Do-Re-Mi in Worship

The Do-Re-Me In Worship

Many churches today are embracing the concept of being multicultural, hoping to gather a large and diverse congregation. This involves bringing together people from different races to worship and praise God. With individuals from varied backgrounds, the goal is to offer genuine forms of worship to the Almighty Creator. The idea appears excellent when outlined on paper and presented as a vision statement for the church’s music or worship department. It paints a beautiful picture of us all kneeling before God, singing His praises, and humbling ourselves before His throne. However, the human heart remains inherently flawed and often seeks personal gain, trying to present a model to the world.

My years of experience as a worship director have exposed me to both uplifting and challenging moments. I deeply yearn to join my fellow believers, humbly worshiping before God's throne and singing praises to the Lamb. Though I feel unworthy of being in God's presence, I hope to be counted among His chosen. Throughout my journey of leading worship, I have faced public critiques of my style and approach—something I never envisioned doing in my youth. I never imagined training to guide people into the sacred space of worship. Despite feeling unqualified to lead others in song, I have performed solos and quickly retreated afterward. The prospect of standing before a congregation was intimidating to me. I questioned why anyone would want me to lead them in worship, feeling as though I wasn't called like the Levites to sing for God. God knows my heart, and I often feel like the least deserving of this calling. I recall being asked about this role nearly 30 years ago, and the question made me uneasy.

One morning, I got up early and played my music while singing and calling out the name of the Lord. There was a knock on my door, and my parents asked, “Are you OK in there?” The expression on their faces was as if a stranger had taken over their son’s body. They seemed to be wondering, "Who is this?" A few weeks later, I suspected my mother informed the pastor that I should lead worship one Sunday morning. When he first asked me, I turned down the offer. Who told him I could lead worship? What was that all about? I thought to myself, "Wrong person." The time came sooner than I expected. My first Sunday leading went as anticipated. I stumbled as if I were on a football field, read the wrong scripture, froze at the start of a song, and felt like all eyes were on me. I thought it was a bad idea. As soon as we finished singing the doxology, I was in my car, making a quick exit. I wanted no part of any discussion about what had happened. Yes, I ran, and by midweek, I was asked to lead again. "Why?" I asked myself and the pastor. His response was that I was fit to lead God’s people. Here we are 30 years later, having faced many hurdles and bumps on this less-traveled road.

Throughout my journey, I've experienced moments with absent musicians, singers, and loyal participants. God has been incredibly good to me. As a singer, I was terrified and felt unqualified for the role, so I approached the process cautiously. I had to train musicians and singers, instructing them in ways some might consider unconventional. I simply shared what God allowed me to, singing from the heart and laying down all unworthy acts before both man and God. I often questioned myself, wondering who I thought I was—a question I still struggle with when it comes to leading. Many times, I feel inadequate to instruct a group of people about music. My prayers to God express that I don't deserve this and feel so unworthy. Yet, I follow His will and experience complete cleansing at the end of the doxology. God continues to guide, comfort, and instruct me through this process. I sometimes wonder if David felt the same way and ask God about it. It's audacious of me to do so. The enemy has a field day in my mind every time I'm called to the task. Even today, he tries, but God, in His own way, scatters him and clears the path for me to proceed carefully.

"glorify God with all my heart, mind, and soul,"

Currently, I serve as the music director at Smyrna Presbyterian Church, where I continue to inspire the congregation in their worship of God. While the liturgy closely resembles what I experienced growing up, the sound of so many voices singing spiritual songs to God each week fills my heart with joy. I understand that my mission is to glorify God with all my heart, mind, and soul, but knowing I'm not alone is comforting. I turn to God Himself, acknowledging His Son Jesus Christ for all my prayers and the forgiveness of sins. My feelings, whether good or bad, happy or sad, are irrelevant. Our role is to lead God's people to focus on Him, not ourselves. Am I accepting mediocrity in our worship? No, my desire is for all of us to approach God's throne, confess, adore Him, thank Him, and present our requests to Him. Many of my colleagues strive for a flawless pitch they believe is essential for worship. We prepare each week to equip the congregation for the challenges they face in this fallen world, and we must lead those we work with to support our efforts. If you can engage your congregation to participate and sing in worship or liturgy weekly, the sound becomes more pleasing to God Himself. Are we seeking the perfect singer in our worship, the flawlessly performed anthem, or a heart that sees and hears God in what is read and sung?

I pray that as the world keeps turning and our days draw nearer to the return of our Lord and Savior, our hearts will open to knowing and understanding God's grace and mercy toward us. May we fully embrace Him in our efforts to see Him soon.