More Than Songs: Lessons from Leading Worship at Regency

Jesus Himself exemplified this life of consecration and devotion by consistently finding that secret place of communion and fellowship with the Father. That personal time with God keeps me filled so that I never pour from an empty cup.

One of the greatest challenges for me personally has been learning that leading worship is not simply about songs sounding right or rehearsals running smoothly. Excellence and skill matter deeply to me, but God has been teaching me that ministry is ultimately about people.

Some of the greatest growth in my leadership has come through learning patience, learning to listen more closely, embracing servant leadership, and realizing that caring for the spiritual health of the team matters just as much as preparing for Sunday morning. Leading the worship team has taught me the importance of creating an environment where people can grow not only in excellence, but also through intentional moments of personal ministry.

For example, before we sing a single song at rehearsal, I have intentionally set aside 10–15 minutes to simply ask everyone how they are doing and if there are any prayer requests. We then take time to pray for one another.

I have seen tremendous value in this because it shifts our focus from simply getting through a rehearsal to genuinely caring for one another as people. It strengthens unity and builds love among us. And I believe that translates directly into how we step onto the platform and minister together as one team.

One of our core values here at Regency is presence. My heart each time we gather is not simply to lead music, but to create space for people to encounter Jesus and experience His presence in a real and personal way.

There is a cost to carrying what God entrusts to us. But what I am learning is that no cost is too great when it comes to serving God’s people and serving God’s house.

I did not always have this mentality. I was someone who never wanted a ministry title, especially one with the word “Pastor” attached to it. Part of that came from understanding the weight and responsibility that comes with being a shepherd.

Since my early teenage years, growing up around ministry, I have been close friends with many pastors and ministry leaders. Because of that, I had a firsthand view of the sacrifices required to serve in those types of ministerial roles. I saw the weight they carried, as well as the unseen

moments. I saw the cost of serving people faithfully, even while carrying personal challenges of their own. Having that inside knowledge, I simply did not want it.

But as I settled more deeply into this role, I asked God to help me. And by His Spirit, He began to supernaturally grace me for it. He not only changed my heart, but also transformed my perspective on pastoral leadership. Where I once resisted it, I now see the honor and privilege in it.

I see the honor in not only stewarding people well, but stewarding moments where the Holy Spirit desires to move. I see the privilege of helping cultivate an atmosphere where hearts can be softened, faith can rise, and people can encounter Jesus.

As I continue serving faithfully in this role, it is my prayer to see Regency continue moving from faith to faith and glory to glory. To see the fulfillment of words God has spoken and continues to speak over this house.

More than anything, I want to see us encounter Jesus in deeper ways than we ever have before.

Because at the end of the day, worship has never simply been about songs. It has always been about Him.