The preacher, the worship leader

In many churches there is a separation of sermon and worship. Both are seen to occur in the service, but they are perceived to be distinct elements. 

In some churches the service feels like two events, the song service and the sermon.  In other churches the preacher is expected to lead the whole service whether or not the preacher is capable or desirous of the responsibility!

I hope we would agree that worship is more than song-singing.  Actually, worship is about revelation of God and response to God. 

While revelation of God need not be restricted to the sermon, it should surely include the sermon.  So the sermon plays a role in the worship of the church.

This has all sorts of possible implications in respect to structuring a church service and planning the interaction of sermon and song. 

For example, what comes after the sermon?  It can be a horrible feeling to preach a sermon and then see people switch off and switch back to normal life during the token singing of a closing song (sometimes a sermon and its application needs space to “soak” in). 

Equally, it can be wholly disappointing to be lifted up through a sermon and then not given the opportunity to respond in well-chosen and well-led song.

I feel that as preachers we need to recognize our role as worship leaders, yet at the same time recognize the wonderful ministry of those capable in leading response through music. 

As a preacher I am a worship leader, yet I know so well that there are others who can lead worship so much better than I. We need each other.

Peter Mead is mentor at Cor Deo and author of several books. He blogs at Biblical Preaching.