Thursday Show
Mike Harland | “Artists and Shepherds”
#ArtistsAndShepherds
Time: 30m video
Artist or Shepherd?
As a WorshipLeader, do you see yourself more as an artist or a shepherd? Do we need both types of roles in a Worship Leader? What does a worship ministry look like if led by a shepherd? How about a ministry that is led by an artist?Join with Today’s Guest: Mike Harland
Learn what kind of leader is best suited to lead a worship ministry – an artist, a shepherd, or both.
Also LISTEN to the Worship Team Training
WTTU AUDIO PODCAST
4-11-19 WATCH SHOW: MIKE HARLAND!
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Do We Need Artists or Shepherds?
Yes.Leadership in the church has many facets, and the Bible has much to say about it. From the description of elders in I Timothy 3 and Titus 1 to the instructions to pastors in Ephesians 4 and I Peter, we see a clear picture of what ministry leadership looks like.
The Greek verb poimaino (to “shepherd”) is the basis for most of these texts. Paul and Peter use it extensively in their descriptions of leading God’s people. The image applies to worship ministry as well.
Artists sing for the sheep; shepherds teach the sheep to sing.
Artists lead the sheep with something ; shepherds lead the sheep to something.
Artists express their artistry (which can be worshipful); shepherds lead the sheep to express their worship.
You get the idea.
The truth of the matter is, we need both artists and shepherds in our communities of believers. We need artists who are creating and expressing our wonder, our worship of our God. We need artists who inspire the beautiful and aesthetic expressions that declare the beauty and awesome nature of our God.
Healthy worship ministries understand that our music should be excellent. The existence of art itself reflects the majesty of the God we serve. The church needs artists who pursue excellence in that expression and inspire the rest of us to pursue it as well. The song God hears is one song from all of us. The artists among us enhance our praise with their artistry.
By myself, I’m an okay singer. But put me next to Charles Billingsley and we’re pretty special together. Artists bring joy to all of us as they contribute their abilities to inspire the worship of God’s people.
But, we must have shepherds. These are the leaders who understand that our music is more than art to be expressed—it is a tool to be used for the benefit of the sheep.
What’s the Difference?
When artists lead our worship, we can unintentionally foster a “Filling Station” worship culture. Over the last two decades, Ministers of Music started “aging out” and Christian Artists were taking their places. Pastors started looking for someone just to “do the music.” The expectations of the worship leader became more narrow and centered on performance. Ministries that required administration—choirs, children’s music, student choirs—all began to disappear, mostly because the artists were not equipped to lead them.
Church leaders began to associate church growth with a contemporary music style and did everything they could to move to that approach as quickly as possible. But, musical changes without the spiritual shepherding of a pastor only led to division and confusion. And sadly, in many settings, the “Worship Wars” had begun.
We need a new kind of leader. One who has learned the language of music well, but also clearly understands the calling of disciple making that rests on the church. These are individuals who excel in their craft, but understand their role of worship leading to be spiritual in nature.
More than talent, they have a calling.
More than skills, they have servant hearts.
They love music, they love people more.
They are disciples who make disciples.
We need artistic shepherds.
FEATURED GUEST’S LINKS:
https://worshiplife.com
GUEST BIO:
Mike Harland grew up in Mississippi, graduated from Delta State University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and has led churches in worship leadership roles for most of his life. Since 2005, Mike has served as the Director of Worship at LifeWay Christian Resources. He is a published author, Dove Award winning songwriter, and a worship leader who sings and speaks nationally and internationally. His blog and podcast, “WorshipLife” is followed by pastors, worship leaders, and church musicians around the world. Mike and his wife Teresa serve in the discipleship and worship ministries of Brentwood Baptist Church and live in Franklin, Tennessee. They have three grown children – Lee, Elizabeth, and John.Keystone Thought: [ctt template=”6″ link=”7Pl1I” via=”no” ] Artists sing for the sheep; shepherds teach the sheep to sing.[/ctt]
@mikeharlandLW @BranonDempsey @worshiptt @WorshipTTU
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