A number of years back I was talking with a friend about my desire to develop in my ability to lead spontaneously in worship. I longed to pray prayers, sing songs, and speak words that were given in the moment by the Sprit. Because that’s the only way the Spirit works, right? I’ll never forget my friends response. He looked up at me and said “Dan, the same Spirit that leads in the moment leads in the planning.”
Over the years I have grappled with my friends statement and the role of the Spirit in my life and ministry. I have learned that the Spirit is the dynamic influence of God in the believer’s life. He affects every aspect of our lives. When we work, He leads. When we play, He leads. When we celebrate, He leads. When we grieve, He leads. When we plan and worship, He leads. As a worship leader I must follow the Spirit in all situations—both in planning and spontaneity.
Here is a good thought from Bob Kauflin who throughly addresses this issue in his book Worship Matters.
“Some of us believe in the Holy Spirit’s empowering presence theoretically, but we don’t seem to believe God is active when we meet. He is the Spirit of empowerment in name only. Our focus is more on the execution of our plan then expecting God to do anything through His Spirit. We move through a song list without considering what the Spirit may want to accomplish as we sing.
On the other extreme are those who expect the active presence of the Spirit but assume that it will always be spectacular or unusual ways. If certain spiritual gifts aren’t exercised or people don’t appear physically effected, then they conclude that the Spirit “hasn’t shown up” or that He has been quenched or grieved.
The Holy Spirit is indeed present and at work every time the churches gathers. We just need to understand Biblically what that means. When people grasp something of Gods glory, the Spirit is at work. When people are convicted of sin, the Spirit is at work. When people receive hope and strength in the midst of a trial, the Spirit is at work. The Spirit may also demonstrate His presence through a prophetic impression, a healing, or heightened awareness of His presence.”
He continues…
“I believe in Spirit-led planning. I plan every time I lead. And I’ve been deeply effected, and God has been honored, by meetings that we’ve organized down to the last detail. We should expect the Spirit to work powerfully through the normal means of preaching, sharing the Lords supper, singing, and other means of Grace. But He can also intrrupt our meets with exortation, a Scripture, a call to prayer, or a spontainious impression that has had an effect similar to what Paul discribes in 1 Corinthians 14.”
While I’m not charismatic, and therefore don’t agree with all of Kauflin’s theological conclusions, I do whole heartily agree that the Spirit indwells and leads all believers in all situations.
