Have you ever wondered why music in worship feels so powerful? It’s not just the melody or the rhythm that stirs our hearts—it’s the purpose behind the music. For the music team, leading worship is more than just playing instruments or singing songs. It’s an act of devotion, a chance to glorify God with everything they have. But how can they ensure that every note and every beat reflects His glory?
In this short exhortation, we’ll explore key principles for music teams to play for God’s glory. Each one is backed by scripture, offering a biblical foundation for worship that transcends mere performance. Whether you’re leading the band, singing in the choir, or playing in a worship ensemble, these insights will guide you toward worship that honors God above all. Let’s dive in and discover how to bring His presence to life through our music.
Short Exhortation for Music Team to Play for God’s Glory
#1. Play for the Audience of One
In every moment of worship, remember that you’re playing for God alone. Psalm 115:1 reminds us, “Not to us, Lord, not to us, but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.” This should be the heartbeat of every song you sing or play. When we focus on the approval of God rather than the praise of the congregation, we’re aligning our hearts with His purpose.
Example: Remind your team that their goal isn’t to impress the audience but to direct all attention to God. Encourage them to sing or play as though they are leading the worship in front of God alone.
#2. Worship Over Performance
Worship is an offering of our hearts, not just an act of performance. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” This isn’t just a guideline for life; it applies to our musical gifts as well. Music is meant to be an act of worship, not just an artistic endeavor.
Example: Remind the team that true worship is not about being perfect but about giving their best to God, even if mistakes happen. Focus on the heart, not the performance.
#3. Let Your Heart Sing First
Before the music reaches the ears of others, it must first come from the heart. Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:8, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” If your heart isn’t engaged in worship, the music will simply be noise. A true heart of worship begins with a surrendered spirit.
Example: Encourage the team to spend time in personal worship before rehearsals. A few moments of silent prayer or reflection can help center their hearts and invite the Holy Spirit to guide their performance.
#4. Excellence for His Name
While worship is about the heart, it also involves giving God our best. Colossians 3:23 teaches, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” God deserves excellence—not out of pride, but out of reverence and love for Him. Striving for excellence in every note and every rhythm is part of honoring Him.
Example: Motivate your team to practice diligently, not because they need to sound perfect, but because excellence reflects the greatness of the God they serve.
#5. Play with Joy and Passion
Worship should be an expression of joy. Psalm 100:2 calls us to “Serve the Lord with gladness; come before his presence with singing.” When we approach worship with joy, it becomes infectious and draws others into the presence of God. Passionate worship isn’t about volume; it’s about the intensity of the heart.
Example: Encourage your team to remember the joy of their salvation as they lead worship. Invite them to let that joy overflow in their playing and singing, even in quiet moments.
#6. Unity in Sound, Unity in Spirit
Unity in worship is essential. 1 Corinthians 1:10 urges us, “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.” When a music team plays in unity, it’s a powerful testament to the unity of the body of Christ. Each note must blend together, reflecting the harmony of the Spirit.
Example: Remind your team that every member is essential to the whole sound. Encourage them to support each other, listen carefully to one another, and seek to harmonize not just musically, but spiritually, as they lead worship.
#7. A Heart of Servanthood
A servant’s heart is foundational to leading worship. Jesus Himself exemplified servanthood in Matthew 20:28, where He said, “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Leading worship is not about standing at the front and being seen; it’s about humbling ourselves to serve others in leading them into God’s presence.
Example: Encourage the music team to approach their roles as servants—serving the congregation by leading them in worship, not as performers seeking recognition. Foster an attitude of humility and selflessness in every rehearsal and service.
#8. Be Led by the Spirit
The Holy Spirit guides us in worship. John 4:24 reminds us that “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” It’s the Holy Spirit who empowers us to worship authentically and helps us lead others into a genuine encounter with God. Relying on the Spirit ensures that our worship is not just mechanical, but an overflow of divine inspiration.
Example: Encourage the team to pray for the Holy Spirit’s guidance before every rehearsal and service. Remind them to stay sensitive to His leading, allowing Him to direct their playing and singing as they lead others in worship.
#9. Stay Rooted in Prayer
Prayer should be the foundation of every worship session. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to “pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.” Before stepping onto the stage, the team should first spend time in prayer, seeking God’s strength and guidance. Prayer keeps our hearts humble and focused on the Lord, ensuring that our worship is genuine.
Example: Lead your team in prayer before rehearsals and worship services. Encourage individual prayer as well, asking for God’s presence to fill them and guide their performance for His glory.
#10. Less of Us, More of Him
In every act of worship, the focus should be on God, not on ourselves. John 3:30 reminds us, “He must become greater; I must become less.” When we step aside and allow God’s presence to take center stage, the worship experience becomes a true encounter with Him. Our goal is to diminish ourselves so that God’s glory can shine through.
Example: Remind the team to check their motives. Encourage them to let go of any desire for personal recognition or applause, and instead focus solely on making God’s presence known through their music.
Closing Thoughts
Leading worship is a sacred responsibility that requires a heart fully devoted to God. As music teams, we are called to offer our talents and abilities not for our own glory, but for His. Let each note and every beat be an act of worship that draws others closer to the presence of God. Remember, it’s not about perfection—it’s about passion, unity, and humility. Play with joy, serve with love, and always seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit. May your worship bring honor to God’s name and inspire those who hear it to seek Him more deeply.