Today I want to point you to David M. Toledo’s (Ph.D.) foundational article for worship leaders published in Artistic Theologian, “Why Worship Leaders Should Study Theology.” This article enlightens the mind and stirs the heart regarding the incredible importance of the worship leader’s role and the knowledge of theology that it takes to fulfill it. Toledo teaches that the “Scriptures Connect Doxology with Theology.” He demonstrates this critical connection by teaching key passages such as John 4:21-24, Romans 1:18-32, 1 Peter 2:9, and Colossians 3:16 (pp. 18-19). Toledo’s article emphasizes the disciple-shaping function of worship. Toledo explains, “Worship pastors bear the responsibility to foster spiritual formation and maturity in the lives of their congregants (Heb. 13:17)” (p. 20). He asserts,

The goal of doxology is not to receive insight, blessing, or understanding of the Word; rather, it is the total transformation of the person into the image of Christ through the means of private and corporate worship. The true measure of any worship is not the form or outward actions, but the inward transformation “from glory to glory” into the image of Christ (21).

If you are a Pastor of Music, a worship leader by another name, or a Senior Pastor, I recommend this rich and insightful resource to you.

Source:

David M. Toledo, “Why Worship Leaders Should Study Theology.” Artistic Theologian: Journal of Worship and Ministry Arts 2 (2013): 17-25. Accessed January 3, 2017. Avaialble from http://artistictheologian.com/journal/at-volume-2-2013/. David M. Toledo, PhD, serves as Assistant Professor of Music Ministry and Assistant Dean of the Performance Division in the School of Church Music at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.