In For the Glory of God: A Biblical Theology of Worship Daniel Block defines true worship as “reverential human acts of submission and homage before the divine Sovereign in response to his gracious revelation of himself and in accord with his will.”

In light of this definition he concludes, “Therefore, promoting worshipers’ awe and reverence before God must be a primary goal of those who lead worship.” And so he concludes the book with a series of exhortations for anyone that would lead God’s people in worship. These exhortations are brilliant and well worth pastoral meditation.

8 EXHORTATIONS FOR THOSE WHO LEAD WORSHIP

1. Worship leaders must first offer their entire person as a sacrifice of worship to God and maintain purity of life worthy of acceptance with God.
2. Worship leaders must conduct themselves before God and in the company of the saints in keeping with the glory and majesty of the One they serve.
3. Worship leaders’ conduct, their performance of duties, and their entire bearing as representatives of God must enhance worshipers’ awe and reverence before God.
4. Worship leaders must aim above all to ensure that divine revelation is transmitted to worshipers. Whether through reading and expounding Scripture, musical performance, or other cultic acts, leaders must ensure that everything in the service contributes to the clear, unequivocal, and truthful communication of divine truth.
5. Worship leaders must make every effort to deflect attention away from themselves to God. Whether through dress or public demeanor, drawing attention to those leading worship borders on idolatry.
6. Worship leaders must promote the engagement of the congregation in worship. In communal worship, people should instruct and exhort one another, sing to one another, and intercede on behalf of one another. The role of worship leaders is to develop this kind of community and to promote the genuine participation of all believers in corporate expressions of homage and submission.
7. Worship leaders must identify with the worshipers, not only by leading them in confessing sin and praising God for forgiveness and acceptance, but also by walking with them through the week and feeling their pains and joys.
8. Worship leaders must recognize that access to God is made possible only through the work of Christ himself. Worship must be focused on Christ rather than on the preacher of musicians and the performance of liturgy. When people assemble for worship, they gather for a meeting with God, not for a meeting with the preacher or other leaders.