Quick Review: Test Your Understanding
Circle True or False
1. The Hebrew word for worship is Shachah (sha-KHAH) — meaning to bow down low, to prostrate oneself in reverence. Worship is physically bowing before God in humility—and rising up in obedience to His Word. ➡️ (True or False?)
2. The Hebrew word for praise is Yadah (yah-DAH) — meaning to speak or sing out loud in honor of God’s character. Praise is declaring—vocally and publicly—the attributes of Yahweh back to Him. Praise is never silent. It’s singing. It’s shouting. It’s testifying. ➡️ (True or False?)
Reflect:
What does your time of private praise look like?
Write down or talk to someone about how you express worship and praise when you’re alone with God.
Promoting Unity Through Diverse Musical Styles
Paul urged the early church:
“Wait for one another.”
(1 Corinthians 11:33 NASB)
In Corinth, believers selfishly ate their “love feasts” (think potlucks) before others—especially the servants—could arrive. These latecomers got only the leftovers. Paul rebuked them:
“Shall I praise you for this? Certainly not!” (1 Corinthians 11:22 NIV)
We must apply this principle of mutual consideration to our praise gatherings—even to musical preferences. If a song isn’t our favorite, we can still choose unity and engage.
Praise Through Music: Key Considerations
Inclusion Matters: A healthy church sings hymns, choruses, and new songs together. Diversity in style honors God’s creativity.
Avoid Musical Segregation: Many churches divide services by style (e.g., “contemporary” vs. “traditional”). This limits intergenerational growth. Younger believers increasingly crave substantive lyrics, often found in hymns.
Teach Songs Well: Worship leaders should instruct, not just perform. Participation grows when people are taught, not just led.
The Teaching Pastor’s Role in Praise
The lead pastor’s biblical vision and doctrinal grounding must influence the church’s praise—not just the sermons.
Delegating all praise theology to the music team can cause fragmentation and division.
All ministries should align under God’s Truth as taught and modeled by the pastor. Otherwise, you risk disunity and siloed leadership.
The Praise Leader’s Role
Clear Leadership Is Spiritual
Some feel that “giving directions” up front hinders the Spirit. But Paul reminds us:
“All things must be done properly and in an orderly manner.” (1 Corinthians 14:40 NASB95)
Upfront clarity creates ease. People sing more confidently when led well.
A 4-Step Method for Teaching New Songs
Sing First: The praise team sings the new song twice, with minimal instruments, so the congregation learns the melody and rhythm.
Invite Participation: Ask the people to sing along—still with light accompaniment—for another two rounds.
Build Gently: Sing the first verse or chorus with fuller instrumentation, but keep the volume low so voices can be heard.
Sing Together: Conclude by singing the full song twice with full team and congregation participation.
Repeat the new song again the next week. This builds familiarity and confidence.
Results?
People across age groups and preferences will sing.
Guests will find it easier to join in.
Your church will develop a culture of participation.
Let’s Talk About Volume
Our praise services are not concerts. Instruments should support, not drown out, the message of the song.
Too many Christ-followers stop singing simply because:
The music is too loud.
The song is un-singable.
They feel like passive spectators.
➡️ If people are walking out or showing up late to avoid praise time, something is wrong.
A Simple Metric for Success
“Are people singing from the back row forward? If not, we’re not leading—we’re just taking a walk. No one’s following.”
Spiritual Success in Praise Is Twofold:
The attributes and truths of Yahweh are lifted up.
The people praise Yahweh joyfully and aloud.
Final Thoughts
Yahweh longs for His people to walk in unity—especially in praise.
“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1 NASB95
When we gather to:
Learn His Word
Physically bow in worship
Celebrate His attributes through song
…the Spirit of God moves in power. He truly inhabits the praises of His people.
“But You are holy, enthroned in the praises of Israel.”
Psalm 22:3 NKJV
Apply This Week:
✅ Describe the biblical definitions of worship and praise to two people.
✅ The answers to the first statements are both TRUE.
✅ Share this post with your teaching pastor and praise leader.
✅ Read The Wonder of Worship by Ronald Allen.
✅ Request my Strong Song Songbook—I’d love to send it your way.
Worshiping and praising God with you,
– Dale