Edification and Evangelism Through Worship Leadership

To gain Christ worshipers, evangelism is the church’s most significant commission. Disciples of Christ are commanded to preach the gospel: Mark 16:15. However, the church's edification through worship leadership produces the heart for evangelism in God’s people to be evangelists. This multiplies the ministry of the congregation to their world. This paper addresses the components of successful leadership that help people to be edified and evangelized in through the integrity of the gospel presentation through worship, specifically American evangelical worship leadership. Adaptive approaches must be considered as cultures evolve while retaining the accurate theological gospel message. Recorded historical commentary and leadership strategies are examined as they relate to cultural context. Insights from significant Christian leadership figures will be a contributing factor, including their motivations, challenges, strategies, and achievements. Ministry profiles of today’s worship leaders will be examined and discussed. Authoritative contributions from active worship leaders will support this study. Based on qualitative research, a discussion of a philosophical approach to worship will be offered as it relates to the diversity of today’s religious and secular cultures and the inclusivity of a wide age demographic; more variety in genres, a higher standard of education for facilitators, a higher level of performance excellence with creative artistry, team building, and a greater understanding of critical connectivity from artist-facilitator to listener. This project will fill a combined gap in historical knowledge, current applications, and a philosophical perspective for motivation and connectivity for the continued edification of the church and the unreached community of potential believers. The reader may gain personal leadership insight to evaluate past, current, and proposed standards considering self-evaluation of motivations, contextual challenges, strategies, and areas needing improvement.