That’s good that you are making such smashing knowledge just about this good topic. And we think that should be very good if people order the thesis abstract or buy dissertation from you.:)…

However, how do you feel all this applies when a praise/worship band is playing in a non-church setting? For example at a music festival, or at a gig with other bands that don’t play praise music?
If the audience’s mindset is to watch and listen to bands, rather than to worship God by singing, how does this effect what the praise band is doing on stage? Do you still feel the band can be worshipping, and the audience can join in this worship by watching/listening? Or do you feel the band can have two modes, one in leading worship, the other in encouraging watchers through their performance? Or do you have any other thoughts on how this works?

The ability to contribute greatly by preaching and serving in church/life is helpful for us to see the progress in ourselves in the process of building up the relationship with God, but all the glory is and should be attributed to God, who offers us the humanity and fellowship with each other.

In fact, Peterson thinks that edification should be the focus of the church (but not to the exclusion of engagement with God):

“Nevertheless, if the focus of the meeting is on the edification of the church, this should enable God’s people individually to engage with him afresh and to offer themselves to him in the way that he requires and himself makes possible through the Holy Spirit. Thus, the ‘vertical’ and the ‘horizontal’ dimensions of what takes place should not be artificially separated. One part of the meeting cannot be ‘the worship time’ (e.g. prayer and praise) and another part ‘the edification time’ (e.g. preaching), since Paul’s teaching encourages us to view the same activities from both points of view. “

I felt your point that a ministry of music is a ministry of the Word was a good one. Of course this places more emphasis on the quality of the songs that we use, to ensure they ‘cut the mustard’! It also demands that the songs we use are working in the same direction as the message and the readings etc. But I would hope these things were happening anyway!

So this perspective has helped unsettle me, once I thought I’d made my mind up! Thanks guys.

Well said, Cedric. Thanks man.

I would want to say that singing ability is far second in importance to song leading. Although ability to lead a congregation in pitch is still important.

A song leaders primary purpose is to lead the congregation, which includes linking worship before and after the song. Making the experience meaningful for the congregation and riding waves that the congregation is feeling.

I would agree with Tom in saying that it needs to be sacrificial, you are song leading for the congregation, not for you. So you are there to lead them actively, not just to sing in front of them.

Would love an extended discussion about this with anyone!