If I’m honest, leading authentic worship isn’t always as effortless as it might seem. With the lights and attention, it’s easy to start feeling like the focus is on us. I’ve had moments where I feel tempted to lean into the spotlight instead of stepping aside to let God be seen. It’s something I continually wrestle with—how to lead worship authentically so that every moment on stage directs hearts to Him, not to me.
The Struggle for Authentic Worship Leading
Authentic worship leading starts in private, and it’s rooted in a deep, honest relationship with God. But if I’m honest there are days when that authenticity is hard to hold onto. It can be tempting to let the applause or encouragement define my worth, but I’ve realized that my calling goes far beyond any of that.
I have to constantly ask myself some tough questions:
- Is my personal worship life real and alive?
- Am I going through the motions, or am I truly seeking God on and off the stage?
Authentic worship is hard work. It’s not about perfection or having everything together. It’s about being honest and open with God, surrendering to Him, and allowing that honesty to shape how we lead others. When you are leading worship from an authentic place, people can tell and it encourages them to join in.
Letting Go of the Spotlight
The lights, cameras, and being on stage can create a tension in us to make worship at us – not God. Trust me, I’ve been there. Sometimes, it’s hard to escape the feeling that people are watching us more than they’re there to worship God. But I keep coming back to this truth: I’m not on stage to be seen; I’m there to point to Him.
It’s humbling experience to remember that the purpose of leading worship isn’t about showcasing our skills or gaining recognition. Our role isn’t to look or sound the best, but it is to guide people towards God, not towards ourselves. We must be reminded that we’re there to serve, not to be served. More of Jesus – less of me.
Being Real About the Heart Battle
Authentic worship leading isn’t a one-time decision; it’s an ongoing battle. There are things I do regularly to keep myself grounded, to make sure my heart stays focused on God:
- Honest Prayer: I pray before and after every time I lead worship, asking God to keep my focus on Him and humble me. I don’t want to lead from a place of ego; I want to lead from a place of genuine connection with Him. This helps when I’m nervous about how I sound on a song or when I start to lose focus to shift my focus back on the One who deserves it.
- Remembering My “Why”: I remind myself of why I started leading worship in the first place. This isn’t about me; it’s about drawing people closer to God.
- Receiving Feedback from Those I Trust: This one is hard, but it’s necessary. I have people in my life who know my heart and can call me out if they see me losing focus. I never want to step on stage and make it about me – so I let these people call me out even moments before leading.
- Worshiping Off the Stage: Some of my deepest worship moments happen when I’m alone with God. Worship can’t just be something I do on Sundays; it has to be a part of my everyday life. My private moments with God are what keep my public worship real.
Challenging Myself—and You—to Keep the Focus on God
I don’t have all the answers, but I’ve seen a shift in how I lead when I am coming from a place of authenticity. When I am focused on the true heart of worship my leading can minister to those God has called me to. And ultimately, that’s what matters most. I never want people to remember me after worship—I want them to only remember Him.
So here’s the challenge, for myself and for you: Let’s keep our hearts in check. Let’s choose authenticity over performance, humility over recognition, and God over ourselves. This is what authentic worship leading is all about—keeping our actions, words, and hearts pointed to God, every single time.