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Why Worship Leaders Need Theologians

Matthew6:33

Set your face like flint - Isaiah 50:7

Why Worship Leaders Need Theologians​

Matt Redman | August 5, 2024

In Acts 17, the apostle Paul arrives in Athens and discovers something strange—an altar with an inscription to an “unknown god.”

Of course, he expertly turns this moment into a chance to tell the story of the one true God. But it’s always struck me just how unhelpful this inscription must have been for any unfortunate worshipers of this supposed deity—who was both unknown and unknowable.

We know nothing of the nature, character and attributes of this god. We don’t know if this god has performed any mighty deeds, worked any miracles, or won any victories. Nor do we know anything about their appearance. We’re not even given their name. What exactly is required or desired from worshipers? We’re literally given nothing to go on.

For worshipers of Jesus, it’s a completely different story. We worship a God of self-revelation, who wants to be seen and known. Every page of his book reveals him— and not just hints, clues and whispers—but full-on descriptions of who he is, what he’s done, and why he’s so utterly worthy of our worship.

We’re left in no doubt that he is both majestic and merciful, powerful and peaceful, holy and humble, glorious and gracious. The Bible also tells us how best to approach God and what kind of offerings will find favor in his sight.

When it comes to worship, it’s always been clear that we don’t get to make this stuff up.

A worship service might never contain every aspect of God’s truth, but, as the late Marva J. Dawn once reminded us, “worship must never give us untruth.” We also must do our best to not miss key elements of who it is we are encountering... More....

https://www.christianitytoday.com/c...p-leader-songwriter-theology-music-worth.html
 
Pretty interesting and surprising article (in a good way). Hopefully modern worship leaders will get onboard with this and start developing some theologically sound music. The Church is in desperate need of it IMO.

Here is a very concerning quote from the article where Redman admits that many worship leaders know little about theology but got into the business by being a good musician.

"Many of us, myself included, admit we need assistance in that area. We likely didn’t come into this via seminary or intense theological training; we came in through the avenue of loving music and being able to play or sing."

Yikes. :yikes:
 
My study (if you can call it that) of the old hymns and their writers has shown me that almost every single writer of the grand old hymns came to hymn writing as a result of their study of the Word of God, not because they were musicians and liked to play. We need more of those Word-soaked Christians writing our worship songs today, rather than rock and roll wannabes. Give me the grand old hymns any day. They are so rich in theological truth. And when you sing them you are built up in gospel truth and the wonder of the character and deeds of Almighty God.
 
"Many of us, myself included, admit we need assistance in that area. We likely didn’t come into this via seminary or intense theological training; we came in through the avenue of loving music and being able to play or sing."
Yes, they are either told or have witnessed that it is much easier to break into the music industry through gospel or worship/praise music because people are not picky about what the song says as long as it mentions God every now and them. (full of biblically illiterate people)

That's why some seemingly "leave Christianity" or truth so easily, is because they never had that foundation to begin with.

Sad.
 
This is why the Pastor is supposed to be setting the service and leading worship. As the Shepherd, he's the leader, feeder, and protector of his flock. It's his responsibility and duty to do so. There are a lot of helpful resources, such as hymnals, lectionaries, agendas, Pastoral handbooks, concordances, supplemental volumes with extra service and hymn information, etc., which are helpful to the Pastor. But ultimately, it's his responsibility, with the help of The Holy Ghost, to determine what is going to happen and when in the worship service, and to lead the worship. The choir, church musicians (including organist and music minister/conductor/director), ushers, parking lot/traffic directors, elders, etc. are there to support and assist him and the Congregation.

FWIW, some hymnals are a lot more helpful than others to Pastors for worship planning. Some include the Bible verses/citations, upon which the hymns and other parts of the service are based, specific rubrics, etc. for specific days in the church calendar, etc. Most hymnals are set up by liturgical season. Hymnals of liturgical denominations include one or more orders of worship, which make worship planning, preparing, and execution very easy.

By definition, a Pastor is a theologian.
 
Not all churches require their pastor to have any degree, nor attend a bible seminary school.

I would like to think all pastors are experts in Theology but sadly, that is not the case.

Your comment brings up the question for anyone to answer - what is a theologian?

True Shepherds (Pastors) are called by God. He will train and equip them as He sees fit, whether by formal schooling, online, informal tutelage/mentoring, personal study, OJT/understudy, etc., or some combination. Different denominations and churches have different requirements for Pastoral education/training before and/or after ordination.

Simplistically, a theologian is one who studies theology or God.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, theologian is "One who is learned in theology."

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, theology
1.
The study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.
2. A system or school of opinions concerning God and religious questions: Protestant theology; Jewish theology.
3. A course of specialized religious study usually at a college or seminary.


According to Mirriam-Webster, theologian is "a specialist in theology."

According to Mirriam-Webster, theology is "1 the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially: the study of God and of God's relation to the world," 2a "a theological theory or system," 2b "a distinctive body of theological opinion," 3 "a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary"
 
True Shepherds (Pastors) are called by God. He will train and equip them as He sees fit, whether by formal schooling, online, informal tutelage/mentoring, personal study, OJT/understudy, etc., or some combination. Different denominations and churches have different requirements for Pastoral education/training before and/or after ordination.


Simplistically, a theologian is one who studies theology or God.

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, theologian is "One who is learned in theology."

According to the American Heritage Dictionary, theology
1.
The study of the nature of God and religious truth; rational inquiry into religious questions.
2. A system or school of opinions concerning God and religious questions: Protestant theology; Jewish theology.
3. A course of specialized religious study usually at a college or seminary.


According to Mirriam-Webster, theologian is "a specialist in theology."

According to Mirriam-Webster, theology is "1 the study of religious faith, practice, and experience especially: the study of God and of God's relation to the world," 2a "a theological theory or system," 2b "a distinctive body of theological opinion," 3 "a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary"
Good post, key phrase- “True shepherds”.
 
That would be great, but I have never once seen a pastor lead worship.
Actually I have but it was in a small church many, many years ago. The pastor wasn't a great singer but he did ok and way back then we only had the old hymns. The doxology, the Gloria Patri and Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow will be forever in my memory because we sang them every week along with other old hymns.
 
Most pastors wouldnt be able to do that plus preach more than one sermon per week.
Preaching two sermons per week plus maybe a bible study can really put a strain on one's voice.
A pastor I know only preaches once per week to a tiny start up, and he does all the singing and music. But if he had to preach more than once he said he would absolutely dread having to sing come Sunday.
 
That would be great, but I have never once seen a pastor lead worship.
I can't remember attending a church where the pastor was also the worship leader/minister. Is that how it's done in your church @Ghoti Ichthus?

Sorry for the delay. Dog break :lol: Not at the apartment where my hymnal is, so doing this from memory. Intermittent internet [sigh]
Finally gave up and went to get my hymnal [sigh]


In a formal, liturgical, church service, the Pastor leads and the Congregation follows by either responding or joining in, depending on what part of the service it is. The Pastor either faces God (toward the altar and back to the Congregation) or faces the Congregation (back to the altar) depending on what he is doing. If the Pastor is talking to/worshipping God, his back is to the Congregation. If the Pastor is talking to the Congregation, his back is to the altar. The Pastor provides verbal and visual cues for the Congregation to stand up, sit down, come forward to the altar for Holy Communion, etc. The organist provides tones for the Pastor for chants, etc. and audible cues to the Congregation (introductions to hymns, etc.). The liturgy is printed in the hymnal, and the only page flipping is for hymns or something special. Some places print liturgy and hymns in the bulletin, some only print what isn't in the hymnal, some print the litugy but not the hymns. Some places make use of screens instead of hymnals/bulletins, and some use to supplement.


Example patterns of parts of liturgical services (there are many more parts, which use the same patterns as the parts I've listed)

Invocation at the beginning of the service (following the Processional Hymn/Hymn of Invocation):
Pastor faces Congregation and says or chants (sings), "In the Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost" and makes the sign of the cross.
The Congregation says or chants (sings), "Amen."

Confession of sins and announcement of grace or absolution (various forms, depends on church or specific liturgy):
Pastor says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Congregation says, "But if we confess our sins, God, Who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Pastor pauses for a period of silence to allow individuals to confess silently to God, usually not longer than 30 seconds or a minute (depends on the individual church). Congregations in some churches, and some Pastors, kneel, as able, to confess, which extends the needed time.
Pastor faces away from the Congregation and the Pastor and Congregation say together, "Most merciful God, we confess we are by nature, sinful and unclean. We have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved Thee with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Thy temporal and eternal punishment. For the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Thy will and walk in Thy ways, to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen.
Pastor faces Congregation and announces grace or pronounces absolution (John 20:23)

Kyrie
The organ plays a short tone and the Congregation and Pastor sing the Kyrie. Since the Kyrie is a prayer directed to God, the Pastor faces the altar and has his back to the Congregation.

Gloria in Excelsis
If the Pastor sings, the organist plays a short tone, then starts playing. The Pastor and organist go for a few bars and then the Congregation joins in (the place is indicated in the hymnal). If the Pastor speaks, the organist waits until it is time for the Congregation to sing to start playing.

The Gospel
Pastor announces The Gospel.
Congregation sings, "Glory be to Thee O God."
Pastor reads or chants (sings) The Gospel (facing the Congregation or in the midst of the Congregation).
Congregation sings, "Praise be to Thee O Christ."
Unless the Procession needs to return to the Chancel, upon conclusion of the Congregational response, the Pastor and Congregation remain standing and start confessing the Apostle's or Nicene Creed. Pastor faces the altar for the creed. If the Pastor and Procession were in the midst of the Congregation, the creed is confessed after they return to the front of the church.

Chants of Psalms
The organ plays a short tone and the Pastor chants (sings) the first line, accompanied by the organ
The Congregation chants (sings) the second line, accompanied by the organ
The Pastor chants (sings) the third line, accompanied by the organ
The Congregation chants (sings) the fourth line, accompanied by the organ
Etc. until the Psalm is finished.
Sometimes, especially at the beginning of Holy Communion, only the first few lines are accompanied by the organ and the Congregation chants (sings) all of the lines, the majority of it a capella (unaccompanied) to allow the organist to receive Holy Communion and return to the organ to play the hymn after the chant is fnished.

Hymns
The organ plays an introduction to hymn (sometimes the last couple of stanzas, but this varies) with slight slowing at the end and the last note(s) slowed and extended so the Pastor, Congregation, and choir know when to start singing (at the next note, which will be the first note of the first stanza).
Since singing of hymns is an act of worship the Pastor stands facing the altar, with his back to Congregation or side wall, front pew, etc., depending on church architecture, and sings when the hymn starts and the Congregation starts/joins in depending on how familiar they are with the hymn. Some Pastors have a mic and some don't. Some Pastors, especially older, might sit while singing hymns. If there's a choir, it's singing assists Pastor and Congregation as well. As @Kem alluded to, some Pastors have greater or lesser musical ability. Congregations grow in musical ability, too. Singing the hymns and liturgy in parts by the Congregation is a nice Lutheran tradition, although no one gets upset if someone just sings the melody :) Everyone just needs to make a joyful noise (not necessarily beautiful) :)

We can really raise the roof on the old, beloved hymns, which the Congregation knows and loves <3


It sounds complicated, but it's really not. In most churches, the order of service is the same, except for (church) seasonal changes, and only the hymns, Psalms, and readings change, and if no Holy Communion, the relevant parts for that are omitted. Since there is so much familiarity, people can pay attention to what is being said or sung, instead of fumbling with hymnals. Some churches stand more than others, and I have never seen anyone get upset with anyone, who sits when everyone else is standing, especially older, pregnant, handicapped, etc.

And sometimes Pastors do rest their voices after they get the Congregation started singing on each hymn, especially if older or sick.

Some places with multiple Pastors will have one Pastor lead the service and the preaching Pastor only preach, especially if multiple services, but not always. Unless there's a Vicar, the Sunday church Pastor does it all week after week. In most of the churches I've gone to as an adult, there's only been one Pastor, with usually two services on Sunday, and sometimes other services during the week.
 
Sorry for the delay. Dog break :lol: Not at the apartment where my hymnal is, so doing this from memory. Intermittent internet [sigh]
Finally gave up and went to get my hymnal [sigh]


In a formal, liturgical, church service, the Pastor leads and the Congregation follows by either responding or joining in, depending on what part of the service it is. The Pastor either faces God (toward the altar and back to the Congregation) or faces the Congregation (back to the altar) depending on what he is doing. If the Pastor is talking to/worshipping God, his back is to the Congregation. If the Pastor is talking to the Congregation, his back is to the altar. The Pastor provides verbal and visual cues for the Congregation to stand up, sit down, come forward to the altar for Holy Communion, etc. The organist provides tones for the Pastor for chants, etc. and audible cues to the Congregation (introductions to hymns, etc.). The liturgy is printed in the hymnal, and the only page flipping is for hymns or something special. Some places print liturgy and hymns in the bulletin, some only print what isn't in the hymnal, some print the litugy but not the hymns. Some places make use of screens instead of hymnals/bulletins, and some use to supplement.


Example patterns of parts of liturgical services (there are many more parts, which use the same patterns as the parts I've listed)

Invocation at the beginning of the service (following the Processional Hymn/Hymn of Invocation):
Pastor faces Congregation and says or chants (sings), "In the Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy Ghost" and makes the sign of the cross.
The Congregation says or chants (sings), "Amen."

Confession of sins and announcement of grace or absolution (various forms, depends on church or specific liturgy):
Pastor says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us."
Congregation says, "But if we confess our sins, God, Who is faithful and just, will forgive our sins, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Pastor pauses for a period of silence to allow individuals to confess silently to God, usually not longer than 30 seconds or a minute (depends on the individual church). Congregations in some churches, and some Pastors, kneel, as able, to confess, which extends the needed time.
Pastor faces away from the Congregation and the Pastor and Congregation say together, "Most merciful God, we confess we are by nature, sinful and unclean. We have sinned against Thee in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done and by what we have left undone. We have not loved Thee with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We justly deserve Thy temporal and eternal punishment. For the sake of Thy Son, Jesus Christ, have mercy on us. Forgive us, renew us, and lead us, so that we may delight in Thy will and walk in Thy ways, to the glory of Thy holy name. Amen.
Pastor faces Congregation and announces grace or pronounces absolution (John 20:23)

Kyrie
The organ plays a short tone and the Congregation and Pastor sing the Kyrie. Since the Kyrie is a prayer directed to God, the Pastor faces the altar and has his back to the Congregation.

Gloria in Excelsis
If the Pastor sings, the organist plays a short tone, then starts playing. The Pastor and organist go for a few bars and then the Congregation joins in (the place is indicated in the hymnal). If the Pastor speaks, the organist waits until it is time for the Congregation to sing to start playing.

The Gospel
Pastor announces The Gospel.
Congregation sings, "Glory be to Thee O God."
Pastor reads or chants (sings) The Gospel (facing the Congregation or in the midst of the Congregation).
Congregation sings, "Praise be to Thee O Christ."
Unless the Procession needs to return to the Chancel, upon conclusion of the Congregational response, the Pastor and Congregation remain standing and start confessing the Apostle's or Nicene Creed. Pastor faces the altar for the creed. If the Pastor and Procession were in the midst of the Congregation, the creed is confessed after they return to the front of the church.

Chants of Psalms
The organ plays a short tone and the Pastor chants (sings) the first line, accompanied by the organ
The Congregation chants (sings) the second line, accompanied by the organ
The Pastor chants (sings) the third line, accompanied by the organ
The Congregation chants (sings) the fourth line, accompanied by the organ
Etc. until the Psalm is finished.
Sometimes, especially at the beginning of Holy Communion, only the first few lines are accompanied by the organ and the Congregation chants (sings) all of the lines, the majority of it a capella (unaccompanied) to allow the organist to receive Holy Communion and return to the organ to play the hymn after the chant is fnished.

Hymns
The organ plays an introduction to hymn (sometimes the last couple of stanzas, but this varies) with slight slowing at the end and the last note(s) slowed and extended so the Pastor, Congregation, and choir know when to start singing (at the next note, which will be the first note of the first stanza).
Since singing of hymns is an act of worship the Pastor stands facing the altar, with his back to Congregation or side wall, front pew, etc., depending on church architecture, and sings when the hymn starts and the Congregation starts/joins in depending on how familiar they are with the hymn. Some Pastors have a mic and some don't. Some Pastors, especially older, might sit while singing hymns. If there's a choir, it's singing assists Pastor and Congregation as well. As @Kem alluded to, some Pastors have greater or lesser musical ability. Congregations grow in musical ability, too. Singing the hymns and liturgy in parts by the Congregation is a nice Lutheran tradition, although no one gets upset if someone just sings the melody :) Everyone just needs to make a joyful noise (not necessarily beautiful) :)

We can really raise the roof on the old, beloved hymns, which the Congregation knows and loves <3


It sounds complicated, but it's really not. In most churches, the order of service is the same, except for (church) seasonal changes, and only the hymns, Psalms, and readings change, and if no Holy Communion, the relevant parts for that are omitted. Since there is so much familiarity, people can pay attention to what is being said or sung, instead of fumbling with hymnals. Some churches stand more than others, and I have never seen anyone get upset with anyone, who sits when everyone else is standing, especially older, pregnant, handicapped, etc.

And sometimes Pastors do rest their voices after they get the Congregation started singing on the hymns, especially if older or sick.

Some places with multiple Pastors will have one Pastor lead the service and the preaching Pastor only preach, especially if multiple services, but not always. Unless there's a Vicar, the Sunday church Pastor does it all week after week.
Interesting. I would be lost in the sauce if I attended.
 
Not all churches require their pastor to have any degree, nor attend a bible seminary school.

I would like to think all pastors are experts in Theology but sadly, that is not the case.

Your comment brings up the question for anyone to answer - what is a theologian?
That's true that not all Pastors have been to seminary. It only takes knowledge of Scripture and how to apply it and to qualify accordingly to the requirements laid out in Titus 3:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
While Pastors are usually not worship leaders they do have the obligation to oversee the worship leaders to make sure they are serving the church properly.
A worship leader is a servant and must follow the guidance of the Lead Pastor of the church.
Today, because we have seen an increase in the falling away from the church, many of today's Pastors are not sound in doctrine as it was foretold in 1 Timothy 4.
In fact as have heard some Pastors say that today's seminaries have become cemeteries.
Some of today's music is not worship music nor is it focused on God.
They mention God but much of today's Christian music is all about "me" and not about worship of The Most High God Almighty.
It's important to know about who is putting out some of that Christian music because it was appalling to see who got the Dove music award of the year a couple of years ago. An outspoken LGBT music artist. She sang about God in her music but practices what God hates.
Certainly the Tares in the church are being exposed and that's because Jesus is coming soon for His faithful church.
 
That's true that not all Pastors have been to seminary. It only takes knowledge of Scripture and how to apply it and to qualify accordingly to the requirements laid out in Titus 3:5-9 and 1 Timothy 3:1-13.
While Pastors are usually not worship leaders they do have the obligation to oversee the worship leaders to make sure they are serving the church properly.
A worship leader is a servant and must follow the guidance of the Lead Pastor of the church.
Today, because we have seen an increase in the falling away from the church, many of today's Pastors are not sound in doctrine as it was foretold in 1 Timothy 4.
In fact as have heard some Pastors say that today's seminaries have become cemeteries.
Some of today's music is not worship music nor is it focused on God.
They mention God but much of today's Christian music is all about "me" and not about worship of The Most High God Almighty.
It's important to know about who is putting out some of that Christian music because it was appalling to see who got the Dove music award of the year a couple of years ago. An outspoken LGBT music artist. She sang about God in her music but practices what God hates.
Certainly the Tares in the church are being exposed and that's because Jesus is coming soon for His faithful church.
Amen to everything you've written in this post!
 
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