A few words to aging worship leaders...
Isaiah 46:4
Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.
Psalm 92:14-15
They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
As the years pass, the passages above in Isaiah and Psalms have become more and more meaningful. The same God that called you years ago is the same whose Holy Spirit lives and works inside you now. Here are a few reminders.
1. There is nothing you can do to make Him love you more; there is nothing you can do to make Him love you less. God is love.
2. Our worth doesn’t come from your ability to perform; our worth comes from what Christ has done on the cross and His love for us. You may feel that you know more now and understand things so much better now than ever in your life, but that fewer people pay attention or even care about your opinion. Remember your worth is not based on how many “likes” you get, but our worth comes from God. He is enough; “The Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him.”
3. Acceptance of the new does not mean rejection of the old. Some will remember how meaningful “Pass it on” was and how it spoke to thousands of youth in its day. Some songs have a season; some become part of a canon of songs for multiple generations, like “How Great Thou Art,” and “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” God is raising up men and women to speak to their generation. As in every generation, we need to evaluate theology and embrace what is good and leave what is not.
4. Be an active mentor; bear fruit by cultivating relationships of younger worship leaders. Learn from them: they have a wealth of knowledge about technology. As you open yourself to learn from them God will open opportunities to pour into their lives from the overflow of experience He has given you.
5. You may not be on the platform every week anymore, but that’s ok. I’ve found that not having all the “other things” to do on Sunday helps me focus more on worshiping. Sometimes stepping out of the limelight helps us realize that our focus might have been misaligned at times, and motivates me to pray for those leading worship even more.
Change can be painful. Even though I teach voice regularly, I have noticed the signs of age affecting breath, tone, vibrato, etc. My energy level and even desire to attack certain things are not as great. That’s when I remember God’s promise in Isaiah 46:4: "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."
Blessings.
Thanks great post.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cooper, for the comments.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
There is no easy way to say this. I’m being phased out. Not to be immodest but Im good at what I do. God moves through me and people are deeply moved. It’s been an honour for 13 years. Now, after not being asked to sing even one song for Easter, I’m devastated. I feel excommunicated. I’ve had the worst two years of my life with excruciating personal losses in addition to being a health care provider for the homeless during the opiate crisis and Covid. I don’t know what to do. Church and music were my refuge. I’m almost suicidal. I feel utterly worthless and thrown away. One night I got into my car, crying and driving for hours. I have no where to go. I don’t know what to do. If I’ve done my service, then please please God take me home. I can’t bear this. I know I can’t be the only one. I’m embarrassed when people ask me why I didn’t sing for Easter. I would be the first to quit if my gift were losing its edge. But even at Christmas, after what I believe to be back room debate on whether to include me ( I was not on the roster originally)someone came up to me in tears saying how beautiful it was. It’s not how I sound. It’s how I look. I know this happens. I just never thought it would be MY church. I feel like I have nowhere to go. What’s happening just makes me feel shamed and crushed. God help me. Please take me home.
ReplyDeleteDear Friend, I’m so sorry that you are going through this difficult situation. Please, contact a Christian Counselor who has been trained professionally. When we are sick, we think little of going to a doctor, and when we are struggling in this way, we also need to realize there is nothing wrong with seeking special help as well. Father, I lift to You this special child of Yours; please hear his cry for help and lead him to those that can minister to him and his family. Thank You, Father, that You are still on Your Throne, that You are still the Almighty One who loves each one of us with an everlasting love. I trust this one to You, Dear Father, in Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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