WHICH CHRISTIANS SHOULD TAKE A LEADING ROLE IN WORSHIP ASSEMBLIES?

In our worship to the Lord, rather than be chaotic or haphazard, we strive to “Let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40). With that in mind, when we engage in prayers, singing, or other acts of worship in our assemblies, someone takes the lead. Who should play that role? 

The one who takes a leading role should be a Christian. New Testament references to worship assemblies speak about the participants being members of Jesus’ church (1 Corinthians 1:2; 11:18,20; 14:20,26; Acts 20:7). Worshipping God is a great honor (Psalm 95:6), so is being asked to lead His people in worship. Only those who take seriously their task of leading should be asked to serve as a leader in worship. 

Worship leaders should be those who are ready and willing to lead. A person may not yet feel comfortable to lead in an assembly if he was baptized only a few days ago. Let us be thoughtful (Philippians 2:4) and not pressure someone to do something that he is not yet mentally prepared to do. 

If it is a mixed assembly of Christians (meaning males and females are present), it should be males/ brothers who serve as leaders. God’s plan is “that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting” (1 Timothy 2:8). In this verse, the word “men” comes from a Greek word (“ἀνήρ/anēr”) which means males; so, males lead. In the same context, it is written that women are not permitted “to have authority over a man” (1 Timothy 2:12) in a spiritual setting. Such instructions are neither opinions nor “mere tradition”. No, Paul charged Timothy, “These things command and teach” (1 Timothy 4:11).

What kind of brother should be enjoined to lead in a worship assembly? He should be holy (1 Timothy 2:8). God’s ears are open to the prayers of the righteous (1 Peter 3:12), and the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much (James 5:16). So, let the leader be a righteous brother. Some clarity: “He who practices righteousness is righteous” (1 John 3:7). Let each church determine to select only those who faithfully walk with God to lead in worship. 

The ones who lead in worship ought to be brothers who set the right example outside the context of a worship assembly. How? By being a pattern of good conduct at home, at work, at school, and in the community (Titus 2:7). Think of different Bible characters who were men of prayer––godly men like Moses, Samuel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Daniel, and Paul. Christian brothers who imitate those servants of Jehovah are the type of men who should be asked to lead God’s church in worship. 

(extracted from TRUTH, a monthly publication to help educate, edify, encourage, and equip the saints of God.)