Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rock Stars

by Stephen Miller

Why do you lead worship?

Often the motives are mixed. You find yourself wanting to point people to Jesus but also feeling a desire to be noticed and praised, to make yourself the center of attention.

Stephen Miller is the worship pastor for a large church of young, energetic Christians. He and his band record albums and lead worship for conferences all over the country. He knows the temptation to make himself the show, to pursue fame, to seek the applause of other people. And he has learned to want nothing to do with it.

In this book, Miller exhorts his fellow worship leaders to make Jesus the center of all their efforts. He teaches how to do this with Scripture, teaching, prayer, story, and song. In all, Miller’s call for worship leaders is to lead worship, whole-hearted and whole-minded exalting of God, rather than making a spectacle out of it.

Worship Leaders, We’re Not Rock Stars will encourage and challenge worship leaders by clarifying their purpose and identity, and by doing so will bless those they lead.

 

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Leadership, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 2013

About the author

Stephen Miller is a pastor, an artist, and a passionate advocate for the local church who travels all over the world to preach and lead worship for various conferences, concerts, camps, and more. He is a voice for orphan care as well as a Compassion International artist. Miller has recorded five studio albums and is the author of Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rock Stars. He lives in Austin, Texas, with his wife, Amanda, and their five kids.

Reviews

[Eli Snead · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a super captivating and convicting book. The author who cites both J. Piper and Uncle Rico keeps the reader grasped throughout this short book. I would recommend any worship leader to read this little book.

“What greater source of inspiration could we have than the One who paints the skies and rejoices over us with singing” (112)

[Roger Leonhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looked like an interesting read. I love worship and led worship in the past.

One of the problems you run into, being in music ministry, is the ego. Everyone wants to sing, whether they can or not. Every one wants to be up front for everyone to see. This also includes those who can sing and know it. No one is above pride. We all want to feel good about ourselves, but many times we place ourselves in front, when we should be pointing others to God. Those who lead worship should be above reproach. To lead in worship is a sobering task that should not be taken lightly.

Miller's book takes us into the hidden desires behind leading worship. What are our motivations? Are we content to lead in a small church or do we feel we need to be seen? Miller strips down our motives and guides us to what our desires should be. Our priority should be to worship God and let Him be our single focus. If the only time we worship is on the stage, we are not worshiping, we are preforming.

He shows us what true worship means. Our worship on Sunday morning should be overflow from what we do all week. Sometimes, we think the music is the most important thing. Miller takes us through nine chapters showing us what we are as worshiper.

Here is a list:

1. What Are We?
2. We Are Worshipers
3. We Are Redeemed and Adopted
4. We Are Pastors and Deacons
5. We Are Theologians
6. We Are Storytellers (Liturgists)
7. We Are Evangelists
8. We Are Artists
9. We Are Christians

I enjoyed this small book and highly recommend it. If you sing in the Choir, on a worship team, or lead worship you should pick up a copy.

I highly recommend it and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

I received this book, free of charge, from Moody Publishers and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Diego Esquivel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This read is more of a slap in the face. It talks so much about what a worship leader is not, and what worship leaders are evolving to now a days.

He hits every point about what a contemporary church looks like today. ABout the bright lights and awesome rock worship music, its all in there.

Stephen Miller goes more into depth about what a worship leader "really" should be. He talks about what Gods purpose is for the worship leaders of the world.

I totally reccomend this book to anyone who is part of the worship team, and, or serves in the local church. The book gives a total insight on what a real heart of worship should be.

[Barnabas Piper · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a worship leader, but this book is for people who are led too. It so effectively brings out the elements of worship and helps the reader understand it better. And it centers on Jesus throughout. It is a helpful book without too much of anything or too little.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read this in one sitting because it's both an easy read and actually really inspirational with some really deep insights along the way. Not going to blow your mind but definitely worth the read if you're a worship leader or an aspiring musician wanting to get involved in church music.

[Troy Holt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short but powerful book. I read it in like 3 days. The premise of this book is that we should be making Jesus famous instead of ourselves famous.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 3.8

"At what point did the measure of success in ministry become record deals, radio play, and real gigs? Yet this is the definition of worship leading for much of the world. This has become the pursuit and the end goal... But the simple fact remains that most worship leaders will never have these things. For most, this is a completely unrealistic expectation or goal to have, and the overemphasis of these things as the measure of success has left scores of worship leaders feeling like broken failures".

If you're newish to the church and want to understand what a worship leader is and isn't, maybe confused by what the mainstream & "Christian music" scene narrative is or blinded by the allure of flashing lights, then this is a light, easy read that explains it all really well. My rating is based in that sense for what it is.

What we are (as further explained in the book):
• Redeemed and adopted
• Worshipers
• Pastors and deacons
• Theologians
• Liturgists
• Evangelists
• Artists
• Christians

"We don't need a redefining of worship leadership as much as we need a reawakening to how great Jesus is".

👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
If you're seasoned and looking for depth, this isn't the one. I'd recommend instead:

The Reset by Jeremy Riddle
Worship on Earth as it is in Heaven by Rory Noland
The Awe of God by John Bevere

[Jack Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like I already knew everything written in this book, I thought this book was more of a list of do's and don't's, what we are and we are not, rather than any practical help. perhaps I read this with the wrong mindset. I was looking for practical help as a budding worship leader, with a healthy reminder of who we worship, and why we worship Him. was quite short too, so just felt a bit like a nothing read in my opinion, and the attempts to be funny ended up seeming crude and ruined it a bit.

[R.D. Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephen Miller hit the nail on the head with this one.

So many worship leaders are using their position to take another step up the ladder of fame and recognition and completely forgetting what they were called to do in the first place.

This is a great book to study on your own or with your worship team.

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was ok. Having read Zac Hick's book called, "The Worship Pastor", I found this book to paddle in comparison. The author made many leaps without any evidence based reasoning. I'd recommend this only as an entry level read, with the intention to recommend the previously mentioned book (or perhaps, simply start with the other book).

[Chelsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book

This book is an easy read, and I love how the authors heart is postured towards who God is and the development of our souls as Christians. He discusses our many roles and our obligations towards them.

[Eric Beaudoin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave very useful insights into remaining humble in the ego-soaked world of worship leading. Very helpful book and highly recommend for worship band personnel.

[Darren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for those just beginning their worship leading journey. Readable and great for fostering discipleship discussions.

[Will Singleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Wonderful!

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy-read book but it speak so many volume to me. So many learnings!

[Jonathan Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well said

Good read, well written, solid points. Definitely one I would recommend for others to check out. One that I would pull back out and read again

[Pam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It just wasn't what I expected. I expected more practical advice on how to fight the lure of "fame" in a front line ministry.

[Kathy Gossen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t really like his sarcastic view of past worship music or experiences but his point that worship leaders must first be Christians who live out their worship rung true.

[Happy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eye-opener, puts you in yournplace as a Christian, and a worship leader.

[John Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe 50-60 years ago, one’s definition of a “worship leader” would have been drastically different from the 21st century understanding. With that change comes both challenges and even dangers. One is that worship want to become rock stars. Probably a majority of teenage guys have had the “dream” of being a rock star too, who wouldn’t want tons of money, countless fans, and have a ridiculous amount of fun while working? But what hath rock stars to do with the Church?

Stephen Miller has had his fair share of experience in reconciling the rock star attitude with worship leading, so I would consider his insights worthy of credibility. In fact, he is very honest with his own failures and struggles as well. He states, “the rock star worship syndrome I experienced early on is not so much a musical style or way of dressing, but is an attitude and mentality that hides itself in various ways, some more obvious than others” (pg. 15). Despite the temptations that exist for the modern-day worship leader, Miller is convinced that a worship leader can live, serve, and lead to the glory of God, and I think so too.

One of the great strengths of Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rock Stars (and Miller’s philosophy of ministry in general) is that unlike many discussions and writings on contemporary Christian music and worship leadership, there is actual care and discernment for what a worship leader is responsible for. Too often, do we hear statements like this: music style is neutral, just play what engages the culture. Or worse, we arrange music for certain aspects of the service that are nothing less than techniques for manipulation. What is quite refreshing in Miller’s book is that he doesn’t simply asks questions, but that he asks the right questions. Questions that bring God into the equation. Questions that cause worship leaders to wrestle with the Bible and allow it to change us. Questions that will probably even irritate worship leaders who have become entangled in the rock star syndrome mentality. Worship Leaders, We Are Not Rock Stars will not be the most comprehensive study on worship leading, but it will be a helpful resource to edify the Body of Christ.

One matter that is worth noting is how Miller appropriately addressed the nature of a worship leader. Of course, the title of “worship leader” is not in the Bible, but there are many parts of the Body of Christ that are needed, supplying music is a valid, biblical need. What appeared to me, though, is that almost all of what defines a worship leader could be said of any Christian. Perhaps that’s the point Miller is making though. In fact, he closes with these words: “Let’s stop trying so hard to be rock stars. Let’s be Christians.” My only point for bringing this up is that I wonder whether or not it is a good idea for one person to be elected the “worship leader”? Certainly, the point could be made about the danger of a “Senior” or “Lead” Pastor (I personally hold to a plurality of eldership view), but nevertheless, churches don’t need to follow the lead of pop bands who boast of a “lead singer” as the face of the band. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a singular “worship leader,” but is it best for the Body? And, more importantly, is it most conformable to the Scriptures?

I have led people in worship through song many times. I’m not an expert, but by God’s grace, I am not a rock star. I’m a Christian, and for that I am very thankful. I don’t need anything more than that, I already have everything in Christ. Worship leaders: we are not rock stars. But that’s okay.

[Mathew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I am not a rock star; I am not a worship leader; and I have little to no musical talent. You may be asking, “Why did you read this book then?” Great question. Honestly, the title intrigued me. Good titles do that, right? They pull you in. I wanted to hear what Stephen had to say. I’ve enjoyed a lot of his music and I wanted to hear what his alternative to the rock star worship leader was.

I really enjoyed three things about this book. First, Stephen isn’t afraid to poke the bear. He had me laughing in the first part of the book as he describes some his church experience with drawn out altar calls. It really resonated with me. I think quite a few people will resonate with his experience. But he doesn’t just poke the conservative bear; he also pokes the more trendy, contemporary bear. He describes his first experience with a worship band who was just in full on rock star mode. In fact, he’s critical of this rock star Heart condition most of all.

Second, although he’s critical of this trend, he doesn’t stop there. He offers solutions. He quickly points the worship leader back to Christ for their identity. They are not rock stars seeking glory. They are under-shepherds of Christ. They are blood-bought sons and daughters. They do not have to seek approval and acceptance from their congregation or God. They already have it in Christ. That emphasis soars through out the book.

Last, I appreciate his emphasis on liturgy. He says,
Without the framework of a liturgy, it is easy to naturally gravitate toward what we are good at. Some worship leaders are great at praise and adoration, but fail to ever call their people to repent or to be on mis- sion. And some are so mission-focused that they leave Christ and His work out of the service altogether! Others are naturally confessional, and a service becomes depressingly me-centered, focusing completely on sin and suffering, while forgetting to joyfully express praise and adoration to our holy God for His grace and mercy.

A well thought-out liturgy forces us as worship leaders to face our weaknesses and grow in the gospel, while enabling us to form our people in the whole truth of the Scriptures. But where do we find a liturgy like that? One might start with the Bible itself! (99)
I love that many Baptists and non-denominational churches are organizing their liturgies more intentionally and using the liturgy of Reformation and Early churches to structure their worship service. A solid liturgy is crucial for a healthy church because a good liturgy rehearses the gospel week in and week out for its hearers.

Stephen writes conversationally and is approachable for the everyman worship leader. You don’t need a seminary degree to get what he’s saying. The book flows easily. And most of all he provides a much need corrective for many evangelical churches in our day without falling off the ditch on the other side. It would be a great resource for a young pastoral staff and it could also be helpful for the average church goer. The “rock star worship syndrome,” as Stephen calls it, is only possible when church members feed the beast. If we better understand who worship leaders and pastors are in Christ, we will be less prone to improperly put them on pedestals.

[Josh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book advertised the other day and was very intrigued by the title. After reading it, I can say that Mr. Miller does a very good job of trying to "shake" his fellow worship leaders out of their stupor and get them back focused on making much of God and not making much of themselves.

Pros:
- Very good job of laying out what a worship leader is based on the Bible.
- Strong, but loving words spoken from man who can not only sympathize, but can also empathize, with other worship leaders struggling with desires to be made much of in this world.
- Makes a call for fellow worship leaders to remember that they are fellow born-again believers just like the people they are ministering to, which means that they are not exempt from the Great Commission, personal Bible study, etc.
- I loved Mr. Miller's push for worship leaders to make sure that they are doctrinally sound in their personal Bible studies, so that they can vet every song they are thinking about having their congregation sing through the "eyes" of Scripture.

Cons:
- Very little mention of personal prayer in the lives of worship leaders. At the end of the book, Mr. Miller does mention personal prayer and how it is too often neglected in the lives of worship leaders, but it seemed like a cursory mention of prayer instead of something that Mr. Miller deemed vitally important in a worship leaders life (which it is).
- I found myself hoping for Mr. Miller to give some practical ways for worship leaders to keep from falling into the "rock star" mentality. I was hoping for a mention of personal accountability needing to be instituted in the worship leaders life by utilizing the likes of a Senior Pastor, fellow church member(s), deacon, elder, etc.

Conclusion:
This really was a very good book and I will definitely recommend it to not only my own Worship Leader, but also to other Worship Leaders as a way to either help them with their current struggles or to keep them from going down the same path that a lot of Worship Leaders are currently venturing down.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Moody Publishers via NetGalley and was not required to provide a positive response but only my honest opinion of the book.

[Wade Huggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is vulnerability here. Stephen discussed many things that I have thought and felt in my journey as a worship leader and I agree with him in so many ways.

Hint: stick with him. He says a few things that you may want to disagree with but stick with him through the argument. He has some helpful things to say.

Best person to read this book? A young talented musician who is beginning to lead worship in any capacity. It would do good for anyone serving on a worship team to read this as well.

Great stuff!

[Drew Timmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still the best starting point for a theology of worship in the local church that I've read. Worship Leaders wear a lot of hats, and Stephen Miller walks through a handful of them, pointing us to a better way of leading than what has incidentally happened in Jesus' Church in the past. It's deep and thorough, but still brief and accessible, and works really well as a resource for training worship arts interns or new worship leaders - and it's a good refresher on the high calling of the worship leader for anyone of us in those trenches today.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really helpful primer on the job and calling of the "worship leader." I don't agree on a couple points, but mostly really good stuff. Also, chapter 8, "We Are Artists," almost gets out of the book's depth, and needs a lot more development in some areas. I'd love to see Miller develop just that chapter's theme in another book. But all things considered, very good read on the topic, addressing a little of everything, with lots of practical, convicting takeaway.

[Clint Sanchez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh. I guess I thought this was going to be more of a how-to, but it stated the truths that most in the faith, especially in a serving capacity, ought to know and believe already. Nothing earth-shattering here.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A personal account by an experienced worship leader about the dangers of getting caught up in yourself while leading worship, how he works through these struggles, and how he grew deeper in his faith through serving. A blessed read.

[Cat Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great. I would recommend it to anyone in worship or in any type of leadership to understand the heart of what it means to worship our Father. I think this is a kind of book to re-read over and over as a reminder of why we praise God. He was very encouraging and Christ centered.

[Erick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended resource for anyone connected to worship leading.

[Ryan Day · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful resource for worship leaders and worship leadership teams. Very relevant issues of culture and Christian leadership.