Thanks Sketch. I haven't been on for a while. I did go back and look at the other thread after you mentioned it. I digress. I don't have the same view as the original post when it comes to praise and worship leaders. I try to work on sure that I am prepared for worship (prayed up, etc). My constant prayer is to be aligned with the spirit and operated under the spirit. I am both a musician and Minister of Music. I operate under the direction of the Holy Spirit in using the gift God has given to me. I do believe one of the functions of a worship leader is to lead worship. Part of this involves encouraging others to worship. Ideally, you want people to, as you have, prepare themselves for worship service before they get to church. However, this doesn't always happen. The church is a hospital, and many times, people bring their burdens with them. Everyone isn't able to "turn off" what's happened to them before service and focus completely on God during service. (obviously if they prepared for service, this would be a non issue). So, for me, it is necessary to have the faith to believe, and "encourage" others to believe, that God is bigger than their problems. The yokes that bind them can be released through your worship and praise, and the very problem can be removed if we operate in faith and let God in. Regardless of what I might be going through, I will continue to worship him with full knowledge that he alone will shift the atmosphere. Be Blessed.
