(This is a modified version of an article published in the Feb. 11, 2011 edition of The SEMI, a student publication sponsored by Fuller Theological Seminary's Office of Student Affairs.  Learn more about The SEMI at http://www.fuller.edu/current-students/student-resources/SEMI-student-publication.aspx.)

A very wise gentleman named Todd Johnson recently pointed out to my Worship Ministry on the Lord's Day classmates and I that the postmodern church seems practically hell-bent on only appointing the most spiritually underdeveloped Christians to lead its own worship anymore.  At least some of you ought to know the story—congregation needs musicians, clergyperson overhears about churchgoing teenager who just got a guitar or keyboard for Christmas, said teenager’s parents are contacted and the next thing you know, this confused novice is helping his or her fellow churchgoers sing songs about a God he or she does not feel entirely comfortable praising, let alone believing in consistently.  Sound familiar?

OK, perhaps this story encapsulates my introduction to music ministry a little more accurately than yours or anyone else’s, but hopefully you get my gist …

While this is certainly not a bad way for us exceptionally creative types to get right with the greatest Creator of them all, it seems as if too many church musicians never progress past that juvenile contentment with a place to play, whether it be a garage, auditorium or sanctuary.  I know that as a seasoned guitarist, vocalist and songwriter, it has always been a struggle for me not to treat musical worship like just another gig, much less steal the spotlight away from God out of some self-deceivingly desperate need for talent to validate character.  Seminary is nothing if not a perpetual spiritual dilemma, and though I will surely continue to sacrifice all kinds of preconceived notions and stubborn ego trips as I follow Jesus through all of life’s narrow gates, I am thankful that even a wretch like me can still hear the sweet, saving sound of His amazing grace all the more clearly through Satan’s distracting din.

How about you?  When, where and how did you get your start in worship leadership?  How have you grown as a disciple of Christ since then?  How do you keep tabs on your own commitment to glorifying God instead of yourself?  What do you do when and if worship starts feeling like "just another gig"?  Share your thoughts!