Listening to new music weekly. Selecting songs with intensity and vibe. Scheduling the players. Rehearing the band. Warming up the vocals. Balancing in-ear monitors with the house mix. Making sure every slide is correct in pro-presenter, along with theme-appropriate background images. Dressing in a way that possesses a certain casual effect while commanding the room with up-to-the minute style. Performing in a way that demonstrates passion for God through a multi-sensory experience.

Is this what worship ministry has come to? Maybe it’s because we’re not sure what else to do.

Zac Hicks calls worship leaders forward from the trees of religious performance into the forest of ancient calling through his new book, The Worship Pastor. Masterfully researched, he sets out to bring definition and insight to the pastoral role of a lead worshipper.

Encompassing both practical and philosophical aspects, Hicks addresses a number of characteristics that are essential in the person of worship pastor.

After explaining the historical context for worship ministry, he begins by laying a foundation rooted in love for the church. Ultimately, this is love for the sheep. When a worship pastor truly loves the sheep, it transforms the motivations for all aspects of ministry. Sheep are comforted by familiarity, yet at times, they need to be pushed to embrace change. When a worship pastor loves the sheep, she asks herself, “Does this build up the body?” The question causes one to lay down personal preferences, embracing what is best for the flock. It creates sensitivity to different kinds of people and their traditions and cultures. Loving the church sets the table for pastoring with grace and care.

His suffering, death and resurrection must be the core of the message we promote through song and sermon alike.

Another recurring concept is a commitment to proper theology and knowledge of the word. For centuries, worship has been the primary vehicle for teaching theology through song. With a watchful eye on the content, discipleship is a natural outflow of corporate worship. It also helps to build a philosophy which guides decisions related to the meaning, content and expression of worship in a particular congregation.

In a culture that gravitates toward putting “me” in the center of it all, it is imperative that we lead our people into a proper understanding of Christ. His suffering, death and resurrection must be the core of the message we promote through song and sermon alike. These may be Hicks’ most outstanding moments, as he makes several passionate theological explanations of  Christ. He goes on to discuss how to structure our services to be Christ-centered.

The broad experiences of the author offer openness to style and form which celebrate presence-driven worship as well as a rich tradition of liturgy. For students, it lays a great foundation for breaking out of a rock-star mentality and embracing the beauty of the role of pastor. As a veteran worship leader, my spirit leaped many times as I found definition and confirmation of what God is doing. At the same time, I felt challenged to be stretched in new ways. For the non-musician pastor, the integration of worship encompassing music, preaching and the sacraments is insightful for any ministry leader.

It is a deep and refreshing read that will benefit any heart willing to wear the mantle of worship pastor.

Book Reviewed: Zac Hicks, The Worship Pastor: A Call to Ministry for Worship Leaders and Teams (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2016).