Definitely not the most popular topic, but it is something that needs to be addressed.  Recently, I’ve heard that out of every 10 people that get into full-time ministry only 1 of those 10 stay in ministry.  There are multiple factors here, but I think that most of it is because they failed to realized some of the costs. 

#10 - Because your mother says that you’re a good singer.   We’ve all seen the American Idol Divas who’ve never had constructive criticism.  Don’t be that person.  Even if you’re talented don’t make this the reason to go into ministry.

#9 - If You’re Not A People Person.  If I had a nickle for every time I’ve heard “I’d love ministry if it wasn’t for the people.”  Newsflash:  ministry IS the people.  Now I know that most people that say that are kidding, but there’s truth in 90% of sarcasm (NOTE: 70% of statistics are made up on the spot).  This doesn’t mean that you have to be an extrovert, just that you must love people.

#8 - To pick up chicks (or dudes).  Nuff said.

#7 - Because you have a Taylor Guitar.  If you’re a worship leader or know one that plays guitar you understand this.  If you don’t then move to #6.

#6 - You like playing/singing in front of people.  There’s definitely a strong bond between the crowd and people on stage, but this doesn’t mean that you should be a worship leader.  The different is using the stage for yourself or for seeking God’s face and giving Him glory!

(The more serious reasons)

#5 - There’s no one else, and there’s a need.  It’s easy to want to fill a need.  “I play guitar and sing, I can be their worship leader.”  While this may be a temporary fix, sometimes it’s more damaging than helpful.  Perfect example, I like kids, but that doesn’t mean that I should give myself up to full-time children’s ministry because of the need.  Sure, you can lend a hand in times of need, but don’t immerse yourself in something that you aren’t called/equipped for.

#4 - Because you couldn’t make it in the secular music world.  This may seem strange to some, but it happens a lot more than you think.  It’s a fuzzy issue, when you have people going back and forth.  I say pick one, but if you have a hard time letting go of the secular gigging then you should probably not be a worship leader.

#3 - If you think that Hillsong or Tomlin is the ONLY worship music.  The same can be said about hymn pushers or southern gospelites.  Those who’ve spent any kind of time with me know that I don’t like the label “worship music.”  Why? Because it’s saying that worship can be defined as a style, and it can’t.  40 years from now it probably will not be a softly lit room, with a hint of coffee aroma from the welcome center, singing the newest Joel Houston, Tomlin, Gateway, Crowder or Christian Stanfield bestseller.  One of the reasons that worship leaders have such a short ministry is because they ARE style driven.  The Christian style isn’t the same as it was 3 years ago.  [Ending Rant Here]

#2 - If you can’t handle change or be flexible.  You don’t lead worship in a vacuum!  You are dealing with real people, real problems, and real pastors.  There will always be moving parts just like you don’t truly do a song the exact same every time.  Sometimes you have to scrap weeks of planning because a change of direction.  Most of the time though, I’ve realized that it’s for the better.  You also have to be willing to change yourself, without losing your core values and beliefs.  Hint: CHANGE IS HARD!  Just saying….

#1 - If you are NOT willing to submit to the Lordship of Christ, be sensitive to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, AND give glory to God.  This should be a no brainer, but because of our flesh it’s not so obvious.  On a big scale level - Are you willing to give up everything for the sake of Christ?  Are you willing to throw out all of your plans because the Holy Spirit wants to go another direction [He wants to lead His people]?  Are you okay with letting go?  Do you seek approval of others or God?

These are just a few of the tons of questions that people wanting to be worship leaders should be asked by others and should ask themselves.  If you are currently a worship leader ask yourself these questions.  It’s good to constantly remind ourselves of what the goal is!! 

Have any other reasons that didn’t make the list [funny or serious]?  Comment below….

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