From the man who gives the announcements before worship service begins to the man who closes the worship service in song or prayer, each has a serious responsibility and a stewardship entrusted to him. Each individual worshiper has a personal accountability for worshiping in spirit and truth (John 4:24), but by the very nature and definition of leadership those who lead have even greater accountability. We expect the preacher to have his lessons and sermons prepared well before Sunday morning. Should we expect any less from the others who lead in certain areas during the time of worship? To those who lead us, please pray, put forethought and planning, and maintain an appropriate level of zeal and reverence in carrying us through the various acts of worship. Please consider the following suggestions, humbly submitted to those men who lead us in worship.

• Be Equipped, displaying that you are prepared and ready to lead whatever part of the worship service entrusted to you (Ezra 7:10).
  
• Be Enthusiastic, showing that you’re glad to be in the house of the Lord (Psalm 122:1).
• Be Encouraging, remembering to focus on those who are there and not those who are not (Hebrews 10:24-25).
• Be Energetic, not frivolous or “over the top,” but alive with passion for praising God (Philippians 3:3).
• Be Engaged, understanding what you are doing and knowing what you are doing next (1 Corinthians 14:15).
• Be Earnest, a sincere, heartfelt worship leader whose main objective is to worship God Himself (Joshua 24:14).
• Be Empathetic, having a fellow-feeling with your fellow-worshippers that causes you to be attuned to them as well as attuned to the joy of worshiping God (Psalm 42:4).
• Be Edifying in your efforts, with the aim of equipping the Saints to work and strengthening the body as a whole (Ephesians 4:11-16).
• Be Educational in your words, knowing that you teach and admonish others also (Colossians 3:16).

Each opportunity is precious and God-given. Each time is an appearance in the very throne room of Heaven. Each moment is directed to the Divine. Let us lead worship service, reflecting that we understand that!

Tobias Hatchett

The Bible instructs us to guard our hearts (Proverbs 4:23). That means we need to be very careful of who and what we choose to listen to (2 Timothy 2:16-17) and communicate with (1 Corinthians 15:33). In His Word, God gives us instructions on how to do this (Proverbs 4:24-27; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Philippians 4:6-9; 2 Timothy 2:14-16, 22-23; James 1:21-22). We must heed God’s warning and do all that we can to keep our hearts pure. God wants us to be Holy because He is HOLY (Numbers 15:40; Deuteronomy 26:19; Ephesians 1:3-4 1 Peter 2:9). Therefore, let us choose to do that which makes us Holy rather than simply doing whatever makes us happy or feel good at the moment (1 Peter 1:13-16).

Praying (speaking to God) and studying God’s Word (hearing from God) are of the greatest importance for a child of God. When we pray and give thanks to God, the “peace of God” is with us (Philippians 4:6-7); and when we meditate on God’s Word and do the things written in it, the “God of peace” is with us (Philippians 4:8-9). This is how Christians are instructed to “guard their hearts” from darkness, depression, deceit, and ultimately sin (Proverbs 4:20-27; Psalms 119:9-11). Public prayers and group Bible studies with the church or among other Christians should only serve to increase the “protection” from God and the “connection” to God (James 4:7-10). Therefore, we should take full advantage of every opportunity to fellowship with the Saints (James 5:16; 2 Timothy 2:22; Hebrews 10:22-25). I want to encourage everyone reading this to keep praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and keep studying (2 Timothy 2:15)!

Paul warns Timothy twice to avoid profane and idle babblings (see 1 Timothy 6:20 and 2 Timothy 2:26). When you come across the word “profane” in these two verses, does the word “profanity” come to mind? Well, it should. The word “profane” there simply means “ungodly.” So, when you think of “ungodly language” what other kind of words come to mind? It is important to note that the word “profane” in these verses can also mean “common,” so just because a word or phrase is commonly used in public by the majority of people, doesn’t mean that it should be used by us Christians (Romans 12:2). This would refer to slang, cultural, or popular words and phrases. A perfect example of this would be euphemisms. Like Timothy, all Christian are commanded to shun (avoid) profane (ungodly) and idle babblings (empty/ vain/ fruitless discussions; or conversations about useless matters). By using or engaging in such speech we may be causing others to stray away concerning the Faith (1 Timothy 6:21; 2 Timothy 2:18). Woe unto the soul that is bold and defiant enough to do that (Matthew 18:6-7)! Our conversation should be the complete opposite of that (Proverbs 8:6-8; Ephesians 4:20-25, 29-32; 1 Timothy 4:12; 4:11; 1 Peter 3:10; 4:11). That way, instead of drawing others away from God we may actually be able to draw them towards Him or back to Him (2 Timothy 2:23-27; 1 Peter 2:9-10). Let us be cautious of what we choose to listen to (1 Corinthians 15:33), and think carefully about what we choose to say (James 1:19).

Tobias Hatchett

At the beginning we find God speaking the heavens and the earth into existence (Gen. 1:1ff). It is evident that words have power and great power at that. How we use our speech is of utmost importance. Our words should be pure and designed to build up the listener (Eph. 4:29). Our words should always be with grace, seasoned with salt (Col. 4:6). Why is it so important what we say? Consider the fact that our words will either justify or condemn us on the day of judgment (Mt. 12:36-37). For this reason alone words hold great power!

We should be responsible in the words we select to say at any given time. There is no better word to speak than that of truth. Jesus always told the truth and was the very embodiment of truth (Jn. 14:6; cf. Jn. 1:14, 17, 8:45-46). There is no success in fighting against the truth (2 Cor. 13:8). Furthermore, there is nothing false or deceptive in truth (1 Jn. 2:21). This should provide us with great confidence in God’s Word which is truth (Jn. 17:17).

The father of lies, Satan, never once spoke the truth (Jn. 8:44). He was active in the garden of Eden in deceiving Eve which he did (Gen. 3:1-6; cf. 2 Cor. 11:3). His agents are still active in deceiving people with false words (2 Cor. 11:13-15). Is it not interesting that God and Satan employ words but for entirely different purposes? The same can be said about you and I depending on what words we use! Let us be those that use acceptable words (Ecc. 12:10), that is words of truth, that will benefit the listener.

"And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!’" (Rm. 10:15 NKJV)

Trent Thrasher