Why Should Worship Leaders Study Theology?
When I first started my journey in college, my knowledge and awareness of worship leading was very minimal. I thought that worship leading was simply leading the congregation, encouraging them to engage in the songs here and there, and picking a couple songs every week. However, as I started to see the behind the scenes of worship planning, I realized that it more work than expected.
Fast forward to almost four years, there has been a lot of growth and experienced that has shaped me and is continuing to as a worship leader. With that being said, I believe it’s important for worship leaders to study theology because it will equip them to lead others with a deeper understanding of God’s word.
I believe the areas of theology that are important for worship leaders to focus on are the following: God’s revelation, tradition/history of the church, and application. First, it is crucial to focus on God’s revelation because by reading his word, one is able to rely and depend fully on him and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. In Christian Theology: The Biblical Story and Our Faith by Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. Peterson, they go deeper into this topic by stating that, “God’s holiness clarifies that theology is holistic, leading us to fear the Lord and walk in holiness. God’s love clarifies that Christian theology must not be self-absorbed but directed outwardly — toward God and the good of others.” In other words, God’s holiness makes theology pure which should lead others into a living a live of reverence. Moreover, through his love one is able to carry that theology to others and not just one self. Second, it is important to focus on the tradition/history of church because it will make worship leaders aware of the historical teachings and doctrinal issues. Furthermore, knowing the church’s historical thinkers will bring greater recognition to the things that are important to be mindful of. Morgan and Peterson state that, “ We are not the first ones to read the Bible, but stand in the stream of God’s people throughout the centuries and can learn much from historic church history’s leading thinkers.” In other words, since we are not the first one’s to dive into the word of God, there should be an interest in learning from thinkers like Athanasius, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Wesley, etc. Third, it is necessary to focus on the application aspect of theology because it will equip worship leaders to continue to apply during church gatherings/services, fellowship, and our surroundings.
This study will impact the way I plan and lead a worship ministry by having a deeper understanding of God, scripture, and gathering. First, by continuing to grow in my relationship with God it will help me lead others with a greater awareness of who he is and who he has called his children to be. Second, having a deeper understanding of scripture will also help me choose songs that are theologically sound. Third, when it comes to gathering, it will help prepare my team to and even the congregation to sing with one body, one voice, and one mind.
