Worship leading is a delicate topic for two reasons. First of all, when criticism is given it can be taken as a judgment against the style of music chosen.

Secondly, many people who think they are singing well may not be singing pleasantly to the listening ear. I know. I’m one of those people for whom it is hard to hit a note and not waiver off-pitch. But I enjoy singing. And, I have led worship and written worship songs.

I came to realize that my pitch wavers too much to be a “leader” in worship. Once I grappled with that, God surprised me by opening up opportunities to begin writing on church leadership. A 30-year career began. But often we allow people to lead worship because of their connections or willingness (that’s how I became a worship leader) in lieu of their ability to connect worshippers to God.

But, the very word “worship” gives us an insight into how to evaluate a worship leader. Worship is derived from the Hebrew word shachah. The Hebrew-English Lexicon tells us this carries the idea of reverence, respect and praise that results from a close encounter with a king. Shachah describes a sincerity and otherworldliness that transports the listener into the presence of God. It means to draw close to God, as if to kiss his feet. I’ve called this the “face to foot encounter.”

Unfortunately, when I sing I often notice that I’m struggling to find the exact note, rather than freeing my heart and the hearts of others to connect with God. When I coach churches I ask them not to judge a worship leader by their history or proficientcy. Instead, honestly ask ourselves if during worship people are feeling close to God.

Make a regular part of your informal conversation a variation of this question: “When during last Sunday’s church service did you feel especially close to God?”

Then ask it in different scenarios:

• congregants you see during the week,
• worship leaders before or after rehearsals,
• technical leaders after services,
• staff members before or after meetings,
• lay leaders before/after meetings or when you see them during the week.

When appropriate, followup discussions will help you understand when during your services worship is occurring or being displaced. And, answers from many sources and over many weeks will help you craft a picture of what the Hebrew word shachah depicts: a close encounter with the King.