Blogs By Benjamin

In the penultimate episode of Paul Baloche's Youtube series "Leading Worship", he emphasizes the need to "focus on the journey". Rather than simply throwing four songs together for a service, the songs should be intentionally ordered and structured in order for the Spirit to do the last part in the hearts of everyone involved. Baloche points out, as he has done all series, the necessity for honesty in the hearts of the worship leader. It's not only the congregation that should experience this "journey", but rather the worship leader should TAKE them on this journey, which is dependent on both parties experiencing it.  As always, I appreciate Baloche acknowledging the importance of listening to the promptings of the Spirit. While we may TAKE the congregation on the journey through the serivce, the Spirit CREATES the journey for us to go on and guides us collectively through it. In order for us to fully "colabor with the spirit", as Baloche...

Paul Baloche, in this episode titled "Rehearsing Your Setlist", focuses on the intricacies of practicing transitions. Once the team ahs gelled and practiced the songs as a whole, the last thing he does at the end of a rehearsal or even before the service is practice transitioning from songs to songs and keys to keys. The key here is that the whole band knows a general outline what to expect so that when Baloche or any other vocalist feels led to repeat a chorus, for example, or say a quick prayer, the band can adjust smoothly. This adds a layer of freedom to the worship.  I especially appreciate the non-scripted approach to worship Baloche shows. Nothing is necessarily set in stone, but rather the prompting of the Spirit is followed. However, in order for this to work the musicians must be of the top quality. They must know their instrument so well as well as be able to non verbally communicate with other members of the team spontaneously in order to adjust to potential off-s...

Paul Baloche makes it clear that a worship centered environment begins from the "top down", in the episode "Performance vs Worship Leading". It is the worship leaders' responsibility to guide the congregation into a time of musical worship, but not to worship for them. This is dependent on where the leaders' heart is oriented toward. There will always be the temptation of worshipping for the sake of satisfying the ego, but it's clear that the whole purpose of worship is lost when that desire overshadows the heart to serve. Baloche also points out that in the pursuit of being fully oriented toward the Lord, there's no place for "fake humility", as he puts it. The Lord knows the inmost desires of the heart so there's no reason to put on a fake persona in an effort to follow him. The idea of fighting against the temptation of self glory ties in to what Jesus means when he calls us to "deny ourselves, and take up our own cross". T...

 Paul Baloche highlights the need to be mindful of distractions in the episode "Distractions" of his Youtube series "Leading Worship". He encourages worship leaders to consider aspects of the service that could potentially affect the audience in a negative way. The lighting can be one such aspect that could deter the congregations focus from worship. Baloche also calls the worship leader to keep in mind the distractions that the congregation enters the sanctuary with. Life itself is so distracting so Baloche makes it a point to begin the service in a conversational manner.  Baloche makes a critical point when he emphasizes the need to "meet others where they're at", as pertaining to the congregation. In 1 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul says that he "becomes weak, that he might win the weak". Essentially he finds common ground with others for the purpose of "saving some" as he puts it later in that verse. It's important we seek to r...

Once the worship leader has cultivated their own ministry with the Lord and refined their musical talents for the purpose of the glory of God, there comes a time to pick a list of songs. Paul Baloche highlights the need to consider the setting, personnel, and context of the service he's preparing for. For example, the age of the congregation is important for choosing type of song in terms of currency. Baloche also describes how he consults the person teaching that week for pointers as to the theme of songs he should decide upon. After all of this, Baloche sits down and chooses songs and, importantly, keys. He points out that the congregation should be able to sing in the key he chooses. It's not about them watching the band perform, but participating and engaging in worship instead.  I love how Baloche emphasizes the idea of putting yourself in the moment beforehand. This helps with musical preparation, but it also prepares the heart for service. However, I would've like to...