What’s a girl to do? Worship Confessional 01.03.08

Call To Worship

Rock of Ages, (There is No Rock) [A] Rita Baloche ccli 2240547

Agnus Dei [G] Michael W. Smith ccli 626713

Breathe [G] Marie Barnett ccli 1874117

Empty Me [E] Gene Way, John Gomer ccli 4067467

Message and Communion

Communion [C] Mac Powell ccli 4586072

Beautiful Wounds [C] Joe Beck, Wendy Willi ccli 4611521

Offering and Response

I Love You Lord [D] Cosima Ybarra

Yesterday Today and Forever [D] Vicky Beeching ccli 3994706

Benediction

Normally, I wouldn’t be posting an article about girl worship leaders, but after a dissussion with a friend and vocalist on our team on Sunday after service, and after I had such a sweet time in the Lord over this issue last week I thought I should share with all my friends out there. I figured, maybe some of you would like to hear my heart on the subject.

Being a girl worship leader is kind of a THING with me…. you know, that question goes ’round and ’round about whether a woman should be a worship ministry leader or not. (This post isnt a debate about girl worship leaders but rather my thoughts on the subject.) I’m writing especially for those of you who might find it difficult to be in a worship ministry where the leader is a woman because of your convictions about leadership roles.

A little history to set up my point:

When Pastor Bob and I came to CCPV, about 10 years ago, there was an established worship ministry with a worship leader. I had no intention of getting involved with the worship team/ministry except to lead for women’s events or special stuff. I did, however, get busy with the women’s ministry and was greatly blessed to serve there. I truly wanted to connect with the ladies of our fellowship as the pastor’s wife and had a wonderful time getting to know them and ministering in bible study and women’s events.

The thing about THINGS is, things change.

A couple years in, we were in need of a worship leader and had no men qualified to fill the role. The Lord brought me into the picture earlier to do some worship team workshop type stuff because of my music background. I had led the team some but not as the worship ministry leader. This was a leadership position that needed filling.

When Pastor Bob asked me to do it I was under the impression it was temporary, being willing to step out of the way the moment a qualified man was available. That was eight years ago and though there have been some men who came and went I’m still praying for that man.

Over the years I have, on many occasions, asked the Lord why He was waiting to bring a man to fill the role of worship ministry leader at CCPV. I have always gotten the same answer, albeit in different forms. Usually, the Lord takes me to a verse and then gently encourages me through a brother or sister to continue to trust in the Lord and He will direct my path. This brings me to what the Lord spoke to my heart this past week and after Sunday’s Service through a brother.

Now, the point of my post:

1 Corinthians 15:7-10 (NKJ)
7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time.
9 For I am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

I don’t presume to compare myself to Paul the Apostle when it comes to anointing, but as a human, equal to Paul, yes. If I were to rewrite Paul’s words as my own it might sound something like this:

“…. After that …. He appointed the previous worship leaders. Then last of all He appointed me also, as by one born out of due time. For I am the least of the worship leaders, who am not worthy to be called a worship leader, because I am a woman. But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.”

These words produced in me such sweet peace as I went before the Lord last week. He so gently reminded me that It’s not about me, and I am so relieved to hear the words of grace that I echo Paul in my desire to labor more abundantly than they all, that the grace that is with me will bring glory to God. My prayer is that those folks who come to CCPV and see me leading the worship would see the grace of God at work. And, I pray that I would be humble before the people and those who serve with me. May God’s strength be revealed in my weakness. Truly, His grace is sufficient for me.

Get Charts

~ by worship1 on February 4, 2008.