On first occasion, I recall asking her a question in return. Only, mom's response was, "No, I'm not going to answer. I want to hear your answer. Think about it. God gave you a brain and I expect you to learn how to use it. It's important. All through life, there will be someone telling you what to believe, you'll run across strange religions, and such ~ and you need to be able to reason for yourself, and 'know' what you believe. So, think about it and give me your answer."

And, I did. Though, immediately, it became obvious that my answer would not suffice without an explanation of how I had reached that conclusion. Next, mom made suggestion as to further considerations and, soon, expectation, within these lessons, was well known. Often, these questions were deep and tricky, and I have been using brain God gave me ever since.

Though, as a result of a couple generations of thinkers, it has made our family well aware that other children never received these lessons. Not only do we realize that we think differently from much of world, but also that most are not thinking at all. In all honestly, offended or not, it appears as if people believe whatever they are told to believe; regardless of how educated they have become.

Understand That You are a Spiritual Leader

But there is more to leadership than having people follow you. In Body of Christ you are a not just a leader. You are a Spiritual Leader. Your leadership skills must be in alignment with spiritual ideals.

Spiritual Leader Defined…

A Leader is someone who is called by God with God given capacities and God given responsibility to serve a specific group of God's people directing them in God's purpose for that group to bring glory to God.

Now that is a powerful! Go back and read that again. As a matter of fact go ahead and memorize that statement. It is basis for rest of this article. It is an important statement that will help you understand your place as a worship leader.

Now what I want to do is break that statement down. There are six important points that I will cover with you. Let's begin with first point…

God's Calling

1 Samuel 3: 8-17 And LORD called Samuel again third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that LORD had called child. Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place. And LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth. And LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end. For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not. And therefore I have sworn unto house of Eli, that iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever. And Samuel lay until morning, and opened doors of house of LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli vision. Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I. And he said, What is thing that LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all things that he said unto thee.

The ministry is a calling from God to do His work. God's works through His people. He equips them with proper tools. Things like temperament, abilities, talents and Spiritual Gifts. I believe that every Christian has a specific call in their life to serve God in ministry. Our focus is of course in area of music and how that relates to church. Along with ability to perform music there needs to be a calling. Let me pose a question to you. Can someone with extreme musical talents not be called to lead a group of people in worship? Yes, it is possible for a talented musician or singer to not be called to become a worship leader. They could very well be called to another ministry. That is of course God's decision and each individuals responsibility to do what God call them to do.

There are two types of people in ministry. Those that are called by God to do His work. And those who are attempting to do God's work yet are not called. Seems rather obvious. But it does happen on occasion that someone is assigned to do a task in church without regard to any calling on that individual's life. This usually happens when "The laborer are few". It is important to note - Unless you are truly called you will be frustrated and discouraged. Your ministry will be ineffective.

How do you know you are called? That is an age-old question and it's up to you to discover whether you are called or not. Just so you know - I believe that every Christian is called to ministry in one way or another. Each person has a place in body. There is a perfect fit for every Christian believer. God has purpose for your life. It is you job to allow God to reveal it to you.

Make sure that God has actually called you into your ministry. A good indication of your call is found in your natural inclinations, abliities and attitudes. Which leads us to next point…

God Given Capacity

Each of us is given ability to touch people's lives with Gospel message. God does this through individuals like you and me. God given capacity is made up of two parts. One part is natural ability and other part is Spiritual Gifts.

Natural Ability -- tools God uses to glorify Him

The natural ability covers scope of our intellect and physical prowess. We may be a great mathematical thinker, superior at throwing a ball or a technically skilled musician. From first day we are born we discover things that we are good at doing. We enjoy success we have at doing them. And because we enjoy these activities we continue to practice, study and learn about these things. Eventually it becomes a part of our identity. Our Natural ability is tool by which God can work through us to effect His Kingdom. As a worship leader your tool is music.

Spiritual Gifts -- method He uses to execute His purpose