The truth is, I never mean to have a rockstar persona. I pray all the time that God would keep me humble and close to His heart. I know that it’s never me doing the work, it’s always God. It’s obvious to me that I’m in the position I am because God placed me there. God gave me the gifts, the responsibility, the position I have. I know that God is allowing me to live right now, He’s giving me each and every breath. But knowing those things isn’t enough.

As I have learned over the past few months, these are things you need make sure people know that you know. Did that make sense? In other words, it should be obvious to others that you know it’s not all about you. You can have an on-fire devotional life, rocking marriage, an orderly household, but those things won’t be obvious to anyone if you’re not exemplifying God’s love to others. You might think you’re a fairly nice person, taking others into consideration often, but you would be surprised at how many interactions have gone south without you knowing it.

Like that time when so-and-so passed you in the hall and you totally ignored them by accident. Or that time on Sunday, when you took that one person for granted and didn’t give a passing thought to all their hard work. I know, I know, you were busy making sure worship was happening. I mean, that is you’re job, right? We all need to “strive for excellence” for Jesus, right? Striving for excellence in ministry is important, but let’s face it, if you’re not loving others all that hard work is a waste.

The bottom line is, you’re the worship leader. In many ways, you set the atmosphere in church. You prep peoples hearts to receive God’s Word. That’s a big deal! But when on stage you’re Mr. Worship Leader and off stage you’re biting peoples heads off, that process can’t work effectively. I mean, it can if you don’t care about anyone but yourself. But if you love your congregation (like every worship leader should), you have to make sure your on-stage persona matches your off-stage persona. Otherwise you’re just a fake, and who want’s to be a fake?

At the same time, you can’t make everyone happy. Sometimes, you’ll accidentally not say “Hi” to that person in the foyer or accidentally not thank that person for a job well done. It happens. But as worship leaders we must still be striving to uplift others, put others first, making sure people know you care about them on and off stage.

When all is said and done, worship leaders were never meant to be rockstars. Rockstars get all the glory. But in our line of work, God gets all the glory and it’s our job to make sure that happens. So worship leaders, kick the persona to the curb. Fulfill your purpose and make sure God’s name is the one going up in bright lights.