Personal Worship versus Worship Leading

Posted on 18 April, 2016 by David Stanfield

Many times I worship by myself in a room full of other worshippers and the people watching me are touched by the Lord. At other times I KNOW that I am doing it on behalf of, or leading a group of other worshippers with my banner.

This concept is relatively commonplace for vocal worship leaders, but some people don’t make the connection with movement worship leaders. Why did the worshippers go into battle first in Old Testament times? They MOVED in worship and others followed them!

In a large church in Spain the pastor was sceptical about the use of banners. He expressed the opinion that they seemed ‘too folkloric,’ but he also gave me permission to use one if I thought it appropriate. I didn’t have to wait long. The first song was about the fire burning in us. As I ran to the front of the auditorium with a ‘Holy Fire’ banner I could feel the whole congregation lift the level of their worship. They cheered and shouted and worshipped louder and louder.

In a Gypsy church, also in Spain, the congregation leapt to its feet and started waving arms, hands, cardigans - anything they could lay their hands on.

At an Israeli Expo in Toowoomba, Australia, I did a semi-spontaneous interpretation to “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” and the congregation was on its feet roaring with me at the end. Although totally unexpected, it was totally God. Somehow the banner had unified our spirits and our hearts and we were worshipping “as one.”

In Launceston, Australia, the men decided to run into the worship service with banners. Wives stood to their feet and cheered and the children picked up smaller banners and copied their dads’ movements at the back of the church auditorium. It just flowed together. They were awesome experiences!

Obviously, banners are designed to be seen. Their purpose is to focus, to lead and to unite. Yet, there are times when I have felt led to worship in the aisles and at the back. This most often happens when I am interceding or waving in spiritual warfare for something that is happening on the platform or in the congregation and the banner is not supposed to be the centre of attention.

When people have come to trust you as a banner-wielder and feel safe around you, then worshipping among them and over their heads can be extremely powerful. This confidence in the banner waver needs to be earned. Build relationship and trust with those among whom you minister and you will find more and more space is made for you - at the back, in the aisles and up front.

Sometimes you simply will be worshipping privately, surrounded by other people. At other times you may lead people in worship with your banner. Be ready for it! It is a truly AWESOME experience.

Excerpt from Wielding Banners for Worship, Warfare and Ministry › by David Stanfield.

Posted on 18 April, 2016 by David Stanfield