The 21st Century Worship Pastor

Ever wonder what it takes to be a worship pastor? After being one for nearly 20 years, I may just now be qualified to write this article. But, only if that qualification includes figuring out how to fall on my face and perpetually get up and keep going.  Much has changed since I started this gig years ago. As I recall we used to be called Ministers of Music. Today there’s no telling what your title may be Worship Pastor, Resident Artist, Creative Arts Pastor, Song Heister, Minister of Exaltation or others.  I remember my first experience with a Minister of Music.  I was a new believer in a large Baptist Church and I remember being a bit intimidated, and in awe at the Minister of Music in my church. Every week was like being on the front row of a concert. Here was a guy who got to fulfill his passion for God and music every day! I was confounded at how fun that must be. Weekly worship, cool choirs, working with musicians and pulling off huge, incredible productions seasonally. It must be the life.

With the call of God in my heart I set off for school, passionately driven to fulfill the great commission and my dreams at the same time. Needless to say, I found out quickly and profoundly that there are real struggles that take place in churches and with God’s people. The dream was alive, but the shine was wearing off.  I found out that people are well.. people.  They have opinions, passions, and agendas of their own that often do not coincide with your vision, direction and desires. The week to week struggles of finding volunteers and keeping them organized, instructed, energized and integrated became the dominant activities of the week leaving the creative part of the job sitting in the corner only to be retrieved when things settled down. And they never really settle down.

It is easy to become disillusioned by the constant demands for time, attention as well as “balancing” the stylistic adjustments needed to keep everybody on the same page. There seems to be a constant barrage of opinions, conflict and at times unrealistic expectations. Though we fight it, cynicism can set in and we begin to wonder, “wasn’t this supposed to be about grace and the gospel?”. Personal expectations are high and passions run so deep that when those aren’t met it is sometimes hard to overcome. Yet, driven by that passion and desire we press on. Lest this seem like a bitter diatribe against churches by just another cynic, let me assure you that though one of the most difficult things I have ever done, this journey is worth it, though at time real challenges take place.

As a result I have seriously and quasi-humorously congregated 10 things you must master to be to be an effective Worship Pastor 21st century. So join me in the next  5 weeks on a tongue and cheek but poignant look at the modern role of the worship pastor.