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Recently, I was asked the question by a panel – “what is the difference in a worship leader and a worship pastor“. It is a good question – and one that some churches don’t understand or fail to see the benefit of the difference. For that reason, I wanted to take a couple of days and look at the answer – and outline what I feel the makeup of a worship pastor should be.
What Is A Worship Leader?
We certainly can’t diffrenciate one term without defining the other – so we first need to look at what a “Worship Leader” is. For the most part, “Worship Leaders” are those who lead in worship. In a vague sense – that would include those lead worshipers such as choir members, worship team members, etc…but we are specificaaly dealing with those tasked with leading a congregation in a worship setting.
One person – usually with guitar or piano – or with voice alone, who “leads” the congregation in song. This person may be a member of the congregation or may be visiting from another. Most times, the worship leader is tasked with hand-picking the songs for the service he/she will be leading but may or may not be charged with assembling the band or arranging the service.
The Community Difference
So what separates a worship leader from a worship pastor? One main difference – the responsibility of the community he serves. I have been a part of some spectacular worship services by some brilliant worship leaders. When the service was over – and life went on – and the worship leader (be it a travelling worship leader or a Christian music artist who leads in worship) leaves the church or gets back on the tour bus after a Spirit-filled night…the community remains. There is no deep emotional bond nor responsibility for that bond in a worship leader environment.
The main difference in a worship leader and a worship pastor is the level of pastoring done within the community. A worship pastor is involved with encouraging those within his community – raising up leaders, investing in others, determining the needs, evaluating the strengths, and acknowledging the weaknesses. He knows his community like his own family. He is a pastor. He is a shepherd. He brings more than a song – and his job responsibilities weigh moreso Monday through Saturday than they do on and given Sunday.
This – is a worship pastor – and over the next couple of days I want to focus on the skills and skillset that I feel a strong worship pastor should have. Until then – I’d love to hear your definitions of each. Feel free to post your thoughts and comments below!
