If you are a worship leader, you must realize that you are there to lead people in praise and worship to God. It is possible to not realize this fact, that you are to lead the congregation. Seems simple enough. But leading people means your goal is to get people to open their mouths in praise unto Him. That means that you are not there to perform. You must play songs that are well known to the congregation, songs that they can wholeheartedly engage in. You might have a lovely voice and be good at setting a groove, but if the congregation is not engaged, you have failed at leading. Your first priority is playing songs that people know.
I have seen it time and time again! Congregations that are not engaged. They just stand there listening to the band. Mostly because they don’t know the songs. I have had countless people say the same thing to me, they don’t know the songs. Why do we have this problem? It is usually because the band wants to do songs that they like. Usually the latest popular songs that are being put out by big churches and record labels. Some dislike the old hymns, they feel the need to be relevant.
When you pick songs to play, you also need to make sure the theology being put forth by the song is solid. That means you need to be in the Word, getting Biblical knowledge and spending time with God. This is very often overlooked by pastors choosing musicians.
The Bible is clear about requirements for pastors and deacons, 1 Timothy 3:1-13. Why do worship leaders not have the same requirement or one like it? It is a leadership position!
Try singing Amazing Grace in your church without any instruments, you will be amazed at the level of participation. Leading worship has one goal, to get the congregation to praise the Lord.
Niels Prip - Blog 