providing quality musical accompaniment, and it benefits the team by keeping them focused on a mission—in this case, helping someone they know begin a relationship with Christ.

I agree that unbelievers can't truly worship, but God's greatest desire is for his lost children to be found. Using a person's musical talent as a point of connection is a wonderful ministry opportunity that should not be passed by.

The second objection I have heard is "Permitting a non-Christian on the platform is not a good witness. Someone might mistake the musician as a member of the church and draw conclusions based on his or her lifestyle."

Since I believe all band members, Christian or not, should be expected to live above reproach, we ask every musician to adhere to church covenants and personal conduct standards.

In 28 years of ministry, most of the disciplinary issues I have faced have been with Christian members of the band or choir, not with non-Christians. Most of us know that calling ourselves a Christian does not guarantee moral purity. Neither are all unbelievers morally bankrupt. But stating clear expectations is important.

The benefits of welcoming unbelievers to participate with their musical talents far outweigh any risks. They gain much closer contact with dedicated believers, they are in church and hearing the messages every weekend, and they very often begin a personal relationship with Christ.

We shouldn't include these musicians on our teams simply for their talent, but as a way to love them and bring them to the cross.

Rick Muchow is worship pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, and author of The Worship Answer Book.

Copyright © 2008 by the author or Christianity Today International/Leadership Journal.
Click here for reprint information on Leadership Journal.

				Try an Issue of Leadership RISK-FREE! Name Street Address City/State/Zip E-mail Address No credit card required. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only. Click here for International orders. If you decide you want to keep Leadership coming, honor your invoice for just $22.00 and receive three more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The trial issue is yours to keep, regardless. Give Leadership as a gift Buy 1 gift subscription, get 1 FREE!

FREE Newsletter Sign up for Leadership's e-mail newsletter, Leadership Weekly. You'll receive illustrations, resources, practical advice, and a devotional for the leader's soul every week!    RSS Feed   RSS Help

Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.