David Crowder (second from the left) is a corporate worship leader and Pastor of Music and Arts in Waco, Texas, though you probably know him best as a successful worship artist with his best-selling national debut, Can You Hear Us?, as well as his band's appearances on the Passion worship tours. David took the time to share his thoughts about worship with us over lunch, while in town for the Worship Together leader's conference.

Do you remember a key moment when worship became very real to you?

David Crowder: Yes, I do. I remember standing in the hall after a worship service in my home church. There were a bunch of us talking about the great worship service when a child came screaming down the hall with a nursery worker not far behind. It was quite a sight. It was at that moment that I knew I had to honestly ask myself, "Who had the more worshipful experience this morning? Was it me and the rest of the congregation singing in the sanctuary, or was it this college student who gave up her Sunday morning to serve so that parents were able be a part of the service?" That was a key moment for me to start tearing my mind away from the vocabulary we often use.

Tell me what you mean when you say, "tearing away from the vocabulary we use."

David: Well, when you read the Apostle Paul's thoughts about offering ourselves as living sacrifices, then it seems more important to find moments like that. My relationship with my wife is one example. When I'm somewhere alone with my wife, how is my worship then? Am I being a living sacrifice of obedience?

If worship entails all of our lives as a sacrifice, then it includes the moments of arguing or the moments of wonderful joy, the way we handle our finances, the way I interact with my band members, and the way I value and treat them.

Could you give us an example of a cliché that's part of the vocabulary of the church?

David: You hear a lot of talk about "living for the glory of God," but even that's a little vague. So what is the glory of God and how do you live for it? People want to know answers to questions like this. I really think it's about honoring God in all moments throughout each day.

Is there a difference between worshiping in your home church and on tour at other churches and arenas?

David: Yes, there is a definite difference. I live life with the people who are in my congregation in Waco. These people are my friends. They come to my home when I'm in town, and they stay in contact by calling or e-mailing when I'm gone. So, it's different when I'm worshiping with those people.

But the cool thing is we can find the same heartbeat and the same passion and intensity for God with the people we meet out on the road. We find it everywhere. I think my main role is to lead God's people and to join his people to his heartbeat. Although it's more difficult away from my home church, adapting to the changes from place to place is a part of what I do.

What advice would you give worship leaders who want to improve their abilities in leading worship?

David: I think as a worship leader it's essential to be a constant student of the Christian faith. Read, read, read, is what I'd say. If you've been called to lead people of God, be as diligent a student of the faith as you can - the faith you're actually trying to transfer while leading the congregation.

I'd also encourage people to take risks. There's a lot of sameness in worship leading. God is a God of creativity. We need to take risks and not worry about falling on our face because it's not that big a deal. We need to get back up and try something else.

Just risk it and go for it. We have a creative God.

You can read more about David Crowder and his band at our artist page, where you will also find our review of Can You Hear Us?, their latest release. Listen to sound clips and purchase the album by visiting Musicforce.com!

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