Paul Baloche - Performance vs worship leading

[sevensidedmusic]

Thanks, Paul, for your guidance in this matter. You're right about worship having to do so much with the heart, but that answer is heavily skewed toward the subjective realm. In fact, the question itself presumes that true worship has fundamentally to do with the leader's personal posture. What if we asked a more objective-oriented question: What is the difference between a rock concert and a worship service? That might yield some more concrete answers.

[hiddentalent123]

Very well said. This same question has been around since the Councel Of Trent. We need to continuly remind ourselves why we worship and who is the object of our worship.

[worshipinsider]

Great job Paul

[osmaidae85]

Thank you so much Paul. You have truly been a great help!

[seguidordejesus1]

If someone knows english and spanish well Can transalate it?

Thanks!

[golulugo]

Thank you. You are the true worshiper.

[ricetoofies]

So helpful! Thanks

[killerlike]

thank you sir PAul... indeed, your videos that being sent to me was a very Big help

[MyGrace55]

i really got many ideas from you thank you very much.

[MyGrace55]

i really got many ideas from yoiu thank you very much.

[guitarmanjerdude]

cant hear what happend?

[theimpossible15]

Anyone think it's kinda odd that his speech only comes through the left channel?

Good video, otherwise. ;)

[theimpossible15]

I lied. Right channel.

[Toilalo]

@theimpossible15 If you're listening with headphones, just put your cable out a bit so only one send on the 1/4inch adapter is connected therefore splitting the signal between both headphones.

[theimpossible15]

@Toilalo Yeah, guess that would work. Still kinda funny only coming out of one side...

[yumaterrace]

Lifting your soul to God when ur down! Amen.

[rhoniimeade]

Amen!

[Archangel369th]

Thank you brother Paul...God is so so awesome and worthy of all of our best

[LouieG7777]

May God bless Paul Baloche.

[archie1961]

Thanks. Very helpful.

I have been having problem because of self-consciousness and inadequacy. But I still have to play cos I am leading my prayer group. Only 1 of 2 gutiarist. The other player is far superior to me.

[jhinkle37]

@archie1961 we all have to start somewhere. Learn to accentuate the other guitar player. you don't have to be a lead player at all. Be a SOLID rhythm player until you feel more comfortable. Playing with people better than yourself is a GREAT way to get better yourself. Always remember WHY we play. It's really for God and not us. I feel the same way bro, so I do understand. I hope this helps, God bless.

[gotatm]

Thanks Paul, this is really awesome. this is something i'm just starting to learn and really appreciate you putting into a video and into words

[nailspluscross]

Hi...there...I do worship leading at church..and I have some question...

DO I NEED have an eye to eye contact with the congregation as I leading them to worshiP?????

[rodwyr]

@nailspluscross

Not necessary. On one of Paul's DVD's (Creating Flow, I think), one lady interviewed answered that, at least from her perception. If a worship leader makes eye contact, it comes across (at heast to her) that he/she is more concerned with pleasing the congregation rather than worship of God. A good place to look is just above the last row, and don't be afraid to look around. Hope that helps.

[worshipper26]

LOL@ 14 min guitar solo. I like that "heart of worship and art of worship."

I had a keyboardist ask me are people really worshipping or do they just loiek the music? I was so confused! I never felt there had to be a difference. I love music and I LOVE God. To be able to give back to him what he has LOANED to me is my greatest joy.

[rodwyr]

@worshipper26

Agreed.  I view preparation and playing to the best of your ability as part of worship, because you desire to give God your best.

[denim98]

Finally an honest word on "Performance" in worship. When a person - musician or worship leader or even preacher step onto the stage, he is considered a performance of sorts. Preachers even entertain us with jokes, stories and anecdotes. The outfits our musicians / backup singers wear sometimes worthy of a 'fashion show'. But the most important thing is remember to perform for the Lord and not for humans.

[tehsamjones]

Thank you Paul for this! Just what I needed to hear.

[prisoncop1860]

I wholeheartedly agree! I had a band member leave our church band, simply because the lead guitarist and I would, as he put it, "sing to the ceiling". I would think, he might have gotten the hint, that we were singing to the audience of One. His faith hadn't grown to that level I guess. I am just thankful that there worship leaders like Paul, that are willing to give us the benefit of their experience, and encouragement! Keep on Praising

[tmhkrjj]

Paul is absouletely right. It's about half performance and half worship. You have to be aware that the congregation wants a little of both also. They want to see sincerity but they want to see you getting into playing or singing

[speckofdust21]

Thank you to whoever uploaded this...and to Paul for letting this stay on utube....really helping me (and hopefully my church worship team soon)

[mikolyski2]

I am a worship leader and sometimes get critcized that the keys I sing in are to high however they are the original keys that Chris tomlin uses or third day uses. I feel if the keys are to low the songs are not as powerful. I need info on how important the key of a song is. Or what is your opinion. Thanks

God bless all

[arnsxto86]

Im a worship leader 2, n that way that you think is completely normal!, sumtimes we think that because if the key of the song is high sounds better or sounds more powerfull, but it is not like that, is like playing "Amazing Grace" in C key, and sum other singer sing it in G key just for saying..both sounds POWERFULL!, bt the key of the song is according of the tone of your voice,and it will sound powerfull bcoz is God in you, n isnt just your talent, key isnt important PASSION THE KEY! GODbless

[tmhkrjj]

the keys aren't THAT important. Remember you're there for the people to worship. And if they can't sing the song comfortably because of the high key they won't enjoy worship. You can try dropping just one whole step or two. It won't make that big a difference but it could be the difference in the people being able to sing.

[prisoncop1860]

When the band puts together a new song, we always try to hit a happy medium. We try to keep the songs energy, while at the same time, finding a key that is both comfortable for us to sing, as well as the congregation. Paul said in a seminar once that we have to remember that we are leading the congregation in song. We are playing so they can sing to The Lord as well.

[injandbassist]

bro, it's impt to play a song in a key which is more comfortable for the congregation. let's remember that worship leading is drawing the congregation to God not to ourselves. it can also help you be more effective in playing guitar. that's my humble opinion. :)

[lrdeldric]

you should sing in a key that the congregation can sing to. If it's too high for them, you're kind of excluding them from participating in worship.

[lzy8zn]

i think it's better to low the key half a key or something to at least match the audience...i mean in the end, would God be pleased to see you sing a high note or see a whole congregation sing as one?

[judahhodel]

@mikolyski2

Chris Tomlin and Third Day often sing higher than the average individual. Its important to note that we are worship "leaders" and not just worshiping alone. It may 'sound' less powerful, however if the congregation cannot join in the song because it is beyond their range, then you are not able to lead them in it.

[rodwyr]

Agreed, they sing higher, but when they take their songs on the road (at least Tomlin does, anyway), the songs are always sung in a more managable key. Most of the time, if you take C.T.'s songs down 1 whole step, it's fine congregationally, though I've gone as far as 2. Key does have importance, but can be overcome to an extent if the song's really dynamic.

[adamdn37]

I feel you my brother! God Bless! Keep blessing the Lord!

[mgfliby]

Paul is amazing and truly has a heart for worship! You are my mentor and friend.

[TVWriterGuy]

That's a bit harsh, Beelzebird, but it does ring a bit true.

[Beelzebird]

Face it. It's all performance. We've got to start admitting that our churches are smitten with the showbiz bug.

[mysterymanofseoul]

if you have an attitude like that...nothing is going to change

[EuphoriaMusicSession]

dude i gotta agree with you man. i mean i hate to say it because i really try to stay spiritual in my playing. but pretty much all of the worship bands i've ever been in had those kinds of members who are so concerned with how things "sound" that they let their concept of worship slip away from them. yeah it sounds harsh, but it's true for the most part. it's hard to find a truely spirtually-driven worship team.

[FrettedFingersMusic]

Very interesting. Im trying out for my first team in a week, and this video is just what I needed.

Im really curious to see what the guys on the team think about how they sound. They sound really good! BUT is it all performance? Im excited to see how things go, and get to know them better.

[gregorymark75]

I think that we sometimes forget about the implications of the incarnation. If God and man are united in Jesus, then I think that human goals and divine goals are also united. Therefore, good performance is united to good worship, just humanity and divinity are united in Christ.

[msjeaneth]

lead worshippers must be aware of this that we cannot fool anyone because the Holy Spirit resides in each one's heart. they can discern if we are genuine or not. so I totally agree with what Paul B. had said, leading worship is just doing publicly what we do privately. and I believe that if as lead worshippers we are doing what we are called to do and that is to keep the incense burning, our churches will experience a supernatural growth because a worshipping church is a growing church.

[jonathanwiebe]

wow thanks so much for those words of wisdom. You have learned a lot from Jesus along the way!!

[icount2u]

the this the best video of you i've seen so far, my team must see it too.

You are blessed brother!

[munchygugu]

i totally agrreee with him .. =)

[COVENANT31band]

Paul - I am blessed by your humility and Godward orientation - thank you for putting this material out. May our God richly bless you!

[jimbow56]

I heard a story one time where a preacher was being complimented as he left the podium by someone saying "you're awesome, great message pastor!" and he thought to himself "I know, the devil just told me the same thing!"

[soquelslug]

You really hit the nail right on. I agree with your view on praise & worshiping. I often wondered if it was genuine, but you answere my question of "whats in the heart" thank you for thinking of others wonders involving praise to our Father.

[snell4889]

I'm the lead singer on a Praise & Worship team. I'm often complimented on my singing, and though flattered, I'm uncomfortable with it. I'm overjoyed to be able to do what I love best while blessing others & the Lord, however, my hearts desire is to lead the audience into the Throne Room of God, not to entertain them. How should I respond to their compliments without sounding either conceited or overly humble? I say, "Thank you", but I'm not sure that that's appropriate. What do you think?

[sirutu]

say 'to God be the glory' instead..

Jn. 3:30

God bless!

[bbc914]

There's never anything wrong with saying thank-you.

You're welcome...

[snell4889]

Thanks...you're right! Besides I'm working for the Lord...He's the only one I need to concern myself with. Right?

[clj14]

snell4889,

Maybe you could just say basically what you said here. I've found simply saying "worship" reminds people that it's all about honoring Jesus. (example below)

"Thank you. You know,my hope is always that when I help lead worship our church can really grow in what it means to glorify God."

And never pass up the opportunities for explaining what worship is all about; maybe try it the next time :)

[snell4889]

Thanks, clj14. I appreciate your comment. Be blessed!

[gingermonkeys]

snell4889

im totally on the same boat!!!

i know wht ur talking about..

when people compliment me im not sure myself what to sy in response..because i dnt wnt people thinkin im over humble

[mlugg01]

Dude, I'm completely in the same boat. I play lead guitar in my worship band at church, and I feel sometimes like people I know only come to church to see me play, rather than to worship God, and it really bothers me.

It's a hard balance, I guess. I mean, there's nothing wrong with being complimented, but I only hope that the focus isn't on me, but on God.

[westdccs]

If you're brave, do what one of our guitarists does -- Thank them and ask them which part ministered to them. Ask them to be specific -- it cuts down on flattery and brings forth true appreciation and encouragement.

[delgado4652]

Consider yourself lucky....Struggling with accepting that pridefully is my problem. I would rather not hear that because I will start to only think about me. But when they say good job, I merely say thank you and pray they meant good job in leading worship tonight.

[iZykle]

wow.. same feeling I get..

Once, our youth pastor was all,

Hey Aaron.. wow.. you're really annointed and you've got such a great voice..

and I was like, thank you?

I mean.. yeah.. Im not sure of how to take compliments when it comes to me and leading worship..

[chicapilipina]

good words. I've been appointed youth worship leader at my church just recently & I need all the insight I can get. & I'm praying that God may help me to learn the fine line between playing for Him & playing for people as well as singing with meaning. Hey thanks for uploading. =)

[jf14344]

sing to the Lord with gladness..w0rship the Lord with all your heart..let us CONTINUE SERVE THE LORD OUR GOD..tnx bro.paul 4 ur advce...tnx a lot Godbless

[mixedups]

better felt than telt

nicely worded =)

[jacobwillown]

is it meant to mean "felt than told" ?

[leonsmits]

it's wordplay or rather a neologism

[reginalyn07]

Thanks for posting this video. im a worship leader and i admit, i often have a hard time in leading worship.. but this video really helps...

GOd bless and bless God

[supershroom164]

Pray for North Korea!

pray for China!

Pray for Israel!

Pray for your hometown!

pray for your school/work!

why are we just living in a comfort zones and thinking we are saved?!?!

get up! and reach out!

[6Air5Guitarist0]

That what I'm taking about!!!

Just came back from a mission's trip, and I am so pumped. We think that we do alot with just praying and reading your bibles. Get up and Go to All the NATIONS, TEACHING and BAPTIZING in the NAME of THE LORD!!!

There is a dieing soul, going to Hell. Telling that God that he didn't know about Him.

[erniebald57]

There is a fine line between performance and expression. Those with the right mentality express, and those with the wrong one perform. You can usually tell the difference. It all comes down to having the right heart and not forgetting about the people out in the crowd before going somewhere else musically.

[johnevans21]

Thank you Paul..I've noticed that often, especially we get a new member in our group, we have to remind them WHO it's about. Even knowing this, I find I too 'walk a fine line' and sometimes have to remind myself..Thank you for being a leader of souls..

[JTEXX77]

Well, of course, there's always always an element of performance in leading worship in the sense that we need to be skilled enough with our instruments and singing. But I think the real point here is "performance-orientedness", meaning that we should not be so overly concerned about how well we are leading worship because it's oftentimes coming from the all so subtle desire for human approval which is in turn coming from a sense of insecurity and well, pride. This we should try to avoid.

[will18189]

ia m blessed!as a drummer!thank you very much!GBU

[ecel21]

Thank you for being such a blessing to all of us members of the worship team who really want to worship the Lord in spirit and in truth, and to all worship leaders who desire to serve in all humility. God bless you, Paul!

[drummn4God]

AMEN! I totally agree!...that was very helpful. thank you for serving the Lord! =] praise God!

[digbyte]

cont'd

3 traits to look for in team members 1)godly character, 2)natural expressiveness, and 3)musical skill. They can be ranked in that order but those lines drawn depend on the size and maturity of the church. Obviously, best to have members who excel in all three!!

Having a members with those traits will be a good step towards having a balanced service.

[digbyte]

Matt Redman calls them the 1) Heart of worship and the 2)Art of Worship. Balance is the key so the congregation isn't left behind because you've closed your eyes and sailed off into your own worship experience (heart) or you launch into a 14 minute guitar solo (art)

[hdsileoni]

Right on!

[flaviusivascu]

Thanks Paul. I am leading worship in our church and your advices and videos help me a lot to understand and to improve my ministry. God bless you! I'll keep an eye on this chanell to find new videos and new blessings.

[zabdieldavid]

Thanks Paul and the team for giving us this tools.

We, all the worship leaders, are blessed by this way. God bless you, brothers!